The difference between flexitarian, vegetarian, vegetalian and vegan
For Veganuary, try to go plant-based by adopting a 100% vegan diet. So, that's nice, but what does it mean in concrete terms?
For the past few years, we have seen a resurgence in the categorization of diets: flexitarian, vegetarian, vegan, omnivore, pescetarian, crudivore... Are you totally confused by all these words? Don't worry, after this dictionary 2.0 blog post you'll be able to shine in society.
FLEXITARIAN
The flexitarian diet means that a person will drastically reduce his or her consumption of meat and fish without stopping it completely. It is a flexible eating practice that allows some people to transition from an omnivorous diet to vegetarianism or veganism. A flexitarian person will therefore have a more varied diet with more fruits and vegetables as well as whole grain products.
24% of the French consider themselves flexitarian but not all have the same requirements: 7% still eat meat every day, 12% a few times a week and 5% occasionally. In the same way, a certain part of the French population does not claim to be flexitarian even though they regularly consume dishes containing only vegetable proteins without necessarily realizing it. Flexitarianism does not impose any dietary constraint, so it is up to each person to make the desired efforts to reduce their animal proteins.
VEGETARIAN
Unlike flexitarianism, vegetarianism (being vegetarian) excludes foods from its consumption. Vegetarians do not consume foods that require the death of an animal. However, there are several alternatives within the diet that contrast with this definition:
Pesco-vegetarianism: includes dairy products, eggs, and fish but excludes meat.
Lacto-ovo-vegetarianism (yes, this name is barbaric): includes dairy products, eggs but excludes meat and fish.
In short, if you are a vegetarian you can choose what you exclude or not depending on your dietary needs as long as you do not eat meat.
VEGETALIAN
Vegetalians differ from vegetarians not only by the letter L but also because they do not consume animal products, only those from the plant world. Thus, where vegetarians may consume honey or milk, the vegetalians forbid it because it comes from bees or cows.
VEGAN
There is often an abuse of language between vegan and Vegetalians. However, the two terms imply a notable difference. Being vegetalian is exclusively limited to one's diet. To be vegan is to adopt a specific lifestyle, related to the protection of animals. Beyond not eating animal products, they don't dress in wool or fur, don't go to the circus or the zoo, don't buy leather shoes, don't use cosmetics tested on animals...
And that's it! You have the essentials summarized in a few lines. Even if they all have their specificities, these diets have a common goal: to increase the consumption of 100% plant-based products and to relegate animal proteins to the background or to oblivion.
According to a study conducted by IFOP, 40% of French people want to eat more plant-based products. The reasons are simple: for their health, animal welfare and environmental protection. Veganism or even flexitarianism and vegetarianism are therefore not just a "fashion effect" but a trend that is growing in the long term. According to a study conducted by Bloomberg intelligence, the global vegan food market is estimated to be worth over $162 billion by 2030.
So whether you're a vegetarian, omnivore or even a flexitarian, whether it's for your health or the protection of animals, you have no excuse not to embark on the Veganuary adventure! Eating 100% plant-based foods during the month of January will allow you to discover new food perspectives that will surely seduce you!
To give you a boost during this challenge or simply to test out plant-based food, Vegan Food Club offers you a special Veganuary offer: 30% off your first 3 orders with the code BVEGAVFC.