What Do Non-Vegetarians Eat? (Class 2)
A non-vegetarian is a person who eats both plant-based foods and animal-based foods. This means they eat things that grow from the ground, like vegetables and fruits, but they also eat meat that comes from animals. These animal-based foods are often called non-vegetarian foods. A non-vegetarian's plate can have many different kinds of food from many different places. A good way to remember this is that a non-vegetarian can eat food from the farm (like chickens and cows) and from the water (like fish).
Here are some examples of foods non-vegetarians eat:
- Chicken
- Fish
- Eggs
- Mutton
- Prawns
- Beef
Where do non-vegetarian foods come from?
Non-vegetarian food comes from animals. For example, a chicken lays eggs and gives us meat. A goat gives us mutton. A fish swims in the river or sea before it becomes food. These animals are a part of the food we eat.
What Do Vegetarians Eat? (Class 2)
A vegetarian is a person who eats only plant-based foods. They do not eat any kind of meat, fish, or eggs. Vegetarians get all of their energy and nutrition from plants, dairy, and eggs (depending on the type). They enjoy many different types of delicious meals that are packed with fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts. A vegetarian's plate is full of colorful, yummy foods that all grow from the ground or are made from milk.
There are different kinds of vegetarians, too!
- Lacto-ovo vegetarians: These people eat vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, dairy products (like milk, cheese), and eggs.
- Lacto-vegetarians: These people eat dairy products but no eggs.
- Vegans: These people do not eat any animal products at all, not even dairy or eggs.
Some examples of foods vegetarians eat include:
- Fruits like apples and bananas
- Vegetables like carrots and spinach
- Grains like rice and wheat bread
- Lentils and beans
- Dairy like milk and cheese
- Eggs (for some vegetarians)
Where do vegetarian foods come from?
Vegetarian food comes from plants and, in some cases, animals that produce milk and eggs. A plant is a living thing that makes its own food from the sun. The cow and the hen are animals, but they give us products like milk and eggs without being harmed for their meat.
Comparison Table: Non-Vegetarian vs. Vegetarian
| Feature | Non-Vegetarian | Vegetarian |
|---|---|---|
| Meat and Fish | Eats meat, fish, and poultry. | Does not eat meat, fish, or poultry. |
| Eggs | Eats eggs. | May or may not eat eggs. |
| Dairy (Milk, Cheese) | Eats dairy products. | Eats dairy products (some types). |
| Plant-Based Food | Eats fruits, vegetables, and grains. | Eats fruits, vegetables, and grains. |
| Main Food Source | Animals and plants. | Plants, and sometimes dairy and eggs. |
| Nutrients | Gets protein and iron from meat, as well as plants. | Gets protein from plant foods like beans and lentils, and sometimes dairy/eggs. |
Let's talk about food groups
All people, whether they are vegetarian or non-vegetarian, need to eat a variety of foods to be healthy. The main difference is where they get their protein and some other nutrients from. Protein helps your body grow and get strong.
Non-vegetarians can get protein from chicken, fish, eggs, milk, or beans. Vegetarians get their protein from other places, like lentils, beans, tofu, nuts, and dairy products. They must eat different kinds of plant foods to make sure they get everything their body needs. For example, a vegetarian might have a yummy meal with a big serving of lentils and a side of vegetables to get lots of protein and vitamins.
Different choices, healthy lives
Whether a person is a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, both can be very healthy. What is most important is that they eat a wide variety of healthy foods. Everyone needs to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and grains to grow big and strong. Making sure a vegetarian diet is well-planned is important, especially for kids, to get all the nutrients they need, like iron and Vitamin B12.
For more information on ensuring children get proper nutrition, a great resource can be found at the Canadian Paediatric Society website.
Conclusion
In simple terms, the main difference between non-vegetarians and vegetarians is the source of their food. Non-vegetarians eat food that comes from both plants and animals. Vegetarians eat food that comes from plants and, in some cases, dairy and eggs, but no meat or fish. Both types of eating can be healthy if the person eats lots of different kinds of foods. The most important thing is to listen to your body and eat what helps you feel your best. It's a big, yummy world out there with many different food choices!
