Vegetarians and Vegans

Whats the difference?

To eat or not eat meat. . . this is the question on many people’s mind.

The negative impact of animal foods on health, the damage associated with animal foods and the environment, religious beliefs, and the desire to protect and respect animals are some of the reasons for the increase in the number of people consuming vegetarian diets.

Many people express an interest in consuming a vegetarian diet but don’t do so because they are unsure of how to do it or are not ready to give up meat.

Fortunately, there are options and lots of great resources available to help. The key to making this diet work for you is to understand what nutrients you are missing from the foods that you are not consuming and to learn how to balance your meals without these foods.

What types of vegetarian diets are there?

Vegan

Eats only plant-based foods

Does not eat :

Meat, poultry, fish, milk, eggs, cheese, honey. Also avoids, leather, fur, wool and cosmetics derived from animal products.

Lacto-vegetarian

Eats plant-based foods, milk, milk products, cheese and yoghurt.

Does not eat :

Meat, poultry, fish and eggs.

Flexitarian (semi-vegetarian)

Eats plant-based foods and occasionally consumes meat, poultry and fish.

Does not eat :

Animal foods consumed in limited quantity and/or frequency.