Meat-Eater, Plant-Eater, or Something In-Between
Back in the day, we had simple terms to describe our eating habits. Herbivore, carnivore, omnivore… Simple. In our culture today, there are so many in-betweens and different words to describe certain ways of eating, in can be a bit overwhelming. In the end, the choice is yours. Eat as you see fit for your personal preference and ethical beliefs!
Omnivore- People whose diets consist of both plants and meats.
Vegetarian- Sort of a catch-all term for those who eat mostly plant-based foods. Some vegetarians choose to not eat meat, but allow dairy. Some eat fish. There are many different types of vegetarians.
Vegan- A person who eats strictly plant-based foods. Vegans eat no animal foods at all – no dairy, eggs, fish, poultry, pork, or meat. Many vegans also choose to abstain from eating any foods prepared with animal-derived ingredients, such as gelatin.
Flexitarian- A sometimes vegetarian. Flexitarians choose to eat mostly plant-based diets, but do consume the occasional serving of animal products, whether it be for health reasons or personal enjoyment.
Pescatarian- This term describes a person who abstains from eating all meats, except for fish.
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian- A person who eats plant foods, eggs, and dairy, but no meat, poultry, seafood, or other animal foods.
Raw Foodist or Raw Vegan- A person who eats only food that is not heated above a temperature of approximately 115º Fahrenheit. Raw foodists believe that enzymes and other vital components of plant food are destroyed by heat.
Macrobiotic- The macrobiotic diet includes unprocessed vegan foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and allows the occasional consumption of fish. Sugar and refined oils are avoided.
Fruitarian- A person who eats a diet comprised only of fruit, nuts, and other self-reproducing plants that are not destroyed in the process of being eaten; for example, when we eat a carrot, we eat the whole plant and the carrot cannot reproduce itself, but when we eat an apple, the apple tree continues to live and produce more fruit.
Phew. All these big words are making my head spin. What term best describes your eating habits? What are your reasons for your choice? Favorite foods or recipes? Share!
