Vegan, Vegetarian or Omnivore?

When someone consumes meat as part of their diet, they are commonly referred to as an omnivore. An omnivore is an organism that can consume both plant-based and animal-based foods. In the context of human diet, an omnivore is someone who consumes a wide range of foods, including meat, fish, poultry, dairy, eggs, fruits, vegetables, grains, and other plant-based foods. Most humans are classified as omnivores, as our digestive systems are adapted to process both animal and plant-based foods.

The main difference between veganism and vegetarianism is the extent to which animal products are excluded from the diet and lifestyle.

Vegetarianism generally refers to a diet that excludes meat, poultry, and seafood, but may include other animal-derived products, such as dairy, eggs, and honey, depending on the type of vegetarianism. There are different types of vegetarianism, including lacto-ovo vegetarianism (which includes dairy and eggs), lacto-vegetarianism (which includes dairy but excludes eggs), and ovo-vegetarianism (which includes eggs but excludes dairy).

On the other hand, veganism is a lifestyle and dietary choice that seeks to avoid the use of all animal products to the greatest extent possible, not only in the diet but also in other aspects of life. Vegans exclude all animal-derived foods, such as meat, dairy, eggs, and honey, as well as products made from animals, such as leather, fur, and wool. Vegans typically aim to avoid all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, and may also avoid products tested on animals and support animal welfare organizations.

Which one are you? Or are you somewhere in-between?

I am about 90% vegetarian, but do eat a little bit of chicken, turkey or fish. I prefer not to eat meat at all and usually have to force myself to eat it. I am definitely in a transition stage of moving completely towards being vegetarian.

Light, love and great health,

Patty, ND, CNHP, CHS

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