Today, more and more Americans are opting for healthy food choices to boost their health. For this reason, many choose to eat more fruits, veggies, and other plant-based products. Some say they are following a plant-based diet, while others claim they are vegans. Although vegan and plant-based have similarities, these two terms are different from each other. To give you a better view, here are the difference between vegan and plant-based. 

What is Plant-Based?

Keep in mind that the term “plant-based” usually refers to a person’s diet. Most of the time, someone will follow a diet consisting of plants due to health reasons. While most people on a plant-based diet will eat veggies, fruits, and other plant-based products, they can sill consume a small amount of animal-derived food products. Remember, plant-based is a diet plan. A person can follow for a certain period to reap the health benefits it can provide. As such, it doesn’t have strict rules.

What is Vegan? 

To understand the difference between vegan and plant-based, we need to define the term “vegan.” Coined in 1944, a “vegan diet” refers to a diet plan wherein a person eliminates all kinds of animal products. At first, people follow this diet for health purposes. However, more and more people have become aware of its benefits to animals and the environment. For this reason, vegan now refers to a lifestyle instead of a diet plan. 

Keep in mind that a vegan doesn’t only cut animal products from his diet. Vegans believe that all living beings have the right to thrive on this planet. In fact, their lifestyle is motivated by environmental and ethical reasons. As such, they also avoid using clothes, shoes, and accessories that are made by harming animals. Aside from that, they also prefer cosmetic and skincare products that are cruelty-free and not tested on animals. 

The Difference Between Vegan and Plant-Based 

Overall, the terms “vegan” and “plant-based” may seem similar. However, these two terms have several differences. Upon closer look, being vegan is admirable because vegans opt to avoid animal products for ethical, health, and environmental reasons. However, shifting to a vegan lifestyle can be challenging. As such, you can start making small changes by following a plant-based diet. Always remember that a vegan lifestyle is not only centered on your health. It is also about being compassionate to other people, animals, and the planet. 

Oh, and ditch that fur coat that’s been sitting in your closet:)