by Meggg

Created on: October 11, 2009   Last Updated: October 13, 2009

There are many types of vegetarianism, and each has it's pros and cons. Choosing a form of vegetarianism to fit a certain lifestyle is easier when the person is well educated on the subject. Doing research will help someone to determine what is the best type of vegetarianism for them, or if being a vegetarian at all is the right choice.

In order of severity, from most strict to least strict, the forms of vegetarianism are as follows:

1. Raw Food Diet

The Raw Food Diet is the most strict form of vegetarianism. People to subscribe to the Raw Food diet do not consume foods that are cooked above 118F because they believe that is kills helpful enzymes. The also do not consume any animal products. They do not eat meat, eggs, dairy, or fish. Generally, they won't use leather, honey or other animal products and by-products.

2. Vegan

Similar to the Raw Food Diet, veganism is based on avoiding all animal products and by-products. Vegans do not have limitations on what temperature their food is prepared at, but they will not eat meat, fish, eggs, cheese, ice cream, milk, and other dairy products. Some may or may not use honey, based on personal belief. They usually do not wear or use leather, suede, or animal by-products such as gelatin or collagen.

3. Lacto Vegetarian

This type of vegetarianism is where people do not eat meat or eggs. However, they will still consume dairy products. People may choose this type of vegetarianism if they believe that eating eggs is immoral, they don't like eggs, or various other reasons. The name comes from the word lactose which is in milk, so lacto vegetarians will only eat dairy, fruits, vegetables, and grains, and not eggs or meat.

4. Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian

This is the most common type of vegetarianism. The most basic of all vegetarian varieties, lacto-ovo vegetarians do not consume meat or fish. They may or may not abstain from using leather, gelatin, and other animal products and by-products. It depends on the set morals and values of the certain individual.

5. Pescetarian

A pescetarian, is simply a person who consumes the regular vegetarian diet, but has added fish. Pescetarians eat fish for many reasons, one of the biggest would be health. Fish has lots of Omega 3 Fatty Acids, protein, and iron needed for a complete diet. Pescetarians may or may not use other animal by-products, but they do not eat meat.

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