Call (310) 205-9368
For more info & current specials

For Your Wellness

Your resource of health knowledge, tips and facts for a healthier lifestyle

back to previous page

Vegetarian vs. Vegan Diet: Finding the Best Fit for Your Lifestyle

Five plates are displayed with vegan food, along with many serving bowls filled with a plethora of vegan food on top of a wooden table, demonstrating a vegan diet.

Are you considering adopting a plant-based diet but unsure whether to go vegan or vegetarian? The choice between a vegan diet and a vegetarian diet can be confusing for many, as both have their own benefits and considerations.

Let’s explore the differences between a vegan and a vegetarian diet, the health benefits of each, and how to choose the best diet for your lifestyle.

Vegan vs Vegetarian Diet: Understanding the Basics

The primary distinction between vegan and vegetarian lifestyles lies in the degree to which each diet excludes animal products. Vegetarians eliminate meat and poultry from their diets, yet often include fish, dairy products, and eggs. This inclusion allows for a broader variety of nutritional sources from animal-derived ingredients, without consuming the flesh of animals directly. 

On the other hand, vegans take a more stringent approach by cutting out all animal products from their diet. This includes not only meat, poultry, and fish but also extends to dairy, eggs, and other animal-derived substances such as honey.

Additionally, the vegan philosophy extends beyond mere diet into avoiding all aspects of animal exploitation or cruelty. Therefore, it’s vital to refrain from animal products in clothing, household items, toiletries, and accessories.

Overall, the choice between veganism and vegetarianism involves a combination of dietary preferences, health goals, and ethical considerations.

The Benefits of Vegan Diets and Vegetarian Diets

There are many benefits from embracing a plant-based diet, and both vegan and vegetarian diets are rooted in plant-based nutrition. Both of these diets can have profound impacts on your health. 

Individuals who follow vegan or vegetarian diets typically consume a wide array of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. This abundance of plant foods supplies the body with an extensive range of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Such a diet is instrumental in bolstering the body’s defense mechanisms against chronic conditions, playing a significant role in the prevention of heart disease, diabetes, and various cancers. 

The natural composition of plant-based diets is inherently low in saturated fat and devoid of cholesterol. Therefore, these diets have been proven to enhance cardiovascular health. Moreover, the high fiber content in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can facilitate better digestion and weight management. 

Thus, transitioning to a diet centered around plant-based nutrition can be a transformative step toward achieving and sustaining optimal health.

Challenges to Consider

While embarking on vegan or vegetarian diets can offer a myriad of health benefits, it can also present unique challenges that require careful planning and consideration. 

Vegan Diets: What to Know

For individuals adopting a vegan lifestyle, the complete exclusion of animal products heightens the risk of certain nutritional deficiencies. If you intend to embark on a vegan diet ensure you are vigilant about your intake of the following: 

  • B12
  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Omega-3 fatty acids

While the above can be found in plant-based options, they are less bioavailable in plant-based sources than in animal-based products. Therefore, it is important you incorporate a variety of plant-based foods and sometimes even consider adding supplements for any area you feel you are lacking. 

Vegetarian Diets: What to Know

Vegetarians, while generally having a wider array of food options that include dairy and eggs, also face potential nutritional gaps. Ensuring a sufficient intake of high-quality protein, often more readily accessible in animal products, requires a strategic combination of plant-based proteins. Some great options are:

  • Legumes
  • Grains
  • Nuts

Another common concern amongst vegetarians is iron absorption. This can be optimized by pairing iron-rich plant foods with vitamin C sources to enhance bioavailability.

Go Vegan or Vegetarian with Z.E.N. Foods

Both vegan and vegetarian diets necessitate a proactive approach to meal planning to ensure a balanced and nutrient-dense intake. Engaging with a prepared meal service that takes your nutrition seriously, such as Z.E.N. Foods, can be life-changing.

Our vegetarian select plan is a great way to embark on your journey towards a plant-based lifestyle. If you are in the Los Angeles area, call us at (310) 205-9368 today. We are here to provide tailored advice and help you navigate the dietary path that will be successful for your individual needs.

back to previous page