John Myers
Some do without meat, but not fish. The others deny the consumption of animal products. And some people eat lactose-free or gluten-free. But what about the different diets and types? We give you an overview.
The six most popular diets
We all know vegetarians and vegans – but do you know what an omnivore eats? And what’s on the table at the pescetarian? We have the answers and highlight six forms of nutrition.
The omnivore
The term only sounds exotic: the Omnivor is an omnivore. The term comes from the Latin – “Omnivore” combines the two words “omnis” (everything) and “vorare” (eat). With this type of diet, animal products are just as much a part of the menu as plant-based ones. With this mixed diet, the motto here is: Eat what tastes good. Moments of pleasure are therefore possible without restrictions and sacrifices.
The vegetarian
Everyone is familiar with the vegetarian diet – the focus is on not eating meat and usually fish as well. Only plant products and products from live animals may be consumed. This means that in addition to milk, cheese or eggs, yoghurt or butter, for example, is also consumed. By the way: Eating vegetarian is not a phenomenon of our modern times and therefore not a trend among the forms of nutrition – because this type of nutrition has its origins in antiquity.
The vegan
No products of animal origin: This is the top priority for the vegan diet. Butter and eggs, cheese and quark, milk and kefir – all taboo. When choosing food, it is therefore important to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. Plant-based alternatives are primarily used as substitutes for animal-based ingredients, including, for example, milk-protein-free margarine, soy milk, or vegan quark based on almonds or coconut.
Important to know: There are periods and phases of life in which a vegan diet is generally discouraged: For example, vegan cuisine is unsuitable for babies and children, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The flexitarian
Avoid meat – at least as far as possible. Those who choose flexitarianism as their diet rely on occasional consumption of meat. Very high quality and species-appropriate animal husbandry are particularly important to flexitarians when choosing products. Cheap meat consumption is generally rejected. This form of nutrition often focuses on organic products that are produced according to strict and sustainable standards.
The Pescetarian
“Piscis” comes from Latin and means fish. The pescetarians are therefore vegetarians who eat fish. Pescetarians disagree on whether seafood is allowed on the table. In fact, an intake of important proteins as well as amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids is much easier with this type of diet due to the consumption of fish. At least when the focus is on sustainable fish consumption.
The fruitarian
Eat mostly fruit? Yes! That’s the approach taken by fruitarians, who are a fringe group among vegans. The plants, fruits, and nuts must also not be damaged by the harvest. Therefore, with this radical form of nutrition, there are also fruitarians who only eat food that has already fallen from the tree. It has been proven that it is very difficult to prevent deficiency symptoms with this type of diet, since the selection of foods that can be consumed is narrow. Because, for example, vegetables such as carrots or potatoes have to be harvested, these must not be on the menu either.
When intolerances determine forms of nutrition
Diets can reflect a person’s philosophy of life and attitude. However, they can also be the result of intolerances or allergies. One of the most well-known intolerances is lactose intolerance. Anyone who suffers from lactose intolerance gets severe flatulence, abdominal pain, or diarrhea after eating lactose-containing foods such as milk, cheese, or cream. Depending on the degree of intolerance, the consumption of such products must be greatly reduced or the diet must be completely switched to a lactose-free diet. The good news: there are now many lactose-free recipes that make delicious dishes without milk sugar possible.
While in the case of a food intolerance the digestion of certain components of the food is not possible at all or with difficulty, in the case of a food allergy the immune system reacts overly sensitively to certain foods (often special proteins in the product itself). For example, a milk protein allergy can cause itchy eczema and a severe nut allergy can even cause shortness of breath. The diagnosis of such allergies, therefore, belongs in the hands of a doctor. The same applies to autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease. Here, gluten-containing foods lead to inflammatory diseases of the intestine. Gluten-free foods are therefore a must for this type of diet. Tip: In our gluten-free recipes, we reveal how delicious dishes are made from this and how bread or cakes even get on the table.
(Types of) nutrition – one topic, many facets
A healthy lifestyle has many facets. And that also applies to the topic of diets and types. Everyone has to find a diet that suits their own needs. Whether this excludes certain foods or not, based on the stage of life or your own attitude to life: At ChefReader you will find information worth knowing on every topic related to forms of nutrition. For example, discover our guide “Nutrition in the family” (link to new URL), test your eating habits, or read more about special forms of nutrition for different situations in life.
Tip: Our food pyramid provides you with a guide to balanced, healthy meals.
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