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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Once I myself was confused in these two concepts. Vegetarianism, veganism – sound similar, and at first glance it seems that both lifestyles revolve around giving up meat. But as soon as you dive deeper, it becomes obvious: these are not just diets, they are different worlds with different values, motivations and even everyday habits.
What is vegetarianism?
Vegetarianism <TAG1> is a diet that excludes meat, poultry and fish. But most vegetarians calmly consume dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt), eggs, honey. That is, they refuse only to kill animals for food, but not to get food that can be obtained without causing death. This is often perceived as a more «soft» approach – especially for those who are just starting to take an interest in alternatives to the meat diet.
There are several subgroups among vegetarians:
- Lacto vegetarians <TAG1> eat dairy products but not eggs;
- Ovo vegetarians <TAG1> on the contrary, eat eggs, but not milk;
- Lacto-ovo-vegetarians <TAG1> use both;
- Pescetarians <TAG1> are technically not quite vegetarians because they eat fish, but often associate themselves with this movement.
I see vegetarianism as the first step on the way to a more conscious attitude towards nature. Often it is from him that the path begins, which can eventually lead to complete veganism.
What is veganism?
Veganism <TAG1> is no longer just food, it is a whole philosophy. Vegans are completely excluded from their lives all products of animal origin. No meat, no milk, no eggs, no honey. But it doesn't end there. Vegans do not wear leather, fur, wool, do not use cosmetics tested on animals or containing ingredients of animal origin. They even avoid zoos and circuses if they exploit animals.
The main idea of – is not to harm animals in general. Veganism – is not just a diet, but a life position that stands on three whales:
- Ethics <TAG1> renunciation of exploitation and cruelty;
- Ecology <TAG1> livestock is one of the biggest polluters of the planet;
- Health <TAG1> although not always the main motive, many choose veganism precisely for the sake of a healthy lifestyle.
I can say from the experience of familiar vegans: this is not just a change in the plate –, it is a change in worldview. They read labels carefully, look for ethical brands, support farmers who grow vegetables without pesticides. For them, this is not a limitation, but a way to live in harmony with themselves and the world around them.
Interesting fact: term "vegan" came into existence in 1944 thanks to Donald Watson, who founded Vegan Society in Great Britain. He took the first and last letters from the word vegetarian (VEGetarian) to create a new concept of – more radical and consistent in its philosophy.
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