When it comes to different types of diets, we now need to be very careful when it comes to labels. With the careful eyes of millions on the Internet, a simple mistake can easily frustrate hundreds of people hoping to improve their diet. Today, I thought I’d go over the many different types of plant-based diets out there and help to end the confusion once and for all. No more mistakes- let’s get started.

Vegetarian*

A vegetarian is one who chooses to avoid consuming meat. This includes chicken, turkey, beef, pork, and lamb. However, vegetarians may or may not choose to include animal byproducts in their diets, such as dairy and eggs.

Example: Mexican Style Black Bean and Corn Sauté (WEM) (includes dairy)

Or

Lentil Loaf (WEM) (no animal products)

Lacto Vegetarian

A vegetarian who chooses to include dairy into their diet (so it is plant based with dairy); milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, cream, etc, are all acceptable. However, a Lacto-Vegetarian diet will not include eggs.

Example: Cheesy Spaghetti Squash With Broccoli (FM)

Ovo-Vegetarian

A vegetarian whose only source of animal food comes from eggs (plant-based with eggs). An Ovo-Vegetarian diet will not include dairy.

Example: Sweet Potato and Kale Breakfast Hash (WEM)

Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian*

A vegetarian diet that does include animal byproducts (dairy and eggs). It is interchangeable with being vegetarian.

Example: Power Greens Breakfast Casserole (FM) (includes dairy and eggs)

Pescatarian

A vegetarian diet that includes both fish and shellfish (plant-based with seafood). Some versions of a pescatarian diet include eggs and/or dairy. Otherwise, no other animal foods are consumed.

Example: Halibut with Leek, Mushrooms, and Broccolini (FM)

Vegan

A vegan diet is one that excludes all animal meats and byproducts. It is 100% plant-based. For some, veganism is treated as a lifestyle instead of just a diet. Ethical and moral issues are not to be treated lightly. The goal is to eliminate all animal suffering, so even things like leather, honey and gelatin-based capsules in supplements are avoided.

Flexitarian

A plant-based diet that includes occasional servings of animal foods, such as meat, dairy, and fish. As the name implies, a Flexitarian diet is flexible in that anyone following it can adapt and not strictly adhere to any one style of eating. Just keep in mind that the majority of foods are plant-based, with animal sources being kept to a minimum.

Example: My Shred & Glow Meal Plan, which incorporates occasional servings of meat and dairy. However, both vegetarians and vegans can adapt it according to their needs.