Sample Online Lesson:
WHAT IS A VEGETARIAN DIET?

Types of Vegetarian Diets

"Vegetarian" is defined as avoiding all animal flesh, including fish and poultry.  Vegetarians who avoid flesh, but do eat animal products such as cheese, milk, and eggs, are ovo-lacto vegetarians (ovo = egg; lacto = milk, cheese, and other dairy products).  Some individuals who exclude one or more types of animal products may call themselves vegetarians (e.g., they eat only fish or eat only white meat) and are likely benefiting from these choices, but technically are not considered vegetarians.

We'll also be using the term plant-based diets in this course.  The term "plant-based diet" means different things to different people.  In this course, however, we will be using it to refer to a vegetarian diet (versus an eating pattern based primarily on plant foods, but still containing meat).

The ranks of those who eschew all animal products are rapidly growing; these people are referred to as pure vegetarians or vegans.  Scientific research shows that ovo-lacto vegetarians are healthier than meat-eaters, and vegans are the healthiest overall.

A life without meat, poultry, fish, cheese, eggs, and milk may seem a little strange in the beginning.  But, it is really quite simple once you or someone you are counseling gives it a try.  Start by thinking about what foods commonly consumed meet these criteria and adjust from there.   What could you recommend if you had a client wishing to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet?  Below are sample meal plans for a ovo-lacto vegetarian and a vegan to get your thinking started.

Some of these foods may seem new to you.  We will be discussing more about vegetarian foods later in the course.  As a health professional, you will need to be prepared to counsel those who would like to begin following a vegetarian diet or who are already vegetarian.

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