Special Lifestyles & Diets

Vegetarian Lifestyle

Vegetarians build their diets around plant foods, but did you know that there are several types of vegetarian classifications? Lacto-ovo vegetarians consume dairy foods and eggs, but no fish, meat or poultry; Pesco-vegetarians include fish into their diets; and Vegans are strict vegetarians who do not eat any animal products, including dairy products, eggs and honey.

If you are considering a vegetarian lifestyle, start out by incorporating fruits, legumes, soy products, vegetables and whole grains into your diet. Vegetarians are known for their good health, and some food-related factors include more consumption of:

  • Antioxidants - Protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of arthritis, cancer, heart disease and other diseases.
  • Isoflavones - Compounds found in soy foods that may improve bone health and reduce the risk for prostate cancer.
  • Phytochemicals - Help detoxify Carcinogens, regulate cell growth, stimulate the immune system and may reduce some of the harmful effects of excessive exposure to hormones.

Quick Tip: Try replacing a meal planned around red meat, with a meal planned around a vegetable. A baked potato is a hearty entre, when served with a sauce of stewed tomatoes or a few tablespoons of salsa.


Dislcaimer: The information on this module is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional about your health and the health of others, and before acting upon any recommendation made in this module. Please note that medical information is constantly changing, so some information may be out of date.