The 7 Different Types of Vegetarians + How To Find The Right Eating Style For You

Maybe you think going vegetarian will be better for your health. Maybe you're passionate about animal rights. Or maybe you're concerned about the environment and want to do your part to save it.

Whatever the reason, you're considering giving vegetarianism a try, which is great—but you should definitely do your research first.

Traditionally, vegetarianism can include any number of variants, such as removing animal products altogether—including items that come from animals, such as milk and honey—or simply devoid of animal flesh, fish, and seafood.

"A vegan diet means eliminating all animal products, including those of animal origin," says Meshulam. "This means no eggs, dairy, or even honey."

"This is often the strictest form of a vegetarian diet," explains Ansari. "A raw vegan excludes foods of animal origin. There is no cooking involved, and the uncooked foods include vegetables, fruits, legumes, sprouted grains, nuts, herbs, and seeds, with the belief that raw and minimally cooked/heated foods (less than 114 degrees Fahrenheit) provide more nutrients than foods that are cooked."

If you're looking to switch to a more plant-based diet, you're not alone. But while it might seem like a trendy new term that hits you in the face every time you open Instagram, it can actually have some incredible benefits for both your health and the environment4.

"I think, overall, we are becoming more health-focused as a population," says Meshulam. "With that, people are understanding that incorporating more plant-based foods can have many benefits. Plant-based diets have been linked5 to a lower risk for heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers."

She adds that people are becoming more and more earth-conscious and opting to embrace a vegetarian lifestyle due to the environmental impact of factory farming.

For instance, one study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that transitioning to more plant-based diets could reduce global mortality by 6 to 10%, and food-related greenhouse gas emissions by 29 to 70%—when compared with a reference scenario for the year 2050.

In addition, a 2013 study aimed at physicians asks them to consider recommending a plant-based diet6 to all their patients, especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or obesity.

It may sound a little obvious, but listen to your intuition and your body.

Maybe certain religious or ethical reasons encourage you to go completely vegan, or you may feel better with a piece of steak in your diet on occasion.

Perhaps you do a lot of weight training workouts, so you feel like you need protein from poultry and seafood—or maybe just keeping eggs in the mix feels like enough.

"I encourage my clients to focus on what foods feel right to them at this current point in their life, with the awareness that it can change," says Meshulam. "This allows flexibility around food and creates a sense of trust within our bodies that we can honor what we need." For instance, she says some people really thrive off a mostly vegetarian diet, while others feel good incorporating certain animal products. "I would pay attention to your energy levels and satisfaction and see what is right for you."

In addition, Ansari recommends working with a dietitian or checking out the macros in your food so you can be sure you're meeting the adequate nutrient requirements when it comes to your diet.