Difference Between Vegan and Vegetarian

For anyone who has not tried a vegetarian diet or a vegan diet, there is probably some confusion as to how they differ. In fact, the differences are significant, as there’s much more to living vegan than eliminating food products with an animal base from your meals. Individuals sometimes make a change to vegetarianism, not eating meat at first, then making the transition to veganism.

So, What’s The Difference Between Vegan and Vegetarian?

Because the journey to living vegan can be a process that moves from one type of diet to another, it might be best to look at what it means to be vegetarian first. Then, you can learn more about the vegan lifestyle as you make the transition.

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Being Vegetarian

A person who considers themselves a vegetarian will restrict their diet, as they don’t eat meat, fish, or poultry. This forces them to reject certain food offers and to stay away from restaurants and other public eateries that can’t serve their particular diet needs.

If they do frequent those public restaurants, they will be careful to select only those items that fit their diet. Vegetarians may include eggs, cheese, and other dairy products in meals. Some vegetarians take an extra step by consuming dairy but won’t eat foods that are connected to animals (such as eggs).

You could say they not only adhere to a certain diet, but they also may live a certain lifestyle, especially if food choices limit the places they can frequent or the people with whom they socialize. A vegetarian may also have reasons other than health for staying with this special diet.

Sometimes, they have strong philosophical reasons for not consuming certain foods, which means they wouldbe living a specific lifestyle. This distinguishes them from someone who eats fruits and vegetables because they prefer them for taste.

A vegan, on the other hand, eliminates all animal-connected products from their diet, including dairy. A vegan lifestyle will also avoid using leather, wool, silk etc. for clothing choices, because these materials have an animal base. Vegans generally have a strong conviction in this area, a feeling for animals that defines their lives.

Vegan Diet and Lifestyle

A true vegan has made a commitment to a certain standard of living. They avoid consuming meat, dairy, and other animal products, and they will devote some of their time to activism, with a focus on animal rights. The key word for committed vegans is “exploitation.” They firmly believe animals are not to be exploited or used for commercial purposes. This commitment is based on a strong respect for all life.

Vegans combine this conviction with a strong focus on the health benefits of following a vegan diet. They are interested in their own personal benefits of course, but this is often equal to avoiding the use of animals for food, clothing and other products. Those who are interested in details about vegan diets and the lifestyle that goes with them can learn more by visiting The Vegan Miracle.

Studies conducted by such organizations as the World Health Organization (WHO), the British Medical Association (BMA), and others, find a vegetarian diet is far healthier than one including meat. The studies show reducing or eliminating meat in meals reduces the probability of suffering certain chronic diseases.

This may even affect certain types of cancer. The closer one gets to a true vegan diet the better, according to most of these studies. It’s interesting to note that insurance companies recognize the benefits and may give vegetarians and vegans a premium discount.

In Summary

To gather some of this information into a brief form: To understand the difference between a vegetarian and a vegan, you can focus on two key elements. Vegetarians won’t eat meat, fish, or poultry, but they may consume dairy products and eggs.

For many individuals, this is the extent of their commitment to vegetarianism (though it’s quite a commitment). Vegans will eliminate meat, fish, and poultry, and take the additional step of not consuming dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. They won’t eat eggs or any dish made with eggs.

Many vegans also commit to a way of living that focuses on avoiding exploitation of animals in every way. This is sometimes seen in a consistent activism for animal rights, with emphasis on eliminating the commercial use of animals for any products.

This includes food production, of course, but also extends to the use of leather and wool, for example. Sometimes, this activism includes the use of animal-based products in such items as makeup and other luxury items.