What type of vegetarian are you

Maybe you're a typical, traditional vegetarian. Or maybe you're more of a pescatarian, because you do eat fish. Or maybe you don't eat eggs, so you're really lacto-vegetarian?

This test is not based on any scientific study whatsoever. It is intended for fun only so do not treat the result too seriously :. Do not think about the answers too long.

Plant-based diets have been linked to a lower risk for heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. In addition, a study aimed at physicians asks them to consider recommending a plant-based diet to all their patients, especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or obesity.

Provided you're doing it strategically—aka, your diet is full of whole foods, protein-rich plants, and complex carbs, as opposed to processed albeit vegan-friendly food—you should be able to reap plenty of benefits, says Ansari.

It may sound a little obvious, but listen to your intuition and your body. Maybe certain religious or ethical reasons encourage you to go completely vegan, or you may feel better with a piece of steak in your diet on occasion. Perhaps you do a lot of weight training workouts , so you feel like you need protein from poultry and seafood—or maybe just keeping eggs in the mix feels like enough.

In addition, Ansari recommends working with a dietitian or checking out the macros in your food so you can be sure you're meeting the adequate nutrient requirements when it comes to your diet. A few key nutrients I monitor during the transition include B, calcium, vitamin D , iodine, omega-3, iron, and zinc.

Transitioning to a vegetarian diet can be totally healthy and help you reach your health goals, provided it's done in the right way. Do your research, trust your intuition, find some yummy recipes , and see how it goes.

You are now subscribed Be on the lookout for a welcome email in your inbox! Main Navigation. Log in Profile. Saved Articles. Contact Support. Pescetarians The pescatarian type of vegetarians eat shellfish and fish but avoid red or white meats in their diet. Vegans Veganism has become extremely popular in recent years and many people are shifting to this type of diet.

Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians People who follow this diet are called ovo-lacto vegetarians and lacto-ovo vegetarians interchangeably. Pollotarian Pollotarians follow a semi-vegetarian diet that includes chicken and poultry foods, but no fish, red meat or any other animal meat. Semi-vegetarians Semi-vegetarians, also known as partial vegetarians generally exclude meat. Special categories that need recognition: 1.

Gravytarian A gravytarian will most commonly be found lurking around non-vegetarians consuming a non-veg curry based dish. Quick confession: I am a gravytarian and I am not ashamed of it. Will-try-it-once-atarian These adventurous veggies are all about trying everything once in life, mainly food. This includes growth and energy use, as well as brain and bone development during pregnancy and in early childhood. Vitamin B12 is important for red blood cell production — it helps to maintain healthy nerves and a healthy brain.

People following a vegan diet are at risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency because it is only found in animal products. Vegetarian sources of vitamin B12 include:. This is particularly important for breastfeeding mothers where vitamin B12 deficient breastmilk can interfere with normal brain development of the baby. Vitamin B12 absorption becomes less efficient as we age, so supplements may also be needed by older people following a vegetarian diet.

Check with your doctor before starting on any vitamin and mineral supplements. Vitamin D is important for strong bones, muscles and overall health. The main source of vitamin D for most Australians is sunlight. There are few foods that contain significant amounts of vitamin D. Fortified low-fat and skim milk is another source of vitamin D, but it is present in low amounts.

Vegetarian sources of vitamin D include:. As the sun is also a major source of vitamin D, dietary intake is only important when exposure to UV light from the sun is inadequate — such as people who are housebound or whose clothing covers almost all of their skin.

However, special care needs to be taken for vegetarian diets during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and infancy and childhood. This especially applies to those who follow a vegan diet. Strict vegan diets are not recommended for very young children. A vegetarian diet can be safely followed during pregnancy provided you eat regularly to ensure you have enough energy.

Include a variety of foods from the five food groups each day to meet your nutrient needs. Most women will need supplements of nutrients that are difficult to obtain just from food such as folic acid and iodine. Vitamin B12 supplements will also be needed for women following vegan diets for optimal brain development in their baby. If you are breastfeeding and on a vegetarian diet, you can obtain all the nutrients and energy you need as long as you include a wide range of foods from the five food groups each day.

Depending on your individual circumstances, supplements may be recommended by your health professional. If you are breastfeeding and on a vegan diet, a vitamin or mineral supplement may be required. This is particularly the case with vitamin B Breastfeeding mothers on vegan diets are recommended to continue to breastfeed — ideally for two years or longer. Check with a dietitian to make sure your diet contains the right amount of energy and nutrients to support your health and wellbeing and the optimal development of your infant, especially if you are exclusively breastfeeding or following a vegan diet.

Up to the age of six months, babies only need breastmilk or infant formula. From around six months, most babies are ready to be introduced to solids — although breastmilk or infant formula are still their main source of nutrition until 12 months. Vegetarian and vegan foods can be safely introduced to babies and young children, provided all their energy and nutrient needs are met.

This requires careful planning. For some babies — especially those being introduced to vegan eating, supplements may be recommended to ensure some essential nutrients typically provided by animal-based foods are supplied in adequate amounts such as iron and vitamin B If you wish to introduce your child to vegetarian or vegan eating, seek advice from a dietitian, doctor or your maternal and child health nurse to ensure they are getting essential nutrients for optimal growth and development.

From around six months, solids from all five food groups should be introduced gradually, with first foods being rich in iron, protein and energy for growth. Iron is an important nutrient for growth and is vital for babies and young children.