More and more Americans are choosing a vegetarian lifestyle. Some do so because of their love of animals. Others out of concern for the environment. Some for religious reasons, and still others in an effort to enhance their health. Vegetarian diets have been shown to reduce:
* cancer,
* heart disease,
* hypertension,
* renal disease,
* obesity, and
* rheumatoid disease to name a few.

In addition, people who choose a vegetarian lifestyle also tend to take on other healthful lifestyle behaviors such as avoidance of smoking, regular exercise and reduced alcohol consumption. There are several different vegetarian eating plans including:
* Meat avoiders. These people eat all foods, but avoid red meat
* Lacto-ovo vegetarians. Eat all fruits, vegetables and grains as well as eggs and milk and dairy products. They do not eat meat, fish or poultry.
* Ovo vegetarians. These people eat all plant foods and eggs. They do not eat meat, fish, poultry or milk and dairy products.
* Lacto vegetarians. These people eat all plant foods as well as milk and dairy products. They do not eat meat, fish, poultry or eggs.
* Pesco vegetarians. Eat all plant foods as well as fish. They do not eat red meat, poultry, eggs, milk or dairy products.
* Vegan. These people eat only plant foods and predominantly fruits, vegetables and grains.

Most vegetarian diets are nutritionally adequate with the exception of the pesco and vegan diets which are low in many nutrients. Long term vegetarians who do not consume any meat or dairy products will need to take a daily supplement of vitamin B-12. Vegetarians who avoid milk and dairy may need a calcium supplement. They should drink calcium-fortified juices or soy milk. Iron and zinc may also be inadequate in a vegetarian diet.

Eating vegetarian can led to improved health. But, it needs to be done wisely. Some people change to a vegetarian diet, but may continue to make poor food choices such as eating large amounts of junk foods. This has been called by some the "Twinkie vegetarian". Don't get caught in this practice, it will lead to a very deficient diet which provides none of the healthy benefits associated with healthy vegetarian diets.

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