Vegetarian, what does it truly mean? Is there one kind? Are there exceptions? Well, for those who are unsure what vegetarianism is, here are a few definitions on the different types:
Let's start with the basic. Vegetarian.
Vegetarian- 1 : one who believes in or practices vegetarianism
2 : Herbivore
Whaaaaaaaat? That's it? Ugh. Thanks Merriam Webster for the most basic of basic definitions. OK, well yes, someone who is a herbivore. But we can do better than that...Here are the four types of vegetarian:
1. Lacto-Vegetarian
2. Ovo-Vegetarian
3. Ovo-Lacto Vegetarian
4. Vegan
They are defined as follows:
lacto-vegetarian - "a vegetarian whose diet includes dairy products, vegetables, fruits, grains, and nuts." http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vegetarian
ovo-vegetarian - "diet includes eggs but not dairy." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetarianism
lacto ovo vegetarian - "diet includes both eggs and dairy products."
vegan - "A vegan diet is a form of vegetarian diet which excludes all animal products, including dairy products, eggs, and honey." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetarianism.
Bet ya didn't know it was that complicated did you? And if you did, congrats. So anyways, those are the four types of a vegetarian diet. Now that you know what they are, if you are looking to become a vegetarian you can chose what you'd like to be. And if you're curious to learn more on the different types, prepare to be given lots of info.
Now. I'm going to talk about probably one of my biggest pet peeves about being vegetarian. I am not sure who came up with this crazy thought that eating fish is vegetarian. It's not. Get that thought out of your head. Fish is not vegetarian it is not, it is not, it is not. Fish have bones, eyes, and bleed. Yes, they bleed. Want proof? Here is a photo from my recent trip to Japan....
What do we see in this image? A head, blood, guts and bone. Whoever thought this is vegetarian was either lied to, or delusional. But it's ok. You now know the truth.
What kind of vegetarian am I? I am a lacto-ovo. I do eat dairy and eggs. While I eat both sparingly, I cant say I am "half a vegan." I believe you are either something or you're not. You are either happy or sad. Not both. I tried going vegan, but it wasn't for me. I do like to have my Ben & Jerry's icecream here and there. While I do mostly substitute dairy for coconut or soy milk, sometimes when I am out with the group, I will want to have my pizza. I'm from Chicago, we have good pizza.
Another common question I get about being vegetarian is "are eggs vegetarian?" While there is constant debate, here is my argument: It is protein. There isn't a head. There aren't any bones. No blood is being shed. The hen doesn't get killed (with fish eggs people have to kill the fish to remove the egg sac). I don't eat egg often, but again, you either are something or you aren't. So yes, I am a lacto-ovo vegetarian.
So what have we learned?
Dairy = lacto -Vegetarian
Eggs = ovo - Vegetarian
Dairy + Eggs = Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian
Vegan = No eggs or Milk (infact, most vegans don't even wear animal products that involve the animal being killed).
Now that I have given you some basic info, I can tell you more about what I eat or how to substitute things in later blogs if you choose to be vegan, lacto, or ovo.
Best,
Kat
I can't give up dairy.
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