Difference between
vegetarians and vegans
For simplicity, the difference between vegetarians and vegans is that while vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, or poultry, vegans neither eat nor use the products of any animal.
Donald Watson is said to have coined the term 'vegan' in 1944. He doesn't specifically address the difference between vegetarians and vegans, but he explains veganism this way:
"Veganism is a way of living which excludes all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, the animal kingdom, and includes a reverence for life. It applies to the practice of living on the products of the plant kingdom to the exclusion of flesh, fish, fowl, eggs, honey, animal milk and its derivatives, and encourages the use of alternatives for all commodities derived wholly or in part from animals."
That is that and all that we care about regarding the difference between vegetarians and vegans. Now, whether an individual who chooses to be a vegetarian or vegan does so because of a belief system or a health issue does not concern us. Our interest is apolitical and revolves around healthy eating and the associated methods and interesting facts we find along the way. If we gather a great vegan recipe, great! If we only find a vegetarian recipe for a great meal, so be it!
The various health associations, like the American Dietetic Association, have acknowledged that a totally meatless and animal productless diet can fulfill the human requirements for a healthy diet. Regardless of the difference between vegetarians and vegans, all that remains is figuring out how to do this on terms that are manageable in the normal hectic day with which most of us must contend.
The Vegetarian Food Pyramid is a good starting point. We have included foods that do not conform to the difference between vegetarians and vegans, but have starred* those which, for vegans, are not an option:
Level 1: Oils = 2-3 tsp
Level 2: Nuts and Seeds = 1-2 oz
Level 3a: Milk*and its products = 3 servings
Level 3b: Protein Foods = 2-3 servings (beans, legumes, eggs*, tofu, tempeh)
Level 4a: Leafy Greens = 2-3 servings (lettuce, kale, spinach, Swiss chard, mustard)
Level 4b: Other Vegetables = 2-4 servings
Level 4c: Fruit = 2-4 servings (juice, fresh fruit, dried fruit)
Level 5: Whole Grains = 6-11 servings (bread, cereal, oatmeal, pasta, rice, crackers)
Regardless of the difference between vegetarians and vegans, here's to good and healthy eating!
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