VEGETARIANISM
Many people can be forgiven for believing that adopting a vegetarian diet is a modern fad when the actual truth of the matter is that the veggie philosophy was actively encouraged many centuries ago.
ABOUT VEGETARIANISM
THINKING OF BECOMING A VEGETARIAN
- According to The Vegetarian Society, the actual definition of a vegetarian is "a person who eats no fish, flesh or fowl" and also avoids animal by-products such as gelatine and animal rennet, which is found in cheese. Vegetarians eat virtually everything else, namely, fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, pulses and seeds.
- Free-range eggs and dairy products are not consumed by all vegetarians, hence the following categorisation that determine the different types of vegetarian diets:-
Lacto-ovo-vegetarian:
The most common of all vegetarian diets, where free-range eggs and dairy produce are consumed.
Lacto-vegetarian:
No eggs in the diet, but dairy produce are consumed.
Ovo-vegetarian:
No dairy produce in the diet, but eggs are consumed.
Vegan:
This diet does not permit the consumption of dairy produce, eggs or any other animal or fish product. - The decision to turn vegetarian requires significant research so that you may determine the most suitable diet for you and to realise the foods that you can and cannot eat. Additionally, there is a concern that vegetarians overlook essential nutrients that are present in a ‘carnivorous diet’.
- It is important, therefore, that due care and attention is taken to include protein, vitamin B12, iron, calcium and zinc in a vegetarian diet for health reasons. If you are deciding to turn to a vegetarian diet and if you have any health concerns you can speak to your GP or dietician for the appropriate advice.