The Difference Between Vegan and Vegetarian: Which One is Right for You?

As someone who has recently started reducing my consumption of animal products, I can vouch for the fact that most people, including myself, have been confused about the differences between veganism and vegetarianism. During a recent date with a girl, I was pleasantly surprised when she was able to accurately describe the differences between these two diets, which led me to want to educate others as well.

In this article, we will explore the differences between veganism and vegetarianism so that you can make an informed decision about which diet is best for you.

What is Veganism and Vegetarianism?

Veganism is defined as “the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals.” In simpler terms, vegans do not consume or use any animal products whatsoever.

Vegetarianism, on the other hand, is defined as “the practice of abstaining from the consumption of meat and may also include abstention from by-products of animal slaughter.” Vegetarians do not eat meat, but may consume other animal products such as eggs and dairy.

The Origins of Veganism and Vegetarianism

The term “vegetarian” was first used in 1839 and referred to a “vegetable diet.” Vegetarians have been around for centuries, and it is said that the Greek teacher Pythagoras advocated for a vegetarian diet as early as the 7th century BCE.

Veganism, on the other hand, is a much more recent phenomenon. The term was coined by Donald Watson in 1944, almost 100 years after the word “vegetarian” was first used. Watson originally meant “vegan” to be known as “non-dairy vegetarian,” but the Vegan Society later defined it as “the doctrine that man should live without exploiting animals.”

Why Veganism is More Hardcore Than Vegetarianism

Vegetarianism is the more generic term of veganism. To put it simply, veganism is the more hardcore version of vegetarianism. While vegetarians do not consume meat, they may still consume other animal products such as eggs and dairy. Vegans, on the other hand, do not consume or use any animal products whatsoever.

While both diets have ethical, health, and environmental reasons behind them, veganism is often considered more of a lifestyle than just a diet. Vegans aim to minimize the exploitation of all animals, while vegetarianism mainly reduces direct violence on the animals (such as slaughter). This is the reason why veganism has a cult-like status, as it is more about a compassionate lifestyle than just an eating behavior.

Going Vegan or Vegetarian: Where to Start

Deciding whether to go vegan or vegetarian is a personal decision that depends on your reasons for wanting to follow a plant-based diet. If you’re considering becoming a vegetarian or vegan, it’s important to start slowly and gradually change your diet to minimize any resistance.

If you’re considering becoming a vegetarian, start by getting informed about different vegetarian options and reading more about how to become a vegetarian. Take baby steps by eliminating one category of meat at a time until you’ve managed to eliminate all meat from your diet.

If you’re interested in becoming vegan, follow similar steps to becoming a vegetarian: start by researching about vegan diets, eliminating dairy and eggs one by one, and gradually replacing all animal products with plant-based options. Educating yourself about the ethics and environmental reasons behind veganism is also an important step to staying committed to the lifestyle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, veganism and vegetarianism are two plant-based diets that can be chosen for ethical, health, and environmental reasons. While the two are similar, veganism is more extreme than vegetarianism as it aims to minimize the exploitation of all animals, while vegetarianism mainly reduces direct violence on animals (such as slaughter). Regardless of which diet you choose, taking gradual steps and educating yourself about these two lifestyles are key to staying committed in the long term.