Each individual has their own reasons for converting to a vegetarian diet. Many base their decision on ethical concerns for the environment and/or animal welfare. Others base their choice on religious, political or cultural beliefs. Economics is often a deciding factor for some since vegetables, legumes and grains are less expensive than a diet that includes meat and pre-packaged highly processed foods. Others may become vegetarians due to health concerns such as allergies and food intolerances.
Plant based diets are varied. They come in many different forms. Here are some of the basic categories that one may find themselves in.
Vegetarians: Follow a plant based diet with the exclusion of meat, poultry and fish. Some vegetarians exclude eggs and dairy while others still indulge in the odd cheese omelette. Recipe to follow.
Flexitarians: Eat a largely plant based diet but will include fish, red meat or poultry on occasion. This diet is becoming more and more popular. People are increasingly aware of the cost to our planet of eating a heavily meat based diet. Not to mention the health concerns around eating antibiotic laden meat.
Pescetarians: Adhere to a diet composed of plant foods, with the inclusion of fish. (Sometimes called pesco-vegetarians.)
Pollotarians: Include poultry in a largely vegetarian diet. (Sometimes called pollo-vegetarians.)
Lacto-vegetarians: Incorporate dairy into their plant based diets.
Ovo-vegetarians: Incorporate eggs into their plant based diets.
Lacto-ovo-vegetarians: You guessed it!!
Vegans: Consume only unprocessed foods from a plant base. Honey and other foods from animals are excluded. As too are clothing and other items that originate from animals such as leather and wool. (Voted Most Popular by non-humans worldwide.)
No matter what form your plant based diet may take, be it wholly or partially plant based, vegan or flexitarian, I think it is safe to say it gives one pause for thought. Consciously choosing what we eat requires us to live with more awareness. Instead of numb mindless consumption many of us are choosing what we put on our plates based on a desire to strive for balance, health and the ethics with which we choose to live.
What is the right path for you? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you!!
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