Pescatarian vs Vegetarian: which One is Better?
I've been either a vegetarian or a pescetarian for almost 30 years before any diets went mainstream. I stopped eating most meat in middle school and went from being mostly vegetarian to pescetarian in college when I discovered that I liked to eat seafood occasionally, making it easier to eat out (this was when restaurants Vegetarian food was rare in the U.S.) and I generally felt healthier when I added it to my diet.
There are many popular alternative diets these days, from vegetarian, plant-based to flexitarian, with many different eating styles. I break down the differences between the two diets that I've successfully practiced over the years to help you understand the difference between a pescetarian meals and a vegetarian diet. If you're curious about any of these healthy diets, this guide is for you.
A pescetarian is very similar to a vegetarian, but also includes fish and seafood in their vegetarian diet. It is basically a vegetarian meal with seafood. The word pescetarian actually comes from "pes", which is the Italian word for fish. It is a portmanteau of pesce and the English word vegetarian, hence pescatarian.
About Vegetarian Diet
Types of Vegetarians:
- Lacto Vegetarian: A person who eats dairy products including milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, and butter.
- Ovo Vegetarian: A person who eats eggs.
- Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian: A person who eats both eggs & dairy products.
About Pescatarian Diet
The difference between vegetarian and pescetarian diets is that pescetarians sometimes eat fish and seafood. They don't necessarily eat seafood at every meal and often have a mostly plant-based diet, adding seafood several times a week. That's how I eat!
Pescatarians may also choose to eat milk or eggs, and have similar definitions to vegetarians.
- Lacto Pescatarian: A person who eats dairy products including milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, and butter.
- Ovo Pescatarian: A person who eats eggs.
- Lacto-Ovo Pescatarian: A person who eats both eggs & dairy products.
At the end of the day, the decision to be a pescetarian or a vegetarian is for everyone to make for themselves! Everyone is different and they feel different about what they eat, so you honestly should eat what makes you feel healthy.
If you're curious, try it for a few weeks and see how you feel. If you find yourself eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, this may be a good option for you.
Pay attention to whether you have more or less energy and how your body feels overall. If you're concerned about getting enough protein or vitamins, it's never a bad idea to consult with a doctor or nutritionist before making the switch.


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