Understanding the Differences Between Vegan and Vegetarian Diets
When it comes to plant-based diets, the terms vegan and vegetarian are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two distinct lifestyles. While both diets involve limiting or eliminating the consumption of animal products, there are key differences between the two that are important to understand. Veganism is a more restrictive form of plant-based eating that prohibits the use of all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and honey. Veganism is not just about food — it is a lifestyle choice that involves avoiding all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, from clothing and cosmetics to entertainment. On the other hand, vegetarianism is a dietary choice that involves limiting or avoiding meat, poultry, and seafood, but may include other animal products such as dairy and eggs. There are several different types of vegetarianism, including lacto-ovo-vegetarianism (which includes dairy and eggs), lacto-vegetarianism (which includes dairy but not eggs), and ovo-v...