I don’t like labels; I find them restricting and confining. I describe my lifestyle as all-inclusive and plant based. I use the word lifestyle because I don’t believe in ‘cheat days’ or ‘cheat meals’. I believe in eating real food and indulging when it feels right. See here for what exactly I eat and how I cook for my family.
Vegans get a bad rep because they are often passionate in their beliefs and struggle to voice their opinions without judgment and hostility. This of course is not meant to be a blanket statement for all vegans, just a majority of the vegans I’ve met. *shrugs*
The battle between plant based eaters and vegans has been rampant for years. The distinction between the two can be confusing. But have no fear, I’m here to break down the differences.
A plant based lifestyle includes:
Limiting animal products, not to be confused with excluding animal products.
Consuming plants, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, seeds and nuts.
Emphasizing whole foods and eliminating processed foods.
Paying attention to food quality and food sources, getting organic and/or locally grown food when possible.
A strict vegan lifestyle includes:
Excluding any products that come from an animal or exploits animals in any way, including meat, dairy, eggs and honey.
Consuming plants, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, seeds and nuts.
Eliminating the use of leather, fur, silk or wool.
Eliminating the use of products that have been tested on animals, filtered using animal parts, or made with animal ingredients.
So what’s the big f*#@!ing difference?? Veganism is a moral stance - a philosophy deeply devoted to animal rights. For many, veganism becomes an identity. A plant based diet is a conscious way of living that involves being mindful of the quality of your food and knowing where it comes from. For those with the opinion that ‘conscious carnivores’ are in a state of paradox, this article is intended to raise awareness and is working to reduce the suffering of farm raised animals and increase the knowledge of public.