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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What is it to be vegetarian?

    Related Topics
    Nutrition Vegetarian Eating
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  • Australian Vegetarian Society

    The Australian Vegetarian Society's aim is to increase the number of vegetarians in Australia in order to stop cruelty to animals, benefit human health, protect … View Profile

    To be a vegetarian is to take a practical step as an individual to avoid many problems related to health, the environment and animal welfare. By being vegetarian a person is no longer directly contributing to animals being killed, to excessive global warming being produced, water resources being wasted and, if they make wise dietary choices, are contributing to their own health and well-being.

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  • Kate Marsh

    Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE), Diabetes Educator, Dietitian

    Kate works with clients with type 1 and gestational diabetes, PCOS, and those following a plant-based (vegetarian or vegan) diet. As a diabetes educator, she … View Profile

    There are a number of different types of vegetarian, who avoid animal products to different extents.
    A lacto-ovo vegetarian eats eggs and dairy products but no animal flesh (meat, poultry or fish) while a vegan avoids all animal products (no meat, poultry, fish, eggs or dairy and often honey). Many vegetarians, particularly vegans will also avoid any animal products in non-food items such as clothing (eg fur and leather), skincare and cleaning products.  There are many reasons why someone chooses to be a vegetarian including health, environmental, ethical and religous reasons.

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  • Arlene Normand

    Dietitian

    Arlene is a registered practising dietitian, with a private practice in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, and has built a strong business over the last … View Profile

    Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, and poultry. Vegans are vegetarians who abstain from eating or using all animal products, including milk, cheese, other dairy items, eggs, wool, silk, and leather. Among the many reasons for being a vegetarian are health, ecological, and religious concerns, dislike of meat, compassion for animals, belief in non-violence, and economics.  A  vegetarian diet can meet all known nutrient needs. The key to a healthy vegetarian diet, as with any other diet, is to eat a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, plenty of leafy greens, whole grain products, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Limit your intake of sweets and fatty foods.

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