A vegetarian diet consists of plant-based foods.

Some may choose to become a vegetarian for weight management purposes. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains into a diet while removing the saturated fats of meat and dairy products may help individuals lose weight and avoid chronic heart diseases. Far from being a restrictive diet, the vegetarian diet allows people to eat a wide variety of plant products and legumes, and they have choices in the type of vegetarian they want to become.

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The most common vegetarian diet consists of plant-based foods. Most vegetarians do not eat any type of fish, chicken, beef or other types of animal-based protein.

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The ovo-lacto-vegetarian diet allows a person to eat eggs and dairy products. This diet does not allow for the consumption of any other type of animal protein.

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Pescatarian diets consist of vegetables, dairy, eggs and various types of seafood.

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Vegan diets are probably the most straightforward of any vegetarian diet. Following a vegan diet means only eating foods that are plant-based, and not consuming any type of animal product.

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There are many vegetarian options for supplements, grocery products, bath and beauty products and even sports nutrition products. Choosing a vegetarian diet should be discussed with a medical professional to ensure one is still getting the appropriate vitamins and minerals despite not eating animal products.

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This article was written by an iHerb staff writer.