Who is a vegetarian?
The term “vegetarian” can encompass a range of dietary practices, so it’s important to be specific when asking about “who is vegetarian.” Here’s a breakdown:
Generally, a vegetarian is someone who does not eat meat, poultry, or fish. However, there are different types of vegetarianism with varying levels of restriction:
- Lacto-ovo vegetarianism: This is the most common type of vegetarianism. It excludes meat, poultry, and fish, but includes dairy products (like milk, cheese,yoghurt) and eggs.
- Lacto vegetarian:This excludes meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, but includes dairy products.
- Ovo vegetarian:This excludes meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products, but includes eggs.
- Vegan:This is the most restrictive type of vegetarianism. It excludes all animal products, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, eggs, and honey.
Additionally, some people identify with terms that aren’t technically vegetarian but include some meat in their diet:
- Pescatarian:This includes fish and seafood but excludes other types of meat.
- Flexitarian:This refers to someone who primarily eats a vegetarian diet but occasionally consumes meat or fish.
Travelling as a vegetarian
Travelling as a vegetarian can be a bit challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to try new foods and experience different cultures. Here are some tips to make your travels easier and more enjoyable:
- Research the local cuisine: Before you leave, research the local cuisine to see what kinds of options are available. Some countries, such as India, are well known for their vegetarian-friendly food, while others may not have as many options.
- Learn some key phrases: Knowing how to say “I am a vegetarian” in the local language can be very helpful when ordering food. It can also be a good idea to learn some words for common vegetarian ingredients, such as “tofu” or “tempeh.”
- Plan ahead: If you’re staying in a hotel or AirBnB, consider asking if they can provide vegetarian meals. If you’re staying in a rural area, it may be a good idea to pack some non-perishable vegetarian snacks, such as crackers or granola bars.
- Be flexible: While it’s important to have a good idea of what you can eat, it’s also important to be flexible. In some countries, vegetarian options may be limited, and you may need to adapt to what’s available. For example, in some cultures, it may be common to add eggs to dishes that would otherwise be vegetarian.
- Get recommendations: Ask locals, hotel staff, and fellow travellers for recommendations on vegetarian-friendly restaurants or dishes. This can be a great way to try new foods and find hidden gems.
- Be mindful of cultural differences: In some cultures, it may be considered rude to refuse food that is offered to you. If you’re offered a non-vegetarian dish, try to be polite and explain your dietary restrictions.
- Try street food: Street food is a great way to sample the local cuisine and often offers a wide variety of vegetarian options. Just be sure to choose vendors that seem trustworthy and have good hygiene practices.
By following these tips, you can have a great time travelling as a vegetarian and trying new foods. Travelling as a vegetarian is an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience! Not only do you get to experience amazing new foods, cultures, and cuisines but you also get the chance to advocate for animal rights and reduce the amount of your carbon footprint.
Eating vegetarian when abroad can increase access to some of the more traditional foods like curries, stir-fries and salads – all made with fresh ingredients from local markets. Plus, you don’t have to always stick to typical “vegetarian” dishes; by avoiding dairy and eggs, vegan dishes like hummus platters or tofu wraps are easily accessible in many cities around the globe. Whether it’s learning a new language or understanding how cultures outside of your own view vegetables and plant-based proteins – travelling as a vegetarian can teach you so much about the world around you and maybe even yourself!
Happy travels!
