Spot the Differences: Vegan vs Vegetarian
There are many people unsure of the differences of vegan vs vegetarian. There is a broad understanding that both groups avoid eating meat but the exact distinction is still too blurred. Here is a quick primer on the differences between both the diets.
Vegetarians
Let us start by understanding vegetarianism because in some senses it is the umbrella term that covers all those who avoid eating meat. Vegetarians rely on grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts for their sustenance. Among this larger group, there are sub-groups such as lacto-vegetarian and lacto-ovo vegetarian. Lacto-vegetarians are those that consume dairy products and lacto-ovo vegetarians are those that have dairy and eggs. There is even a term for those who eat seafood but no dairy or eggs and these people are called pescetarians. In this case fish or seafood is not seen as meat.
Vegetarian diet is selective but there is no universality that applies to all practicing vegetarians. It is best to ask each person their preferences to be sure.
Vegans
‘Vegans’ refers to a life-style choice as much as a dietary choice. Vegans do avoid eating meat but they are much more comprehensive in their avoidance of all animal derived items in their food and in their overall lifestyle. So, not only do they avoid dairy, seafood and eggs, they also avoid using leather and fur. This is a philosophical and ideological choice based on the belief that it is unfair to animals for humans to take away things from other creatures which can use those resources. The diet is based on the belief that humans can survive, and even flourish, without putting a strain on other creatures around them. There is a strong animal rights component to a vegan philosophy. It is worth noting that the term dietary vegan is sometimes used to refer to people who believe in the vegan philosophy but do not strictly follow it in the matter of using animal or animal-derived products for non-food purposes.
Similarities and differences
Vegans and vegetarians do not eat meat such as beef, veal or pork. There is variation in how they approach other animal-derived food items such as dairy and eggs. While cheese and milk are okay for some vegetarians, it is by and large a strict no-no for vegans. Vegans even go to the extent in some cases of avoiding honey.
Vegetarianism stems from cultural and religious conditioning and while the underlying philosophy is not hurting animals, the vocabulary of animal rights is more often used by vegans. Vegans are ideologically more cohesive in that they believe that diet is only one of the areas where one can practice thoughtfulness to the animal kingdom and assert the need to be less aggressive in human use of animal derived products such as wool and leather also.
Vegans do not approve of animals being raised to provide food for humans. They tend to express their belief that humans can manage very well without products derived from animals.
You can choose to be a vegan or vegetarian depending on your level of discomfort with the idea of animals being used to support the human race. Some vegans see vegetarians as vegans-in-training as diet is the first step to letting go of a dependence on animal-derived products.
Both of these are ideologies with strong support and it is best to adopt them with an awareness of the commitment. The idea is to be respectful of the philosophies and if neither of them seem like a reasonable option it may be better to try experimenting without one or two elements such as meat or leather. The labels are a reflection of deep-rooted ideals and those taking on these labels should always stay true to those ideals.