Veganism for Dummies

Maybe it’s because I live in the South, but I find most people don’t exactly know what being vegan means. Often misunderstood as vegetarian, veganism is more strict. With the growing trend, even if you are not a vegan chances are you know someone that is and it’s important to understand.

So let’s break it down:

Veganism: “Veganism is the practice of eliminating the use of animal products. Ethical vegans reject the commodity status of animals and the use of animal products for any purpose, while dietary vegans or strict vegetarians eliminate them from their diet only.^[1] Another form, environmental veganism, rejects the use of animal products on the premise that the industrial practice is environmentally damaging and unsustainable.^{[2]“ (Wikipedia)}

• Vegans do not eat meat, fish, eggs, or dairy products.
• Vegans diet consists of grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
• Many vegans also do not eat foods that are processed using animal products, such as refined white sugar, honey and some wines.
• Vegans also do not purchase items made with animal products such as fur, silk, leather, down, etc.
• Vegans avoid cosmetics, soaps and beauty products that have been animal tested.
• Veganism is a philosophy and lifestyle –  not simply a diet

So there you have it. Simple and straightforward. So next time you interact with someone with this lifestyle, you can be informed and accommodating.