“To eat meat or not to eat?” is the question that haunts many of us. The negative impact of animal foods and their associated damages pitted against the deficiencies and other drawbacks resulting from following vegetarian diet has contributed to this state of confusion. However, the key is to plan the meal carefully so as to include all nutrients required by the body in adequate amounts.

Types and Kinds

Vegetarians typically don’t eat meat, poultry or fish. However, different types of vegetarian diets exist:

Lacto vegetarians: Eat dairy products but exclude meat, fish, poultry, seafood, and eggs

Ovo vegetarians: Include eggs but avoid all other animal products including dairy

Lacto-Ovo vegetarians: Include eggs and dairy products, but omit meat, fish, poultry and seafood

Vegans: Exclude all products of animal origin including honey

While there are many benefits to eating a vegetarian diet, there are some inherent disadvantages too, but by making a conscious effort to eat the right quantity and combinations of food, the benefits of vegetarianism can outweigh the disadvantages.