Lifestyle Choices

22.8 million (10%) American adults follow a vegetarian-inclined diet

Whether a person chooses to eat a certain way for their religious beliefs, medical reasons, concerns for animal welfare, food safety or to improve overall health, it is important we understand the various dietary practices and learn how to meet and respect their needs.

And, as the world becomes more global, individuals from across the world will be attending events and offer the opportunity to reach a broader client base and provide new experiences.

Vegan (1 million Americans)

Do not use or consume anything that comes from a animal, including, but not limited to flesh, milk in all its forms, honey, silk, leather or feathers.

Vegetarian (7.3 million Americans)

Choose not to eat animals, but they do often consume and use other animals products, e.g. leather bags, diary products, animal-based beauty products. And, although many see it as a contradiction in terms, there are several types of vegetarians based on what they choose to consume:

• Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian
• Lacto Vegetarian
• Pescatarian
• Flexitarian
• Pollotarian

Macrobiotic

A dietary regimen which not only involves what a person eats, but how its prepared and consumed. Grains are the staple food with vegetables, beans and natural animal foods completing it. Highly processed or refined foods are completely avoided.

Paleo (Paleolithic, caveman, Stone Age and hunter-gatherer diet)

Based on the presumed ancient diet of wild plants and animals eaten during the Paleolithic era. The modern version of the macrobiotic meal plan consists mainly of lean meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, roots, and nuts. It excludes grains, legumes, dairy products, salt, refined sugar, and processed oils.

Raw

Raw is what it is – raw. Followers of this dietary practice believes that the most healthful food for the body is uncooked. Heating food is acceptable as long as the temperature stays below 104 to 118 degrees Fahrenheit.

Clean Eating

Clean eating is about consuming whole food in its most natural state, or as close to it as possible. Cooking focuses on enhancing the natural flavors of any meal without compromising the integrity of the food.

*”Vegetarianism in America,” Vegetarian Times, 2008