Understanding The Vegetarian’s Meal Plan
Vegetarians are further classified into different types. Sure, it is a given that they stay away from meat products. In the real sense of the word, vegetarians do not eat poultry, fish and other meat food items. But that is not all there is to know about them. Vegetarians themselves have a varied meal plan depending on more specific food choices. Their food intake is limited to greens, grains and fruits – well, like the name suggests – vegetables. For instance, a lacto-vegetarian means the person would still eat dairy products such as milk, butter, yogurt, cheese and the like. In contrast, an ovo-vegetarian is someone who infuses eggs in his meals but none of the dairy products. On the other hand, an ovo-lacto vegetarian who includes both dairy based food items and eggs in his intake. A vegan has the strictest plan of all as he excludes all food items that have anything to do with animals (at times they also exclude honey from their food intake). This means definitely none of either dairy or egg products.
Whatever the reason, whether cultural, religious, ethical or even medical, for choosing to be vegetarian is beside the point. While others may put a question on whether or not a vegetarian can actually eat well-balanced meals, you might be surprised to find that their diet can meet the daily nutritional values required. The best way to ensure this is to base food intake on sound research and investigation, as well as from proper consultation with medical and health practitioners including nutritionists and dieticians.
