Understanding Vegan vs. Vegetarian

The more I study about the vegan society and vegetarians, the more I am convinced there is so much to explore. First, would probably be to distinguish the difference between the two groups. Vegans advocate that our food should come from fruits, nuts, vegetables, grains and other nonanimal products. This would also include not eating eggs, milk, butter, cheese and honey. Yes, I did say honey. If it is something that came from an animal source - insects included - vegans do not consume it. In the fabulous words of Tony Horton, "if it has eyes and feet - don't eat." Veganism focuses on alternatives to the use of animals and animal products for our survival. They strive for living compassionately by means that benefit both man and animal. They are strong advocates against animal cruelty and usage.

Vegetarians on the other hand tend to have a broader scope when it comes to their nutritional choices. In fact there is more than one type of vegetarian! Who knew? Seems there is basically a category that almost anyone can fit into that is trying to clean up their diet. Some of the different types include:

• Flexitarians - people who mainly eat a vegetarian diet, but occasionally eat meat.
• Lacto vegetarians - people who eat no flesh of any kind, but their diet includes dairy products.
• Lacto-ovo vegetarians - same as Lacto vegetarians only their diet includes eggs.
• Macrobiotic - people who refrain from the use of any processed or refined foods. Their diets are largely whole grains, seeds, beans and vegetables.
• Fruitarians - people who eat primarily fruit. A person is considered a Fruitarian if 75% of their diet is fruit. Fruitarians also seeds, nuts and vegetables like tomatoes.
• Pollo vegetarians - people who mainly eat a vegetarian diet, but include poultry in their diet. Some Pollo vegetarians also include eggs and dairy products.
• Pescetarians - people who mainly eat a vegetarian diet, but include fish and sea food in their diet. Pescetarians refrain from eating mammal or bird.

These are only a few. The list goes on and on. After finishing our last challenge on the Cinderella Pact, I've tried really hard to maintain the vegan diet. But have to admit, it has been a little difficult for me. I tend to be more the Pescetarian. Not that I don't totally enjoy all the terrific vegetable options out there - because I truly do. I just seem to really lack in quick and easy ideas and keep going back to fish. One of my favorite easy fish meals is:

EASY BAKED TILAPIA

1 Large Package of frozen Tilapia (about 12 pcs)
3 tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Chesapeake Bay Seasoning
Lemon Pepper
Paprika
Dill Weed
2 (10 oz.) packages of frozen vegetables
Garlic Powder

In 9 X 13 baking dish drizzle olive oil. Roll frozen tilapia to coat with oil. Sprinkle seasonings (Chesapeake Bay, Lemon Pepper, Paprika, Dill weed) to coat top of tilapia (I didn't give measurements here because I love to sprinkle heavy...love lots of spices). Pour frozen vegetables over the top of seasoned fish then sprinkle tops of vegetables with Garlic Powder. Cover with aluminum foil and seal the edges. Bake in preheated oven at 375 degrees for 45-60 minutes. Fish will be flaky when done. Remove from oven and set on top of stove for about 5 minutes. Peel back foil and enjoy!!! Perfect every time!!! WE LOVE THIS.The photo above is Easy Baked Tilapia with broccoli florets. I also prepared Taste of Home's Easy Vegetable Rice.

So whether you are trying to become a vegan or just exploring some of the alternative vegetarian diets out there, one thing is certain - eating more fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains will definitely enhance your nutritional regimen. There is truly a perfect balance between clean eating and exercise. It is called a NEW FIT YOU!!!

I'd love to hear about your favorite vegetarian dishes or simply where you go to find your favorite recipes. Please feel free to leave a comment!