What is the difference between a vegetarian and a vegan?

There was once a time when man was vegetarian only. That changed over time and consumption of meat found it’s into man’s daily diet. Over the years, the issue of eating or not eating meat has had many baffled and confused. So has the decision to decide what kind of vegetarian one wants to become should they choose. Should you be lacto-vegetarian, ovo-lacto vegetarian, vegan…what to do? What to do?

Well let me help you out a little bit. It is all so confusing and yet so simple. Even a baby can figure it all out. Yeah right! Let me put your mind at ease. Here are the definitions:

Lacto-Vegetarian: no meat or eggs, but they do eat milk products
Ovo-Vegetarian: eat no meat, but do eat eggs and dairy products
Vegan: eat no meat, eggs, dairy products, or products with animal by-products, and, for some, not even honey (because bees are animals).

Many vegans will not even wear shoes, clothes, nor use items that are made from animals. My family just focuses on the food and a few household items, like soaps made from pig fat.

So there you have it in a nutshell. Now after reading this, there are probably more of you who are vegetarian than originally assumed. Now isn’t that something?

Why do people choose to become vegan?

I became a vegan because of the fact that I had high cholesterol and I was overweight; and dairy (I love cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese), red meat and pork were the main culprits in my life. My spiritual life also plays a part in my decision to leave stuff like pork, and seafood (not fish) alone. Also I married a man who had been vegan for over 14 years when I met him. So you know when in Rome…do as.

For others the reasons for this type of lifestyle include religion, harsh treatment of animals, health, ecological, and ethical issues. It is all really a matter of personal choice and no one should be put down for their decision to eat or not eat meat. However, it would be a good idea to eat more kosher meat and leave pork alone. In spite of all the hype about pork being the other white meat, it is not very healthy for your body at all.

What do vegans eat?

That is one I get all the time. The answer is simple. Vegans eat everything you do minus the meat, eggs, dairy, or anything else made from animal products. Now, if all you eat is meat, eggs, dairy, or anything else made from animal products, then we have nothing in common where food is concerned.

Vegans also tend to purchase all their food on the parameters of the grocery store, leaving most canned goods, and processed foods alone.

How do Vegans get their protein?

I wrote about this subject on while on vacation in Los Angeles. Read about in here

How do I feed my vegan child?

Feeding the vegan child is not as hard as one might think. Read this article by our in house expert, Joana Duran, RN.

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