All seven types of vegetarians are found on Yale's campus. The common thread among all vegetarians is a reliance on plant-based foods and abstinence from meat and meat products. Like many unfamiliar things, vegetarianism can be cloaked in complexity or clouded with confusion. Education in the basics of vegetarianism means overcoming common misconceptions and encouraging an open mind. Healthful vegetarian diets are typically low in fat and high in fiber.
Any diet has the potential to promote or harm health depending on the food it comprises.
Sure, foods like brown rice and tofu are not exciting or flavorful when taken out of their culinary context. But many of today's vegetarian dishes are inspired by a tremendous range of ethnic cuisine's and ingredients. Most of these cuisine's rely on interesting herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients to enhance the flavors of grains, legumes, and vegetables. But there is also simplicity from flavorful combinations of canned beans, pasta or rice, vegetables with or without a topping of shredded cheese. Generally, vegetarians are an adventuresome lot.