Vegan vs Vegetarian

As I have stated in a previous post, I am now a vegetarian.   This is a choice for me for physical reasons pertaining to my family health history.

For this post, I wanted to focus a bit on the difference between vegan and vegetarian and share a bit more about the challenges.

Vegetarian: encompasses the practice of following plant-based diets (fruits, vegetables, etc.), with or without the inclusion of dairy products or eggs, and with the exclusion of meat (red meat, poultry, and seafood). Abstention from by-products of animal slaughter, such as animal-derived rennet and gelatin, may also be practiced.   Source: Wikipedia

 

Vegan: excludes all animal products, including eggs, dairy, and honey.  Source: Wikipedia

 

There are of course variations of vegetarianism and just as many reasons for choosing this life style.    For me, I have eliminated all animal products save cheese and honey.   The rule of thumb I use is simple – if it has a mother, then I can’t eat it OR you could decide on your diet based on the form of locomotion – if it walks, slithers, swims, or fly’s, its off the menu.

This choice of eating has been a bit of a challenge, but I have adjusted.   I am enjoying new ways to cook in the kitchen and finding it fun, but occasionally, I find myself wishing for a hamburger – usually after they show it on a commercial.   That’s advertising for you!

Temptation is a part of life and we are programmed to like that which stimulates us (sugar, sex, chocolate, food, etc).   However, we also can use reason and logic to keep us on the paths we choose.   Being a vegetarian or vegan is easy for some and harder for others, but how do you know until you try?

If you are considering changing your diet, good for you!    The best thing is to decide you want to do it, then do it, but do it for yourself and then stick to it.   I recommend a gradual change as that will help your body to adjust better (vs going cold turkey).     Enjoy life!