Vegetarianism

Alternative names:

lacto-ovovegetarian; lactovegetarian; partial vegetarian; semivegetarian; vegan

Definition:

• Vegetarian: Diets excluding all or some animal products. There are many variation of the diet.
• Vegan: One consuming fad diet excluding all animal products, eating only foods of plant origin.
• Lacto-vegetarian: Eats plant foods plus some or all dairy products.
• Lacto-ovovegetarian: Consumes plant foods, milk, dairy products and eggs.
• Semi or Partial Vegetarian: This is not a true vegetarian diet, however many people limit their use of animal products and consider themselves vegetarian. Some may exclude red meat only and eat chicken or fish. There are many variations.

Functions:

The diet may be adopted for a variety of reasons including; religious or political beliefs, economics, or the desire to consume a more healthful diet.

Background:
The American Dietetic Association states that a well planned vegetarian diet can be consistent with good nutritional intake. Dietary recommendations vary with the type of vegetarian diet. For children and adolescents these diets require special planning because it is difficult to obtain all the nutrients required for growth and development. Nutrients that may be lacking in a vegetarian's diet are: Protein, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Riboflavin, Calcium, Zinc, and Iron.

There are two types of proteins, complete and incomplete. Complete proteins contain adequate amounts of the essential amino acids for health; they are found in animal products (e.g. meats, milk, fish, eggs). Incomplete proteins contain all of the essential amino acids but not in adequate amounts. These proteins generally have one amino acid in insufficient quantity (the limiting amino acid). Grains and beans are sources of incomplete proteins.

You don't have to eat animal products to get complete proteins in the diet. You can mix two incomplete proteins or an incomplete protein with a complete protein to get all the essential amino acids in adequate amounts. Some combinations are; milk and cereal, peanut butter and bread, beans and rice, beans and corn tortillas, and macaroni and cheese.

Integrating the vegetarian style of eating into a non-vegetarian diet is recommended for individuals wishing to improve their dietary intake. For example, a person may choose to eat meat once a day or as little as twice a week.