There are several types of vegetarian or plant-based diets. The terms “vegetarian” and “plant-based” can sometimes create confusion due to the lack of consensus in regards to their official definitions. Here are some brief explanations of what the main types of vegetarians are:
Fruitarian: a person who eats exclusively raw fruits and seeds (or whose diet consists of at least 70% fruits and about 30% vegetables), mostly raw, but sometimes frozen or slightly cooked fruit is acceptable;
Raw Food Vegan: a person who excludes all food and products of animal origin, as well as food cooked at a temperature above 105 °F. It includes raw fruits and vegetables, seeds, nuts, grains, legume sprouts, plant oils, sea vegetables, herbs and mushrooms;
Vegan: a person who does not eat or use animal products; vegans eat cooked products from the above list;
Lacto Vegetarian: a person who abstains from eating meat and eggs, but eats dairy products;
Ovo Vegetarian: a person who abstains from eating meat and dairy, but consumes eggs;
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian: a person who abstains from eating meat, but eats eggs and dairy products;
Pescatarian: a person who does not eat meat but does eat fish;
Flexitarian: one who consumes a plant-based diet with the occasional inclusion of meat, eggs or dairy products;