Different Types of Vegetarians

Girls Next Door blonde bombshell, Holly Madison, poses nude while saying, “I’d rather go naked than wear fur.”

Do I have your attention now?

Madison, along with many other celebrities like Paul McCartney, Alicia Silverstone and the rock n’ roll goddess herself, Joan Jett, have all been apart of spreading information about vegetarianism.

In a time when the percentage of obese Americans couldn’t be any higher, it is no wonder why so many people are choosing to eat more natural and organic foods.
People are not just eating natural and organic but they are also becoming vegetarians.

Vegetarian seems to be a very confusing word and topic for some people.
When I tell people I’m a vegetarian I often get the response “ So does that mean you don’t eat cheese or eggs either?” or “Why? Is it because of animal cruelty or you just don’t like the way it tastes?”

There are so many questions because so many people know nothing about being a vegetarian or the different types there are and why.

According to Dictionary.com the definition of vegetarian is “A person who does not eat or does not believe in eating meat, fish, fowl, or, in some cases, any food derived from animals, as eggs or cheese, but subsists on vegetables, fruits, nuts, grain, etc.”
But it doesn’t stop there because there are many different kinds of vegetarians out there.

Lets jump right in there and start off with Lacto vegetarian.

A Lacto vegetarian eats dairy products but they do not eat eggs or anything made with eggs like pancakes, bread, cookies or cake.
Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat dairy products and eggs just not meat of any kind.
A Pesca vegetarian eats dairy, eggs and seafood only.

The last one and the one that confuses almost everyone is the dreaded Vegan.
Yes they have tattoos that say vegan and they do not wear or buy anything that is animal related like leather shoes or fur coats, but they are regular people too, I promise.
The vegan is the most extreme vegetarian there is.
They do not consume anything that was made with eggs, milk or anything else that has a face.

So you might be thinking, “What do they eat then?”
In a country that prides itself on diversity with numerous fast food and chain restaurants to choose from, we have yet to make it easier for Vegans or even regular Vegetarians.
There are stores and some restaurants in big cities that support vegetarianism but let me tell you, it’s not easy for them.

Think about how hard it would be if you were lactose intolerant and everywhere you go you have to explain your dietary restrictions like when you go to a dinner party or casual BBQ.
It is even harder for vegetarians and especially hard for vegans.
Luckily there are many different foods that can substitute the protein and other nutrients in meat.
Tofu, beans, nuts, peanut butter and seeds are a great source of protein for vegans.

For Pesca vegetarians they can add tuna or other fish to their diet for protein and Lacto-ovo vegetarians can add eggs and cheese to the list for meatless protein.
Although it is surprising how many food products there are, essentially for non meat eaters, that are made with tofu but look like a chicken nugget.

What’s up with that?!
Who knows, maybe it makes them feel cool because they can still eat a “chicken” nugget too.

Vegetarianism is sweeping the nation and you might even have a friend that is a vegetarian and not even know it.

The point is, next time someone tells you they’re a vegan or vegetarian you will be able to sympathize with them and have a better understanding of where they’re coming from.

This is only scratching the surface, so for more information go to Peta.com or chooseveg.com and I bet you’ll be surprised at the amount of information they have and how many celebrities are supporters of the vegetarian movement.

Peta.com also has tons of yummy vegetarian recipes available for you to try and experiment with like their recipe of the week Caramel-Apple French Toast, so get cooking!