Vegetarian diet

Introduction: Vegetarian diet

A vegetarian diet is generally a way of eating that excludes meat, poultry, and fish. Vegetarian diet practices vary widely, but an appropriately planned vegetarian diet can be healthful, nutritionally adequate and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases, according to the American Dietetic Association. There are different types of a vegetarian diet. A vegan diet includes only plant products. A lacto-vegetarian diet includes dairy products along with plant products. A Lacto-ovo diet includes eggs and dairy products. Some people may need vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure nutritional completeness when eating a vegetarian diet. A well rounded vegetarian diet, using low-fat/non-fat dairy products and/or other adequate sources of healthy proteins, such as beans and tofu, can provide lower levels of saturated fats and cholesterol than diets containing meat. A vegetarian diet can also provide higher levels of complex carbohydrates from whole grains, fiber, certain vitamins, antioxidants and phytochemicals. Consultation is recommended to ensure adequate nutritional while eating a vegetarian diet.

As with any diet plan, optimal results for health and weight loss and control are achieved when a well balanced diet plan that encourages gradual weight loss is combined with a sensible exercise program and healthy lifestyle changes. All diets have the potential to be harmful for some people, so consultation with a health care provider before starting a diet plan and exercise program is recommended.

Descriptions of Vegetarian diet

Vegetarian diet: Dietary practice of completely avoiding meat products in their DIET, consuming vegetables, grains, and nuts. Some who are called lacto-ovo also include milk and egg products.
Source: Diseases Database

Vegetarian diet : dietary practice of completely avoiding meat products in the diet.
Source: CRISP

Vegetarian diet: Other Names

Other names for this diet (Vegetarian diet) include:

Vegan diet
Lacto-vegetarian diet
Lacto-ovo diet

Conditions Associated with Vegetarian diet

Conditions associated with Vegetarian diet include:

Weight gain
Obesity
Overweight
High cholesterol
Cardiovascular disease
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Metabolic syndrome
Possible prevention of cardiovascular disease and some cancers

Foods Excluded Or Restricted From Vegetarian diet

The following foods may be restricted or excluded from Vegetarian diet:

Meat
Fish
Fowl
Poultry
Eggs for vegans and lacto-vegetarians
Dairy products for vegans

Foods Focused On For Vegetarian diet

The following foods may be focused on as part of Vegetarian diet:

Beans
Eggs
Tofu
Nuts
Almonds
Fruits
Vegetables
Dairy products for lacto-vegetarians and lacto-ovo vegetarians
Eggs lacto-ovo diets

Vegetarian diet: Potential Risks Or Complications

The following are potential risks or complications of the diet (Vegetarian diet):

Ketoacidosis. This can result from extreme calorie and/or carbohydrate restricted diets, which can lead to dangerously high levels of acids called ketones. Ketones can build up in the blood and can poison the body
Kidney damage
Weight loss diets are not recommended for pregnant or nursing women
Rebound weight gain after rapid weight loss
Nutritional deficiencies