Vegetarian Eating
Vegetarians generally do not eat any animal flesh and may not eat animal-derived products. The choice to follow a vegetarian diet may be made for a variety of reasons that can relate to health, ethics & animal rights, the environment, economics, and religion.
A well-planned vegetarian diet can have potential health benefits. It takes careful planning to ensure nutrient needs are being met when omitting animal-based foods. Key nutrients to think about when following a vegetarian eating style include Iron ; Vitamin B12; Omega 3; Zinc; Calcium; Vitamin D; Protein. Click on each link to learn more.
Types of vegetarian eating styles:
Semi vegetarian: Occasional meat eaters who primarily follow a vegetarian diet OR those who consume occasional fish and poultry.
Lacto-ovo: Excludes all animal flesh: red meats, poultry and fish, but includes eggs and milk products.
Lacto: Excludes all animal flesh: red meats, poultry, fish and eggs, but includes milk products.
Vegan: Excludes all foods of animal origin including red meats, poultry, fish, eggs, milk products.
Are you currently vegetarian or thinking about changing your diet? Talk to your doctor or health care provider about getting a referral to a Registered Dietitian (see links below).
Supports and Resources
- What you need to know about a healthy vegetarian eating plan: Dietitian's of Canada
- What you need to know about following a vegan eating plan
- Four Steps to a Balanced Vegan Eating Pattern
- Dial-a-dietitian
- Find a dietitian in Winnipeg
