which is better Vegan or Vegetarian?

Question

Cause i've Been Vegetarian for about two months and it's pertty good but now i'm thinking of going Vegan

Answer 1

Vegetarianism is great, but veganism is definitely better whether you are making your decisions for, health, environmental, religious, compassion or moral reasons.

However, make sure you are ready for the change. Not because veganism is *dangerous* or *lacking* or difficult, but because we live in a culture that is completely intertwined with the suffering and exploitation of animals.

You can have everything you need as a vegan (except for a really good cheese substitute), but the trick is knowing how to replace what you perceive as *gaps* in your lifestyle.

I personally would rather see a world full of vegans and vegetarians than a world full of people who were *vegan for a few months/years but stopped because they weren't knowledgeable or didn't have the things they needed for a bountiful life.*

If you are ready to make the change, that is awesome. http://www.goveg.org has fact sheets on tons of nutrients. Type in a nutrient into the search bar, and they will take you right to it.

Nutritional yeast is great for B12. You can also use it as a cheese substitute. Protein is in almost everything. As long as you are eating enough calories and a variety of food, you will have no protein issues. Most meat eaters get far too much protein which can lead to many health issues later on in life like osteoporosis, some cancers and kidney disease.
http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vsk/protein_myth.html
http://www.passionatevegetarian.com/protein_.htm

For people who care to go forward, I see vegetarianism as a great stepping stone toward veganism. If you'd like, drop milk next and get your self some soy-milk. Then drop other dairy or cheese... drop the animals from your wardrobe and donate your leather, wool etc. to the nearest Goodwill. Go as you feel comfortable.

If it is time to buy a new razor, coat, lipstick, buy the vegan kind.
http://www.veganstore.com
http://www.veganessentials.com

If you are ready now, then go vegan now.
:)
Woohoo.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

Answer 2

Being a vegetarian in the true sense of the word, regardless what man may say, is being a vegan. Only the world has misinterpreted it to fit whatever suits its taste. Vegan, in common terms, is far better. Disease prevails amongst all flesh food, nowadays, whether it be chicken or fish, and they still contain the harmful fats. Dairy is diseased as well, "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together" (Rom 8:22). As long as the curse of sin is corrupting the earth, we can only expect things to get worse, which they are. Animal products are a known cause of many ailments and conditions that are so rampant, because most parttake of that which is harmful. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Gal 6:7.

Answer 3

IMO it's as simple as this: Veganism is morally consistent with Animal Rights, vegetarianism is not. As far as health issues are concerned. a Vegan diet is marginally better.

In response to the people who claim that a Vegan diet is more limiting than a vegetarian one: Yes it is, but by what degree? personally I find many of the "limitations" of a Vegan diet become invitations to try things you would have never of thought to try as a non-vegan. A prime example is cheese-less pizza. If I was to go back to being a vegetarian tomorrow (not gonna happen) I would still eat cheese-less pizza It's just better, and better for you.

P.S. Great answer Lillyian!

Answer 4

There are even levels to vegetarianism. Some eat fish and chicken (just not red meat), Some eat no animals but dairy products (eggs, cheese). Some will classify eggs as an animal but still eat cheese and drink milk. Vegan is no animal products whatsoever. Morningstar farms, Bocca and Gardenburger all make soy protein products that are much healthier than meat proteins. There are soy cheeses available and soy milk. You must check the labels of everything you buy. Soups, gravy and Sauces can have beef broth etc. in its ingredients. Most products look vegetarian, but contain animal fats. Jello also contains Gelatin which is an animal product. There is a plant gelatin but they never label it as meat or veggie based. PETA has a great deal of info on their site and if you type vegetarian into you search engine, you can easily find a good deal more... There is also the wearing to consider, many shoes have leather uppers.

Answer 5

It depends on your personal choice.
You can still get protein from tofu and beans because they are both safe for vegans and vegetarians. I'm thinking of becoming vegan as well!
A vegan is also a vegetarian, just to a much larger extent. Being vegan certainly is more difficult. Trying to find sources of calcium can be a hardship as well.

Answer 6

Well it depends on how you feel.
If you are a vegetarian for health reasons, then I would say that in making the switch to veganism you will be getting the most health benefits. (assuming that you eat healthy and get all your nutrients)
If you are a vegetarian for animal rights, then I would say to go vegan (I don't want to get anyone's panties in a bunch here, but) Vegetarian's (LACTO- OVO I mean) are still supporting the dairy and eggs industry. So even though they are not supporting the actual eating of meat, they are still supporting the abuse of animals. I made that discovery for myself about a year(~1 year and a half ago) So I gave up the ovo and the lacto (eggs and cheese).
But If you don't care about the animals, then do what you want.
If you like eggs and cheese then eat them, but just don't think that is doesn't hurt the animals to obtain them.

(again, I am not trying to offend anyone here, just trying to state my opinion, so I am sorry if I piss anyone off. I really could care less what anyone else eats... )

Answer 7

I don't really like being extreme and stuff. I'm notbeing offensive to the vegans, its just that being vegetarian is laid back and not overwhelming to the fact that u can't ahve dairy products and other stuff. But I have nothing against them but I have been one since I was 7.

But I have to say that vegans are more healthy and have good choices in their making.

Answer 8

Depends on your reasoning. For health reasons, vegetarian/vegan are about the same depending on what, if any, animal products you eat as a vegetarian (fish, cheese, whatever) If you are vegetarian for ethical reasons, then vegan is the next step.

Vegan is a lot more involved and requires a lot more work, going beyond just not eating meat.


Oh, and just to add on the what a previous poster said, there ARE sources of protein that do not come from animals (nuts and such) You just have to work harder at getting it.
It's a personal choice though. Being a healthy vegan is more than just avoiding all animal products. You really need to be willing to learn a LOT about nutrition and your needs.

Answer 9

Why not try it out? I did, and I stuck with being vegan and love it. You'll have to do your homework -- there are certain ingredients in processed foods that don't explicitly sound like they're animal-based but do in fact come from animals. If you don't like veganism, you can always go back to being a veggie.

Answer 10

Its all a matter of personal choice. Vegan is certainly more limiting. Animal products are in so many things that its very hard to avoid. You might want to give yourself a little longer before going totally vegan-give your body a little extra support while you detox from meat proteins. I recommend a full year of being vegetarian before going full vegan. Do some research, learn about animal sourced ingredients. Read labels, and if you dont know EXACTLY what an ingredient is, google it to learn about it. I discovered that vitamins in "enriched" products, such as pasta, rice, flour, cereals, etc. are animal sourced. Many preservatives, "natural" flavors and colors are animal derived as well. Then there is the more obvious, such as gelatine (jello). I suggest you stick to your current path while you really delve into the subject and arm yourself with knowledge. Good luck, and congrats on being a veggie.