The Core Term: Vegetarianism
The most recognized term for a diet that excludes meat is vegetarianism. A person who follows this diet is a vegetarian. The core rule of vegetarianism is abstaining from the flesh of any animal, including red meat, poultry, and seafood. However, the term encompasses several variations based on what other animal products are included.
Different Kinds of Vegetarians
There are several subgroups within vegetarianism, each defined by their specific dietary inclusions and exclusions.
- Lacto-ovo-vegetarian: This is the most common form of vegetarianism. Individuals on this diet do not eat meat but do consume both dairy products (like milk, cheese, and yogurt) and eggs.
- Lacto-vegetarian: These vegetarians abstain from meat and eggs but include dairy products in their diet.
- Ovo-vegetarian: These individuals avoid meat and dairy but do eat eggs.
- Pescatarian: While not strictly vegetarian, this diet is often considered a semi-vegetarian variation. Pescatarians exclude meat and poultry but include fish and other seafood in their diet.
The Strictest Form: Veganism
Beyond vegetarianism is veganism, the strictest form of abstaining from animal products. A vegan consumes no animal products or by-products whatsoever. This includes not only meat, poultry, and seafood, but also dairy, eggs, honey, and any other ingredients derived from animals. For many, veganism is not just a diet but a comprehensive lifestyle philosophy that seeks to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty as far as is possible and practicable. This extends to avoiding leather, wool, silk, and cosmetics or cleaning products tested on animals.
The Flexible Approach: Flexitarianism
For those who want to reduce their meat consumption without fully eliminating it, the term flexitarian is used. A flexitarian follows a diet that is primarily plant-based but occasionally includes meat, poultry, or fish. It’s a flexible, semi-vegetarian approach that focuses on consuming more plant-based foods while still enjoying animal products in moderation. This diet is often adopted for health or environmental reasons, or as a transitional step toward a fully vegetarian diet.
Plant-Based vs. Vegetarian: A Key Distinction
While often used interchangeably, the terms 'plant-based' and 'vegetarian' have a key difference. A vegetarian diet strictly excludes meat but may include dairy and eggs. A plant-based diet, on the other hand, focuses on whole, minimally processed foods from plants, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, while minimizing or eliminating animal products. The key distinction is that a plant-based diet can technically be a flexitarian diet that includes small amounts of meat, while a vegetarian diet, by definition, excludes all meat. The focus is often on the quality and source of the food rather than a strict exclusion of animal products for ethical reasons.
Diet Comparison: Vegetarian vs. Vegan vs. Others
To help clarify the differences between these eating styles, the table below provides a quick comparison of what is typically included in each diet.
| Diet Type | Meat/Poultry | Fish/Seafood | Dairy | Eggs | All Animal Products | Occasional Meat | Primarily Plant-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegan | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Lacto-Vegetarian | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Ovo-Vegetarian | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Pescetarian | No | Yes | Sometimes | Sometimes | No (for meat) | No | Yes |
| Flexitarian | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Yes | Yes |
Common Reasons for Avoiding Meat
People choose to follow diets that involve not eating meat for a variety of personal, ethical, and practical reasons.
- Ethical and Animal Welfare: For many, the primary motivation is a respect for animal life and a rejection of factory farming practices. This is a central tenet of veganism but is also a strong reason for many vegetarians.
- Environmental Concerns: The environmental impact of meat production, including land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions, is a major factor for a growing number of people. Shifting to a more plant-based diet is seen as a way to reduce one's environmental footprint.
- Health Benefits: Research has consistently linked plant-based and vegetarian diets to a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. These diets tend to be lower in saturated fat and cholesterol and higher in fiber and vitamins.
- Religious or Cultural Beliefs: Some religions, such as Jainism and specific branches of Hinduism, have long-standing traditions of vegetarianism.
Conclusion
There is no single correct answer to the question "what do you call not eating meat?" because the practice encompasses a diverse range of dietary patterns and philosophies. While vegetarianism is the most widely understood term for abstaining from animal flesh, it is crucial to recognize the important distinctions and variations. A vegan takes this commitment further by avoiding all animal products, often as part of a broader lifestyle. For those seeking a less restrictive option, flexitarian offers a balanced, predominantly plant-based approach. The variety of terms reflects the varied reasons and degrees to which people choose to reduce or eliminate meat from their diets, from a committed ethical stance to a flexible approach for better health and environmental impact. For more in-depth information on the definitions and variations, consider reading the Wikipedia entry on Vegetarianism.
