A vegetarian diet consists of plant-based foods.
Some may choose to become a vegetarian for weight management purposes. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains into a diet while removing the saturated fats of meat and dairy products may help individuals lose weight and avoid chronic heart diseases. Far from being a restrictive diet, the vegetarian diet allows people to eat a wide variety of plant products and legumes, and they have choices in the type of vegetarian they want to become.
The most common vegetarian diet consists of plant-based foods. Most vegetarians do not eat any type of fish, chicken, beef or other types of animal-based protein.
The ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet allows a person to eat eggs and dairy products. This diet does not allow for the consumption of any other type of animal protein.
Pescatarian diets consist of vegetables, dairy, eggs and various types of seafood.
Vegan diets are probably the most straightforward of any vegetarian diet. Following a vegan diet means only eating foods that are plant-based, and not consuming any type of animal product.
There are many vegetarian options for supplements, grocery products, bath and beauty products and even sports nutrition products. Choosing a vegetarian diet should be discussed with a medical professional to ensure one is still getting the appropriate vitamins and minerals despite not eating animal products.