Vegetarianism is a way of life that seeks to exclude all forms of exploitation and cruelty to animals, particularly in the diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. A person who follows a diet or philosophy is known as vegetarians.
Types of veganism
Prominent types of this lifestyle include:
- Dietary vegans. Often used interchangeably with “plant-based eaters,” this term refers to those who avoid animal products in their diet but continue to use them in other products, such as clothing and cosmetics.
- Whole-food vegans. These individuals favor a diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
- Junk-food vegans. Some people rely heavily on processed vegan food, such as vegan meats, fries, frozen dinners, and desserts, including Oreo cookies and non-dairy ice cream.
- Raw-food vegans. This group eats only foods that are raw or cooked at temperatures below 118°F (48°C) (22Trusted Source).
- Low-fat, raw-food vegans. Also known as fruitarians, this subset limits high-fat foods, such as nuts, avocados, and coconuts, instead relying mainly on fruit. Other plants are occasionally eaten in small amounts.