Wait, it's not the same? I thought they were.
Well, you are not alone. Even with the rising numbers of people going vegan every year, people are still confused with the difference between vegans and vegetarians. In some countries, people think that these terms are interchangeable or mean the same but in reality, they are very different from each other.
Let me break it down to you.
Vegetarianism is a kind of diet where a person eats only plant-based food with the addition of dairy and poultry products. The people who are on a vegetarian diet still consume any animal product they wish to use such as leather, fur, wool, silk, pearls, honey and any by-product of animals aside from meat.
On the other hand, Veganism is a lifestyle. Not a diet, but a lifestyle which means that vegans don’t just choose to be vegan and eat fruits, vegetables, legumes or grains but they also choose not to consume or use any by-products of any animals. No dairy products, no eggs, no honey and no use of leather, wool, fur or silk. Vegan lifestyle is choosing to eat only food that is made from plants.
To make it simple, Vegans don’t consume ANYTHING that is produced or made or has any ingredients mixed with animal products and by-products.
For some, Vegetarianism is a stepping stone to going Vegan. Most people started as vegetarian because of the reason that they “can’t give up cheese and milk”. Some stayed vegetarian but some were able to go vegan. Some might think that going Vegan is extreme especially if someone grew up in a family that consumes meat all the time. In reality, it is one of the best things a person can do not only for his/her health but also for the environment.
It could be really tricky sometimes because some people might assume that being vegan is the same as vegetarian. But it’s not. As a person who either thrives in this diet or lifestyle it is best to help educate people because the best person to explain it to them is the one who is living and breathing to that diet and lifestyle.