The biggest misconception when it comes to plant-based diets is that it is just another term for a vegan diet, but that is not the case. These terms are not meant to be used interchangeably.

With a vegan diet, you never eat any animal products whatsoever, while people on plant-based diets, might occasionally, though it is much less than on a traditional diet.

Here are some of the bigger comparisons between plant-based and vegan diets so you can decide which one is right for you:

What is a Vegan Diet?

Let’s start by defining each of these diets. First, a vegan diet is one where you eliminate ALL animal products and byproducts from your diet and lifestyle. Continue reading →

The Vegetarian Society defines a vegetarian as: “Someone who lives on a diet of grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits with, or without, the use of dairy products and eggs. A vegetarian does not eat any meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish, or by-products of slaughter.”

Pulses include beans and legumes such as lentils. Shellfish, are defined as any sea animal covered with a shell, such as crustaceans and mollusks. Crustaceans include lobsters, crabs and shrimp. Mollusks include oysters, clams, cockles and mussels. Seafood also includes squid and octopus.

Anyone who still eats these but has given up animal products is usually referred to as a flexitarian, not a vegetarian. Anyone who eats no living creatures of any kind, or any products from them, such as milk, yogurt, cheese and eggs is known as a vegan. Continue reading →