Vegan vs. Vegetarian

What’s the Difference?

Vegetarianism has been practiced for many centuries. Some choose a vegetarian diet for religious beliefs or ethical reasons; others simply believe it is a healthier way to live.

Vegetarianism does not cause any health problems – as long as one includes all of the necessary vitamins and minerals in their vegetarian diet.

Many people believe that the words “Vegetarian” and “Vegan” mean the same thing. They don’t.

Vegans eat a specific type of diet and often try to avoid any animal products in their lives altogether.

Vegetarian is a broader term that encompasses several different diets.

Vegans do not eat any type of animal flesh. They do not consume any animal products, such as eggs or milk. Most vegans do not even use or eat honey. Some do not even eat yeast products.

Vegan lifestyle characteristics include not wearing any type of animal product, including silk or wool. They will not use any products including makeup or lotions that contain ingredients which originate from animals.

Vegan societies set these requirements. Individuals may or may not follow them completely. The principle is to avoid using or consuming anything that could harm any type of animal. People whom adhere to a strict vegan diet but are not so concerned with non-food uses of animal products are called dietary vegans.

How to Avoid Animal Ingredients teaches you about the Vegan lifestyle, how to find true vegan products by identifying hidden animal ingredients on food labels and in restaurants.

Vegetarian Diets:

Lacto Vegetarians have the same dietary principles as vegans – except they consume milk products.

Ovo-Lacto vegetarians are the same as lacto vegetarians – except they also consume eggs and egg products.

Both groups may or may not avoid the use of non-food animal products.

Pesectarians consume something similar to a vegetarian diet, although they do eat fish.

Fruitarians eat a vegan diet, but they also avoid eating foods that kill the plant when harvested.

What’s the best vegetarian diet?

Well that depends on your individual beliefs and motives for being a vegetarian.

Those who are vegetarians because they want to avoid supporting factory farming techniques often become pesectarians.
People who want to combat animal cruelty often opt for a vegan diet.
Those who want to avoid the health risks of consuming meat may become lacto or ovo-lacto vegetarians.

Some people claim that a raw vegan diet, in which vegan foods are not cooked above 115 degrees Fahrenheit, is the healthiest diet for humans. There is some debate around the subject, but either way it is possible to eat a raw vegan diet and still consume all of the nutrients we need to survive.

Kristen’s Raw tells you the details and benefits of a Raw Diet, How to get started and Tons of Raw Recipes.

Veganism is simply a subcategory of vegetarianism. Due to the very strict requirements of their diets, they are also called strict vegetarians. The basic difference is that vegetarians may or may not eat foods that are forbidden by the vegan diet.

Whatever type of diet you decide to consume, just make sure you are getting all of the nutrients and vitamins your body requires! Vegetarian Cooking offers mouthwatering delicious vegetarian recipes and a step by step guide to a vegetarian lifestyle.

Also, note that just because you are a vegetarian doesn’t mean you won’t have a weight problem. If you are trying to lose weight with a vegetarian diet you’ll find Healthy Vegetarian menus at eDiets.com.

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