Lacto-vegetarian
A vegetarian is defined as an individual who does not consume meat. However, some vegetarians may choose to consume dairy products, such as milk and cheese, and call themselves “lacto-vegetarians.” A lacto-vegetarian does not eat meat, fish, poultry, or eggs, but includes dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and cream. The prefix “lacto” comes from the Latin word for milk.
Those who wish to lower their cholesterol levels, and believe that removing meat and egg yolks will help them achieve this, may adopt this diet. Others protest cruelty in the meat industry and choose not to eat eggs. Lacto-vegetarian diets are popular among followers of Eastern religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. These religious traditions encourage lacto-vegetarian diets because dairy products come from animal output rather than from taking an animal’s life (when animals are killed for sustenance).
Foods to include:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Grains
- Pasta
- Dairy
- Beans
- Nuts
- Seeds
Foods to avoid:
- Meat
- Fish
- Eggs
Pros:
- Generally a whole foods approach
- May reduce cholesterol levels in some
- May lead to weight loss
- Honors bio-individuality to some extent
- Honors primary food
Cons:
- Some may not do well with dairy
- Some may thrive on meat
- Approach may be too broad for some, leading to unhealthy choices and processed food, as long as they are “lacto-vegetarian”
Sources:
Vegetarian Types (Links to an external site.)
Frequently Asked Questions – Definitions www.ivu.org (Links to an external site.)
What is a Lacto Vegetarian Diet? www.vegetariannook.com (Links to an external site.)
