Whether it’s for health-related, ethical or environmental reasons, we’re happy the world is finally realising the importance of and acknowledging vegan and vegetarian diets and lifestyles. And yet, despite its widespread prevalence, for the most of society the difference between the terms ‘vegan’ and ‘vegetarian’ continues to seem murky.
Due to the confusion as to what each lifestyle includes and excludes, and in celebration of World Vegan Month, we’re doing something we’re sure vegans and vegetarians alike will appreciate more than anything (apart from obvious awareness & respect of animal rights and compassion and non-violence towards animals)
And that is…
Clarifying the difference between Veganism and Vegetarianism once and for all!
In a nutshell, veganism is a lifestyle which seeks to exclude, as far as possible, all forms of exploitation and cruelty towards animals for food, clothing and any other purpose. The diet is a plant-based one, comprising of fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, legumes, pulses and nuts. It excludes all animal by-products, such as dairy, eggs and even honey as it is harvested by the exploitation of bees.
Individuals who choose this diet for ethical and moral reasons are passionate about animal welfare. Because of this, they may avoid wearing suede and leather since they are made from animal skins. In addition to this, they may also avoid textiles that are made from animal by-products, such as wool and silk, because the animals used to produce these materials are often harmed in the process. Vegans may also look for cruelty-free beauty products.
Vegetarians, on the other hand, don’t eat animals but may eat their bi-products. Many who choose this diet do so because of health concerns, religious restrictions and also moral concerns as do the vegans. There are many variations of vegetarianism, such as those discussed below:
- Lacto-ovo / ovo-lacto, from the Latin words for “milk” and “egg,” is the most common type of vegetarian. Those who follow this diet eat dairy products while avoiding meat, poultry and seafood.
- Lacto vegetarians eat dairy products while avoiding eggs, meat, poultry and seafood.
- Ovo vegetarians eat eggs while avoiding dairy products, meat, poultry and seafood
- Pesco vegetarians or pescatarians, don’t technically meet the strict definition of vegetarianism. Those following this semi-vegetarian diet do eat fish and other seafood but like the other vegetarians, also avoid poultry and meat.
Transitioning to veganism or vegetarianism can come with a lot of surprises since many don’t realise just how many seemingly animal-free foods actually contain traces of animal products. Take for example candies and non-fat yoghurt, which often include gelatin made from animal parts. Keeping this in mind, both vegans and vegetarians should ask restaurants how their food is prepared before ordering it. Sauces and soups might not contain animal meat as we know it, but could be prepared using chicken or beef stock and fried foods may be made using animal fat.
If you’re interested in these diets, but have nutritional concerns, you should know that these diets can be very healthy but like everyone else should, those who take on these lifestyles should remain mindful of nutrition deficiencies. Because dairy products are a major source of Calcium and Vitamin D, ovo vegetarians and vegans should substitute with dark leafy greens and other foods and vegetables fortified with calcium. Good thing that vegans and vegetarians don’t suffer from a lack of deliciously nutritious foods!
Good thing that vegans and vegetarians don’t suffer from a lack of deliciously nutritious foods!
Did you know?
– Industrial agriculture causes tremendous animal suffering
– Excluding meat and dairy reduces your carbon footprint
– Switching to a plant based diet lowers risk of certain diseases
– It takes almost 100 times more water to produce 1kg of meat than it does to produce 1kg of wheat
– Vegan foods, which exclude unhealthy fats, are lower in calories
– Not all vegetarians are vegetarian for the same reason/Not all vegans are vegan for the same reason
– Vegan diets are 100% cholesterol free (cholesterol is only found in animal products)
