These days it seems everyone’s on a restricted diet.

Here are ten of them.

1. Kosher. This means the historic Jewish restrictions. You know, no ham. But that’s just for starters. And even the plates must be blessed.
2. Halal. The Muslim equivalent of dietary laws. By the way, Ramadan still sounds like cheating. I mean, what’s the hardship of refraining during the day if you can eat like a pig, uh, beast all night?
3. Eastern Orthodox fasting.  Food’s allowed, but the options are highly limited. No olive oil, for instance, and no meat. It can be tricky.
4. Caffeine-free. The Mormon church recently lifted this restriction from carbonated drinks, though it still holds for hot coffee or tea. Some other disciplines, including yogis, also ban it.
5. Vegan. Or its less restrictive vegetarian alternatives.
6. Gluten-free or lactose-free or peanut-free. Based on a medical diagnosis, OK?
7. Healthy Heart. A little broader, largely to reduce cholesterol levels.
8. Weight-loss. Oh, my, these are endless and ever so trendy.
9. Alcohol-free. Sometimes as a religious tenet, sometimes as a consequence of addiction.
10. Hindu. No beef. Those cows are sacred … and sources of milk.

Are you observing any dietary restrictions?