People become vegetarians for different reasons, and those reasons can play a role in the type of vegetarian you become. In recent decades, many people have begun to practice diets low in saturated fats in an attempt to avoid or lessen the complications of heart disease. Those who practice vegetarianism for health reasons may simply give up red meat. More extreme vegetarians abstain from eating animal products altogether, often for moral or spiritual reasons. The type of vegetarianism comes with its own set of rules.
Vegetarians Can Eat Dairy and Eggs
According to MayoClinic.com, a lacto-ovo vegetarian can eat dairy products and eggs, but must forego all forms of meat, including fish and poultry. If you're following this diet to reduce fat consumption, you should be aware that many dairy products are high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Vegans Can't Use Animal Products
Vegans are the most disciplined vegetarians, and if you're a vegan, you have the highest number of rules to follow. You are not only prohibited from eating animal products of any kind, but according to the Healthy Vegetarian, the rules prohibit you from using animal products for any purpose. This includes wearing clothing made from leather or silk. Vegans are more apt to subscribe to vegetarianism because of a spiritual, religious or moral commitment.
Pesco Vegetarians Can Eat Fish
If you are a pesco vegetarian, you can eat fish, but no other meat. Some vegetarians permit this deviation from the rules of "total" vegetarianism because of the health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in abundance in fish such as salmon. Fish also provides essential amino acids, which are sometimes lacking in total vegetarian and vegan diets.
Total Vegetarians Follow Vegan Diets
Total vegetarians follow the same dietary guidelines as vegans, but their vegetarianism does not extend to forbidding the use of animal products in areas unrelated to food consumption. Total vegetarians and vegans must plan their meals carefully to include adequate amounts of protein, calcium and vitamin B12 that most people get from eating meat and dairy products. The American Heart Association website advises that you can get these nutrients from a varied diet that includes spinach and broccoli, fortified cereals and soy products.
Pollo Vegetrians Can Eat Chicken
Pollo vegetarians can eat all forms of poultry, but must avoid other meats such as pork, beef, lamb and fish. There is much less saturated fat in most cuts of poultry, particularly if the skin is removed before cooking, than in beef and pork. Poultry also contains similar levels of nutrients as beef and pork, so taking supplements or eating fortified products is not essential if you are a pollo vegetarian.
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