Loosely defined, a vegetarian is an individual who does not eat meat, poultry or fish. Vegetarians eat mainly fruit, vegetables, legumes, grains, seeds, and nuts. Many vegetarians eat eggs and dairy products but avoid hidden animal products such as beef and chicken stocks, lard, and gelatin.

The American Dietetic Association classifies vegetarians in three groups:

• Vegans: exclude all animal products (ex. meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, and other dairy products). Vegans also do not eat honey.
• Lacto-vegetarians: exclude meat, poultry, fish, and eggs but include dairy products.
• Lacto-ovovegetarians: exclude meat, poultry, and fish but include dairy products and eggs. Most vegetarians in the US are lacto-ovovegetarians.

Why Do People Become A Vegetarian?

People become vegetarians for various reasons including compassion for animals, concern for personal health, environmental concerns, food preferences or spiritual reasons.

Vegetarian Diet Daily Servings

• 3 or 4 servings of cereals/grains or potatoes
• 4 or 5 servings of fruit and vegetables
• 2 or 3 servings of pulses, nuts & seeds
• 2 servings of milk, cheese, eggs or soya products
• A small amount of vegetable oil and margarine or butter.
• Some yeast extract such as Marmite, fortified with vitamin B12.

Where should I get groceries?

• Trader Joes
• Harris Teeter
• Whole Foods
• Farmer's Market