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It's estimated there are up to 7 million people in the UK who consider themselves to be vegetarian. Young women are three times more likely to be vegetarian than the national average, but an increasing number of older men and women are also following this diet.
In most cases, people who describe themselves as vegetarian exclude all types of meat from their diets. On the other hand, some individuals follow much more rigorous diets, sometimes excluding many of the major food groups.

~ Lacto-ovo-vegetarians eat dairy products and eggs and are the most common vegetarians
~ Lacto-vegetarians eat dairy products but not eggs
~ Vegans don't eat dairy products, eggs, or any other animal products
~ Fruitarians are similar to vegans, but usually avoid processed or cooked foods too. Their diet consists mainly of raw fruit, grains and nuts.
~ Macrobiotic diets are often followed for spiritual and philosophical reasons. The diet progresses through ten levels of restriction, not all of which are vegetarian. As you progress through the levels, animal products are gradually eliminated.

Vegetarians should try to follow the same healthy eating principles as meat eaters, choosing foods from each of the major food groups: high-protein sources, cereals and grains, dairy products (or soya substitutes), vegetables and fruits. Obviously, the more restricted the diet, the more difficult it becomes to ensure all the body's nutritional needs are met.

Learn more about this author, Nicola Brown.
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