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Vegan vs Vegetarian: What's the Difference?

The key points you need to know - by Lottie Dalziel
  • 12 Aug 2019
Vegan vs Vegetarian: What's the Difference?

Q: What is the difference between vegan and vegetarian?

As they rise as two of Australia's most popular eating regimens, vegetarian and vegan diets are very similar but knowing the difference is very handy to know. A vegetarian diet excludes the consumption of meat and fish products whereas a vegan diet excludes all products made from animals. 

What is the definition of being a vegan?

As per The Vegan Society, veganism is defined as: “[A] philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude – as far as is possible and practicable – all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment. In dietary terms it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”

vegan

Pretty much, this means that anyone who follows a vegan lifestyle should refrain from consuming and using all products made from animals (e.g bacon and leather,) as well as all products made by animals (such as milk and butter.) For strict vegans, this also applies to honey; consuming honey is seen as taking advantage of the bees’ labour, especially since the insects are often harmed or killed in the process of harvesting the product. It is for this same reason that many people have chosen to boycott avocados.

Health benefits of being vegan

Because you increase your vegetable intake on a vegan diet this has an array of health benefits. Firstly, eating a colourful rainbow of vegetables helps provide more fibre, antioxidants, potassium, magnesium, folate and vitamins A, C and E. It also helps lower blood sugar levels, improve kidney function, often results in weight loss and may also protect against some cancers.

vegan

Celebrities who are vegan:

  • Miley Cyrus - vegan
  • Jason Mraz - vegan
  • Olivia Wilde - vegan
  • Russell Brand - vegan

Still interested? The list keeps going here.

What is the definition of being vegetarian?

The latest Roy Morgan Research reveals that “between 2012 and 2016, the number of Australian adults whose diet is all or almost all vegetarian has risen from 1.7 million people (or 9.7% of the population) to almost 2.1 million (11.2%).” 

So what is vegetarianism? A vegetarian diet is based around a plant-based diet which removes all meat and fish. If someone is a lacto-vegetarian they still eat dairy and if they are an ovo-lacto-vegetarian dairy and eggs are still included. 

vegetarian

Health benefits of being vegetarian

Jessica Spendlove, sports dietitian at Health & Performance Collective, explains that one of the main benefits of eating a vegetarian diet is that it is “rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre.” This is due to the large quantities of vegetables, legumes and fruits that are consumed.

Jess continues that there is also “evidence showing plant-based diets have a positive relationship with reducing risk of diabetes, heart disease and a number of cancers.”

lea michelle

Celebrities who are vegetarian:

  • Natalie Portman - vegetarian
  • Lea Michelle - vegetarian
  • Chris Martin - vegetarian
  • Kristen Bell - vegetarian

Want to find more? The list continues.

How would someone go about transitioning to a vegan or vegetarian diet?

For those wanting to make the transition to a vegan or vegetarian diet, Jess Spendlove, who is also the dietitian for the GWS AFL team, recommends “switching over time rather than making drastic adjustments.” For example “aim to have one or two plant-based days per week, and then seeing how you feel and respond.”

There is an abundance of evidence supporting an increasing amount of plant-based foods in the diet and “while some people may like to switch to a completely plant-based diet, others may find a more flexible approach which still includes animal protein, but has more plant-based meals, might benefit them.”

What does one need to be aware of before switching to a plant-based diet?

“The risk of certain nutritional deficiencies is increased when following a purely plant-based diet.” Talk to your doctor or accredited practising dietitian before many any drastic lifestyle changes.

Looking for recipe inspiration? Browse our collection of vegan and vegetarian recipes.

Lottie Dalziel
Lottie Dalziel
Lottie Dalziel, is a 4AM riser and coffee-addict who lives and breathes all things food. When she isn't reading up on the latest trends in sustainability or discovering ways to upcycle almost anything, you can find her by the beach, cooking up a storm or adding to her abundant (some would say out of control) plant collection.

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