Vegetarianism and veganism has rapidly grown in popularity over the past decade. It seems more and more people are choosing to reduce their meat intake, and are embracing plant-based food. .
Reasons for adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet vary between each individual - ranging from seeking health benefits, making a personal decision to consume less animal products, or simply wanting to switch up their regular routine.
Let’s take a look at the key differences between a vegetarian, vegan and plant-based/flexitarian diet (and hopefully, we can help you find the diet that’s right for you.)
A vegetarian diet is one that eliminates meat. Vegetarians don’t eat anything that is a result of animal slaughter - in other words, they’re meat-free. Vegetarians often still enjoy animal-based foods that don’t involve the slaughter of the animal, like eggs.
On the other hand, a vegan diet seeks to eliminate all animal-based foods. Vegans don’t eat any ingredients that come from an animal – including meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, honey or gelatine. Instead, vegans eat a variety of foods that are made from plants.
As well as food, veganism often extends into lifestyle, with many vegans choosing to eliminate animal products from their home or wardrobe. For example, many vegans don’t wear leather, silk or wool, all of which are animal fibres.
Yes! While the basis of vegetarianism is not eating meat, there are a few different types of vegetarians. Here are some useful definitions:
A ‘pescatarian’ is a vegetarian that still eats seafood, but no other forms of meat. The pescatarian diet is a popular one for many reasons. For example, many vegetarians prefer to still eat fish for the nutritional benefits it brings, such as Omega-3 fatty acids.
Many people seek to reduce their overall consumption of animal-based products, but aren’t ready to impose strict limitations on their diet. Enter: the increasingly-popular 'flexitarian' diet!
As the name suggests, a flexitarian diet is ‘flexible’ and simply prioritises plants over meat and animal-based products. Flexitarians focus on having vegetables and plant-based proteins (such as legumes, nuts and meat alternatives) as the hero ingredients on their plate
The best part about a flexitarian diet is that you don’t need to be a strict vegan or vegetarian to incorporate a tasty variety of plant-based foods into your lifestyle. It isn’t about strict limitations – instead, flexitarians focus on the bigger picture.
For example, many people who follow a flexitarian diet may still enjoy eating eggs, dairy or meat from time to time. Some might only indulge in meat or dairy on special occasions, like enjoying a special treat or sharing a family Christmas meal.
The flexitarian diet can be personalised to meet individual needs and tastes. If you want to cut down your consumption of animal-based products but aren’t ready to limit yourself (or risk feeling guilty if you break any rules), transitioning to a flexitarian diet may just be the right option for you.
In the end, it’s all about choosing the diet that is right for you, and taking the care to make sure you’re still getting the proper nutrients you need from it.
Are you looking to experiment with vegetarian or vegan food? Woolworths has a great collection of tasty plant based recipes to lend you some inspiration and get you started.
Woolworths has a great range of tasty plant-based products that are suitable for vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian diets. Visit our ‘plant-based’ section in store – keep a look out for the green signage!
Find out more about plant-based foods that can be easily integrated into your lifestyle here.
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