How to Be a Lacto Ovo Vegetarian

Being a lacto-ovo vegetarian means that you do not consume meat, fish, or poultry, but you do include dairy products (lacto) and eggs (ovo) in your diet. Here are some steps to help you become a lacto-ovo vegetarian:

1. Educate Yourself: Learn about the health benefits and risks of a vegetarian diet and read up on food sources that can provide essential nutrients like protein, iron, and vitamin B12.

2. Plan Your Meals: Start planning your meals to ensure you're getting a balanced diet. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, dairy, and eggs.

3. Find Vegetarian Recipes: Look for vegetarian recipes online or in cookbooks, there are plenty of websites and resources available that cater to lacto-ovo vegetarians. You can also modify your favorite recipes by substituting meat with vegetarian protein sources.

4. Experiment with New Foods: Being a lacto-ovo vegetarian can be an opportunity to try new foods that you may not have tried before. Experiment with different grains, legumes, and vegetables to find new favorite foods.

5. Ensure Adequate Nutrient Intake: Make sure you're getting enough of essential nutrients that are commonly lacking in a vegetarian diet, such as iron, vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D. You may need to supplement with a multivitamin or include fortified foods in your diet.

6. Inform Others: Let your family and friends know about your new dietary choices, and ask them to support your decision. Be prepared to answer their questions and concerns about your diet.

7. Stay Committed: Stay committed to your new dietary choices and lifestyle. Remember, it's a personal choice, and it may take some time to adjust to a new way of eating, but the rewards are well worth it.