Vegan vs. Vegetarian

4th April 2015

Vegetarian

"a person who does not eat meat or fish, and sometimes other animal products, especially for moral, religious, or health reasons"

(This should not be confused with pescetarian: a person who does not eat meat but does eat fish)

Vegan

"a person who does not eat or use animal products."

So this would include eggs and things that contain dairy products as they are sourced from animals.

I started my transition to Veganism on the 1st of April, I didn't jump straight into it cause I knew my body would go into shock. I've been eating meat for over 22 years, so I knew this transition wasn't going to be an over night thing. I've started by cutting out red meat and sticking to fish and chicken for now, and I have swapped cows milk for soya milk, which is suprisngly tasty. I think I even prefer it over cows milk now so that's definitely a bonus! I have been asked many times, why I am doing this? Am I going to be able to live without meat? And the answer is Yes! No im not going to die because I'm no longer eating meat, I can get the same nutrients from meat that are available in other foods.

I guess it was mainly health reasons, I wouldn't say I'm going to be strict Vegan and never touch dairy products again, but where I can avoid meat and dairy I will. I've seen the negative effects it can have on your body and even though its only been a few days I do feel a difference already.

I get most of my motivation from websites and even Instagram suprisngly. Follow @aishathalia (on instagram) and that will be more motivation then you will ever need. I admire her positive and outgoing spirit towards vegenasim. She chose that lifestyle for a different reason but at the end of the day it's going to have the same outcome=a healthier life/mind/body/soul. I mean c'mon who wouldn't be motivated by a body like this?

For more information on her transition and her lifestyle follow:

Instagram: @aishathalia

Website: www.aishathalia.com

Now please don't think I've turned Vegan because I think I'm going to wake up one morning and look like her, but it's motivation lol. I plan to keep focus and keep a healthy and active lifestyle and as a result I will have a healthy body, however it looks. And also don't think I'm writing this post to make everyone change their mind and suddenly become Vegetarian or Vegan and stop eating meat cause I think we know that's not going to happen. Can you imagine if everyone stopped eating meat, the world would be overpopulated with animals, it's just the circle of life *cue Lion King music*.

So if you are thinking about or considering going vegan I would definitely recommend it, but would start of with the transition perioid of pescatarian first and then vegetarian. However, if you are feeling brave then jump the gun and go straight to being Vegan. You don't realise how many different products and substitues are available out there until you consider it and it opens up a whole new world. Stay tuned for post of the types of food I will now be eating, I will post a few recipes of meals that have worked well for me which will be available on the Food section on my blog.

I have watched a few documentaries/programmes lately that I would recommend that did dramatically change what I eat and how much of it that I would like to share with you guys:

- The Truth About...Sugar (BBC)

- The Truth About...Calories (BBC)

- The Truth About...Fat (BBC)

- The Billion Dollar Chicken Shop (BBC)

And if you ineterested in what Vegan can actually eat, here is a webiste I found full of recipes:

http://www.veganeasy.org/Food