What is the Difference Between Vegetarianism & Veganism?
The differences are varied and important
There are several differences between vegetarianism and veganism, not the list of which is that veganism is a lifestyle wherein vegetarianism is generally a description of a specific diet. To expand, veganism includes not only a specific diet but also extends to other areas of the practitioner's daily choices including the purchasing of products that are other than food. Specifically, a vegan will not intentionally buy any product that results from the exploitation of animals. For example, the purchase of leather goods would not be a choice made by a vegan. A vegetarian may also practice the same prohibition, however, it is not necessarily a “must not”.
As it regards the diet enjoyed by each a vegetarian and a vegan, a vegan will not consume any food that results from an animal source. In its strictest form, that means in addition to no meat, veganism does not allow the consumption of
- honey
- dairy products
- egg products
- seafood product
- gelatin or other animal-sourced food ingredients
A vegetarian, on the other hand, may choose to eat any of those ancillary animal produced foods while observing the “no meat” prohibition.
Personally, I enjoyed a vegetarian diet for many years before transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. During the vegetarian timeframe, I enjoyed dairy products. Additionally, I was not mindful of other consumer products and their impact on animals. I wore leather shoes as an example.
One of the best books I have ever read on the scientific proof of the health benefits of a vegan diet is Dr. Michael Greger’s “How Not to Die”. It is available on Amazon at the link below:
Though I have not read it, the following book on being a healthy vegetarian receives good reviews on Amazon:
Complete Nutrition Guide & Recipe Book: Nancy Addison: 9781518632402: Amazon.com: Books
Peace and Health to You always.
Vegan Gently Blog
