Like most people, you probably confuse the terms vegetarian and vegan and you probably even wonder whether there’s a difference between the two. Fortunately, our Pembroke Pines vitamin store is committed to enlightening our consumers on the underlying differences and healthy living.
In fact, you can access a wide selection of vitamins, organic food, and natural groceries from our vitamin store Pembroke Pines. An important aspect to note about vegetarians and vegans is that neither eats meat and while vegetarians usually consume eggs and dairy products, vegans avoid every animal product, including dairy and eggs.
Furthermore, vegetarianism is typically a diet while veganism is more of a lifestyle. If you’re unstill unclear about the two, this guide will shed some light.
Vegetarian vs. Vegan Definitions
Typically the term vegetarian merely describes the food one consumes; however numerous vegetarians lead comparable lifestyles. In this case, vegetarians consume a diet that eliminates meat (including slaughter by-products and game; shellfish, fish, and other sea animals). Nevertheless, numerous variants of the diet exist, some of which exclude eggs as well.
Veganism, however, is a lifestyle and philosophy whereby adherents seek to eliminate the use of animals for clothing, food, or any other purpose. The transition for most vegans from a normal diet to their new lifestyle takes place in phases.
This can at times involve going through various less strict diets before adopting lifestyle changes once the attainment of a strict vegan diet occurs.
Dietary Differences
Vegetarian Diet
Most vegetarians don’t consume meat, poultry, or fish but they usually consume eggs and dairy products. Numerous vegetarians also don’t eat products that comprise gelatin or other animal-based products. The key to maintaining a healthy vegetarian diet is including a variety of foods.
Bear in mind that no single food can offer all the nutrients your body requires. For this reason, it’s important you seek consultation from our natural foods store Pembroke Pines. Our nutritional consultant will guide you when it comes to food selection while addressing your unique needs.
It’s important to note that the more limiting your diet is, the higher the likelihood of experiencing a difficult time obtaining all the necessary nutrients. To ensure your diet comprises everything your body requires, pay attention to these nutrients:
Vitamin D and Calcium
Calcium helps maintain and build strong bones and teeth. Dairy foods and milk are highest in calcium though dark green vegetables, for instance, collard greens and broccoli are good to plant sources when consumed in adequate quantities.
Other options include fortified and calcium-enriched products, including cereals, soymilk, and tofu. Vitamin D also plays a crucial role in bone health. Make sure you examine food labels and if you don’t consume adequate fortified foods and have restricted sun exposure, you may require a vitamin D supplement.
Protein
Protein helps in the maintenance of healthy bones, skin, organs, and muscles. Dairy products and eggs are good sources and it’s not necessary to consume huge amounts to meet your needs. You can obtain adequate plant-based foods from our health food store Pembroke Pines.
Vegan Diet
This diet is usually much stricter because adherents avoid fish, meat, and other animal-based products such as honey. They also avoid any food or product that uses animals. This frequently extends to clothing and anything else in which animal products or animals are used.
For instance, a vegan wouldn’t use leather belts or shoes, fur coats, or woolen sweaters. Fruits, nuts, grains, and vegetables are instead staples of the vegetarian and vegan diets. Sometimes tofu serves as a substitute for meat-based products.
Once you understand what constitutes a healthy and balanced vegan diet, you can obtain all the nutrients you require. You must plan your diet properly otherwise, you could potentially miss necessary nutrients, such as iron and calcium.
Foods Vegans Consume
Vegetables and Fruits
These rank high on the list of foods they eat. However, you may have to amend the way you consume them. On a vegan diet, dairy foods are absent, including cheese, milk, and yogurt. Consequently, vegetables are healthy options for this type of diet. For instance, dark green vegetables such as kale offer ample calcium amounts.
Legumes, Seeds, and Nuts
Obtaining sufficient protein can be a concern once you eliminate animal products such as eggs and meat from your diet. However, vegans obtain ample plant-based protein from legumes.
Types of Vegetarians
Lacto vegetarian
This type doesn’t eat white or red meat, eggs, or fish. However, they take dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. While this kind of vegetarian will consume the animal’s dairy product, they won’t consume the actual animal.
Flexitarian
This plant-based diet comprises the occasional meat and these people do their best to restrict meat intake.
Types of Vegans
Raw Vegan
This kind only eats raw, plant-based foods that aren’t heated above 450C. Soaking seeds, nuts, and legumes are popular methods of food preparation in this cuisine.
Paleo Vegan
Followers consume a diet comprising mostly of fish, meat, fruit, and vegetables while excluding processed food and grains.
Reasons for Vegetarianism vs. Veganism
While a number of vegans may cite food allergies or nutritional concerns as the major reason for following this diet, most adopt this lifestyle for political and moral reasons.
When it comes to vegetarianism, a prominent reason is health concerns since the vegetarian diet is frequently high in fiber and low in saturated fats and sugar. On a similar note, some adopt this diet because of the increasing food safety concerns when meat is concerned.
