In recent years, veganism has become increasingly popular as people become more concerned with their health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. While the term “vegan” is commonly used, many people may not realize that there are actually different types of vegan lifestyles. Let’s take a closer look at these different types and what they entail.
1. Lacto vegetarian:
Latino vegetarians do not eat meat, poultry, fish, or eggs. However, they include dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt in their diet. This type of vegetarian diet allows for a wide range of food choices and is relatively easy to follow since dairy products provide essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D.
2. Vegetarian eggs:
An ovo-vegetarian diet excludes meat, poultry, fish and dairy products but allows the consumption of eggs. Including eggs in a person’s diet provides an additional source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Ovo vegetarianism can be a good option for those who find it difficult to eliminate all animal products from their diet while still choosing a vegetarian lifestyle.
3. Dairy-ovo-vegetarian:
Lacto-ovo vegetarianism, also known as the most common type of vegetarianism, excludes meat, poultry and fish but includes dairy products and eggs. This dietary choice provides a wide range of food options and is relatively easy to follow, because it allows flexibility in meal planning. Vegetarians who eat dairy products and eggs can replace meat with plant-based protein sources such as greens, tofu, tempeh, and seitan.
4. Vegetarian:
A vegan diet takes it one step further by avoiding all animal-derived products. This includes meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, honey, and even products such as gelatin and lanolin. Not only do vegans focus on the ethical treatment of animals, they also recognize the environmental impact of animal agriculture. They rely primarily on fruits, vegetables, grains, and plant-based alternatives such as almond milk or tofu instead of dairy products.
5. Raw vegan:
Raw veganism is a fairly strict type of vegetarianism in which individuals consume only uncooked, unprocessed plant foods. This means that their diet consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains. The raw food movement believes that cooking food destroys vital enzymes and nutrients, and therefore, its followers consume only raw food to maximize their nutritional intake.
6. Flexibility:
Flexibility is more of a dietary preference than a strict lifestyle. Flexitarians primarily follow a vegetarian diet but occasionally consume small amounts of meat or fish. This approach allows the flexibility to indulge occasionally while still focusing on primarily vegetarian options. Flexibility is often seen as an easy transition for those who seek the health benefits of vegetarianism but find giving up meat completely difficult.
All of these different types of vegetarian lifestyles offer a range of health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol levels, and a lower likelihood of developing certain types of cancer. Vegetarian diets are usually rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals while low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Before embarking on any vegan lifestyle, it is important to plan your meals carefully to ensure you get all the essential nutrients. For example, vegans need to pay special attention to consuming enough protein, vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which are typically obtained from animal sources.
Ultimately, the decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle depends on personal preferences, ethical considerations, and health goals. Regardless of the type chosen, shifting toward a plant-based diet can make positive changes to one’s health, the well-being of animals, and the planet as a whole.