herbivore tales from an by Jordy Byrd photo by Steve Rodenbough One of the most common things I'm asked as a vegetarian is "what do you eat?" Being the sweetheart I am, I tell them food and run away. Why do I run? First, because I can, and second because this question is never easy to understand. unprocessed food, heated to a temperature less than 105 degrees. Fruititarains only eat fruits, nuts and seeds (no plant roots, i.e. carrots and potatoes). That's as basic as it gets. Currently, I am a lacto-ovovegetarian that eats eggs and dairy products. Although it requires no explanation, I'm giving you one. I eat eggs, because it's possible to eat unfertilized eggs, never capable of hatching into chickens. Moreover, the dairy products I eat are organic and come from free-range cows. If you're lost on the lingo, don't sweat it. I'll discuss these topics later. If you're wondering what a meatless meal tastes like, just try one. If worst comes to worse, you can just add chicken. It goes with everything right? _____________________________ Jordy Byrd received her B.A. in Journalism from Washington State University, and is now in Spokane enjoying long seasons, good friends and family. C ase in point. Last winter I traveled to Germany. Having informed my hosts I was a vegetarian, I thought things would run smoothly. Yet again, my naivety overcame me. Throughout my trip I was served meat. One host said, "you're a vegetarian, oh I'll make duck." Another so kindly explained that it was ok because she "made me a little piece of schnitzel (fried pork) for me instead." I understand that cultural factors affected my encounters; and yet this misunderstanding happens continually at home. The question after all, is legitimate, as there are many types of vegetarians. But before I delve into the ins and outs of being a veggie tale (my pet name for vegetarians), I have one forewarning. These titles are not to be given or labeled by others. Rather, it is up to each individual to determine if, and how they want to be identified. Now, here are 2 generalized variations of vegetarian diets. · Pescatarians: Individuals who don't eat any meat except fish and other sea creatures. · Vegetarian: Individuals who don't eat any meat. However, there are several variations. Lacto-ovo-vegetarians incorporate eggs and dairy products into their diets. Lacto- vegetarians do not eat eggs, but eat dairy products. Finally, ovo-vegetarians eat dairy products, but do not eat eggs. If this seems difficult, it's because it is. As a cheat sheet, remember the Latin root. Lacto means milk and ovo means egg. · Vegan: Individuals who don't eat meat, but also refrain from eating all dairy products including animal-derived ingredients like gelatin. · Raw vegan / fruititarians: Individuals who eat no meat or dairy and generally eat | December 2008 | Q View Northwest - Spokane Edition | www.qviewnorthwest.com