While meat eaters often confuse the policies of Vegans and Vegetarians, they are distinct in their eating habits and their reasoning.

A Vegetarian is a person who does not eat anything that is a by-product of animals. They generally eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds.

A Vegan is a more intense sect of vegetarianism. It is seen as the strictest form of a Vegetarian diet. A Vegan is a person who tries their best to exclude ALL forms of a by-product of animal, not just in food but also in clothing and everyday items. While some Vegetarians will eat what animals produce – like eggs, milk and honey – the Vegan diet and lifestyle strictly prohibit these and other products.

While Vegetarians and Vegans have similarities in not eating animal products, the Vegans takes it to a more degree of what animal product is acceptable. Most Vegetarians allow their diets to include dairy and eggs if the animal remains unharmed, while Vegans want the animals to have the same rights as humans, unimpeded by the fear of being used as food, science, or entertainment purposes.

Whether Vegan or Vegetarian, both groups have diets that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol, but high in vitamins, minerals, fibers, and healthy plant compounds. Poorly planned diets, however, since they don’t include traditional protein sources, can lead to low iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin D. (healthline.com)

Interested in trying out a vegan lifestyle? Here is a sample recipe for hot and sour soup:  https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/vegan-hot-and-sour-soup-tofu.

You can also find a recipe for a Chipotle-Inspired Vegetarian Burrito Bowl at
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/copycat-chipotle-sofritas-7532631.