by Diana Tierney

Created on: April 18, 2007   Last Updated: May 04, 2007

The term Vegetarian is a general term that basically means someone who doesn't eat meat. However, there are specific types based on what they eat such as a Lacto-ovo vegetarian. This is the most common form of vegetarianism. It refers to a vegetarian who includes both eggs and dairy products in their diet.

Many consider Lacto-ovo vegetarianism to be the introduction into the world of vegetarianism, a way to gradually wean off of all animal products to the final goal of veganism (a diet that consists of no animal products at all). Though not all vegetarians choose to go on to being vegans, many find happiness in remaining a lacto-ovo vegetarian, it is still healthy and is a bit easier to gain needed protein.

A typical Lacto-ovo vegetarian diet consists of a variety of different sources not just milk, eggs and lettuce. According to the Vegetarian Society a typical diet should consist of:

> 4 or 5 servings of fruit or vegetables
> 2 or 3 servings of pulses, nuts and seeds
> 3 or 4 servings of cereals, grains and/or potatoes
> 2 servings of milk, cheese, eggs or soya products
> A small amount of vegetable oil and margarine or butter
> Products fortified with vitamin B12 (such as a yeast extract)

As seen above with the recommended doses of dairy products, eggs and milk don't make up the bulk of a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet. As with any vegetarian diet, the key to a healthy lifestyle is to have a variety of different whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Though Lacto-ovo vegetarians have chosen to include animal products in their diet, many make the choice to choose products that are friendlier to animals such as free range eggs and organic milk. What makes these types of dairy products a positive advantage to a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet is that, as long as they are certified organic and free range, the animals are not given steroids, antibiotics and are fed only vegetarian feed. In the case of milk, the antibiotics and steroids that are fed to cows are passed on through their milk in very small amounts.

Being a lacto-ovo vegetarian can be a rewarding experience and add years to your life whether you choose to stay with this type of vegetarianism or move on to others that use less animal products.

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