Diet and Nutrition
Get Fit Today UK
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
What Diet is For Me - P
Pescetarianism is a dietary choice in which a person, known as a pescetarian, eats any combination of vegetables, fruit, nuts, beans and fish or invertebrate seafood, but will not eat mammals or birds. Some animal products like eggs and dairy may or may not be part of a pescetarian diet plan.
Terms like "pesco-vegetarianism" are sometimes used to describe pescetarianism, to emphasize that pescetarians eat vegetables, fruit, and grains as well as fish. However, this term is controversial and less used, in part because it implies that pescetarianism is a type of vegetarianism, and some vegetarian groups do not want to be aligned with fish eaters. The Vegetarian Society, which initiated popular use of the term vegetarian as early as 1847, does not consider pescetarianism a valid vegetarian diet. The definitions of "vegetarian" in authoritative, mainstream dictionaries vary.
In July 2008 The Associated Press reported that Merriam-Webster Inc. has added more than 100 new entries to its new edition of the Collegiate Dictionary; one of those words was pescetarian The definition of the word according to that dictionary is: "vegetarian whose diet includes fish."
One of the most commonly cited reasons is that of health, based on findings that red meat is detrimental to health in many cases due to non-lean red meats containing high amounts of saturated fats.Furthermore, eating certain kinds of fish raises HDL levels,and some fish are a convenient source of omega-3 fatty acids,and have numerous health benefits in one food variety.
It can be claimed conversely that fish also contain toxins such as mercury and PCBs,though a careful selection of fish can ensure a low-risk or toxin-free product.
A vegitarian diet in effect.
Vegetarians fall into groups defined by the types of animal-derived foods they eat:
- Vegans eat only plant-based foods. They don't eat foods from animals, including meat, poultry, fish, milk, eggs and cheese.
- Lacto-vegetarians consume milk and milk products along with plant-based foods. They omit eggs as well as meat, fish and poultry.
- Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat eggs, milk and milk products, such as cheese and yogurt, in addition to plant-based foods. They omit red meat, fish and poultry.
- Flexitarians (semivegetarians) primarily follow a plant-based diet but occasionally eat small amounts of meat, poultry or fish.
To keep your vegetarian diet on track, you may find using a vegetarian food pyramid helpful. This pyramid outlines various food groups and food choices that, if eaten in the right quantities, form the foundation of a healthy vegetarian diet.
No matter what your age or situation, a well-planned vegetarian diet can meet your nutritional needs. Even children and teenagers can do well on a plant-based diet, as can older people, and pregnant or breast-feeding women. If you're unsure whether a vegetarian diet is right for you, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z