Vegetarian Diet

Full Name: Vegetarian Diet

Origin: Unknown

Description: Diet for those making a statement against animal cruelty, or just trying to lead a healthier lifestyle

Likes: Grains, fruits and vegetables

Dislikes: Most animal products

Looking for: Someone who doesn't mind giving up the beef!

Works Well With: Any vegetarian-style cookbook

Following a strict vegetarian diet usually means that you do no eat any meat; but other animal products may still remain on the menu, depending on what type of vegetarian you may be. There are many different types of vegetarians such as:

. Vegan (or total vegetarian) - diet only includes plant foods

. Lacto vegetarians - diet includes plant foods and dairy products

. Ovo-lacto vegetarians - diet includes plant foods, dairy products and eggs

. Semi-vegetarians - diet doesn't include red meats, but will include chicken, fish, dairy products and eggs

Becoming a vegetarian is not as simple as one might think. You have to decide what you are willing to give up before choosing a vegetarian diet, and you must have the will power to follow through on that decision.

Vegetarian diets can be very healthy if followed correctly. They are usually lower in saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol. You just have to make sure that you choose foods that deliver all the nutrients you would normally obtain from eating animal foods and meats. If you're following a vegetarian diet, you might need to supplement the following nutrients to ensure you are getting your recommended daily intake: iron, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin D, Calcium and Zinc. You must also monitor your protein intake to be sure you are getting enough.

Keep in mind that even vegetarian diets should encompass a wide variety of foods, and should allow enough calories to keep your energy levels high. Here are some tips to consider when starting a vegetarian diet:

. Limit intake of fatty foods and sweets

. Eat unrefined or whole grain products

. Consume a variety of different fruits and vegetables

. Choose low-fat dairy products

. Don't overdo your egg intake (eggs are high in cholesterol)

Follow these basic guidelines and your vegetarian diet should be healthy and successful. Just remember that, like any weight loss diet, to lose weight on a vegetarian diet you have to burn more calories than you eat. And before you make the leap to a meat-free diet, just ask yourself one question: Can I follow this diet for the rest of my life? If the answer is no, then vegetarianism isn't the right diet choice for you.