Livin' the life(style diet).

If you have ever been on a diet, you know that the effects simply don't last once you resume your normal eating habits. In order to receive lasting benefits, you really need to change your entire lifestyle and relationship with food. So, to help you out, we have compiled a list of these different "lifestyle diets" to help you think about the kinds of extremes some people take.

Vegetarianism

While you may think a vegetarian diet is self-explanatory, there are many varieties to choose from, each with their own set of rules. 

Total Vegetarians: The diet consists entirely of food from plant sources.

Lacto-Vegetarians: While this diet is still based in the consumption of plant products, dairy products are also allowed.

Lacto-Ovo Vegetarians: This type of vegetarian diet allows both dairy and egg products in addition to the primary plant food.

Pollo-Vegetarians: With this type of diet, poultry products are allowed. Only beef products are eliminated.

Pesco-Vegetarians: The only type of meat allowed here is seafood.

Semi-Vegetarian/Flexitarian: While this diet consists of mostly plant sources, meat, eggs, and dairy products are allowed on occasion.

Veganism

Veganism is by far the strictest of the lifestyle diets. A vegan diet consists entirely of food from plant sources. Animal products, including those from dairy, eggs, or honey are not allowed.

Vegetarian and Vegan diets have proven to provide many positive health benefits such as decreased risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. However, vegetarians and vegans need to follow a strict dietary code to ensure adequate nutrition. Neglecting to obtain certain nutrients from plant sources can lead to long-term health problems. The benefits can far outweigh the costs if, of course, you take the diet seriously.

An Eau Claire native and vegetarian, who wishes to remain anonymous, has experienced positive health outcomes from the dietary shift, as a diabetic.

“Since I decided to quit eating meat and adopt a plant-based diet, I have had noticeably better control over my blood-sugar levels. Switching to vegetarianism is probably the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Eau Clairian Susan Feather also sees vegetarianism in a positive light.
“With all the health benefits, switching to a vegetarian diet just made sense,” said Feather. “I’m very happy with my decision.”

Vegetarian and vegan diets are becoming increasingly more prevalent. More restaurants are beginning to offer vegetarian friendly dishes, and more people are beginning to accept the decision to switch.

 

The Raw Deal in Menomonie.

Raw Foods

The raw foods diet is becoming increasingly more common among lifestyle diets. All meals consist of safe, uncooked food such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains. The diet itself is fairly self-explanatory and has many health benefits.

“In short, the idea behind vegan raw foods is the food is not heated above 105 degrees, leaving the enzymes alive, which results in your body being able to absorb all the nutrients,” said Ashley Score of Raw Deal, a raw foods restaurant in Menomonie. “The more vegan raw foods in your diet, the better, but you certainly do not have to be exclusively raw to benefit your health and energy. After all, you are what you eat!”

Whether you are thinking of changing your diet for health or ethical reasons, or you simply want to try something new for 2011, a lifestyle change is a full commitment. Do your research first!