The Difference Between Vegan & Vegetarian

The Difference Between Vegan & Vegetarian

The Difference Between Vegan & Vegetarian – Switching up your diet to cut out meat can be a challenge, but it can also be a great way to get healthier, save money and do your bit for the environment.

If you’re thinking about cutting out meat, you might also be thinking about cutting out animal products like milk and eggs. Generally, a diet excluding meat is labelled as vegetarian, while a diet excluding all animal products is labelled as vegan.

Read on to find out more in this website https://thevegangarden.com/ about the differences, and to prepare for your new diet.

The Difference Between Vegan & Vegetarian

What is a vegetarian?

A vegetarian is someone who doesn’t eat any meat, fish, or meat products like gelatine. Vegetarians still eat animal products like milk, cheese, butter and eggs.

It’s not hard to get all the essential vitamins and minerals you need on a vegetarian diet, but if you’re switching over from eating meat for the first time, it’s important to do some meal prep. You’ll probably need to bulk out your diet with vegetarian sources of protein like pulses.

This page from the NHS gives a detailed guide on what should be included in a vegetarian diet.

Type of Vegetarian

Lacto-vegetarian

A lacto-vegetarian is a vegetarian who doesn’t eat any eggs, but does eat dairy products like milk, butter, cheese, cream and yoghurt.

Ovo-vegetarian

An ovo-vegetarian is a vegetarian who doesn’t eat any dairy products, but does eat eggs.

Lacto-ovo-vegetarian

The most common type of vegetarian is lacto-ovo. This is where you eat eggs and dairy products. Eating this type of diet is a good way to make sure you’re still getting plenty of protein and key minerals like calcium and vitamin D.

What is a pescatarian?

A pescatarian is someone who eats fish and other seafood, as well as dairy and eggs. Pescatarians don’t eat red meat, game or poultry, but they’re not classed as vegetarians because they still eat fish. If you’re looking to make the move to vegetarianism, you can start out by trying a pescatarian diet.

The good thing about a pescatarian diet is that it can incorporate oily fish like salmon and mackerel, which are rich in essential nutrients. The NHS recommends eating two portions of fish each week, one of which is oily.

What is a vegan?

A vegan is a someone who doesn’t eat any animal products, including:

  • Red meat
  • Poultry
  • Game
  • Fish and seafood
  • Eggs
  • Milk, cheese, butter and yoghurt
  • Meat products like gelatine

According to The Vegan Society, a vegan diet should also exclude honey, materials derived from animal (e.g. leather), and products that are tested on animals.

Benefits of a vegan diet

Switching to a vegan diet can have lots of benefits. If you’re worried about animal cruelty or the environmental issues associated with farming, veganism is a great way to reduce your meat consumption.

On a health front, veganism is a good way to be more mindful about what you eat, simply because it requires more preparation. A vegan diet also tends to be lower in saturated fats (often found in animal products) and include more fruit & veg.

If you eat a lot of meat and you’re trying to lose weight, changing to veganism might be a good option. Read this article to learn more about veganism and weight loss.

Do vegans need supplements?

Cutting out animal products can make it harder to get protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron and calcium. If you’re keen to make the switch, try to plan a diet that’s balanced and varied, and includes key, nutrient-rich foods. Find out how you can get enough protein on a vegan diet with our vegan protein sources article.

Vegans who struggle to get all the nutrients they need might need to take supplements. Find out more by reading this article.

Typical vegan diet

A vegan diet should be balanced and varied, and include:

  • Five portions of fruit and vegetables each day
  • Starchy carbohydrates like potatoes, wholegrain bread, and brown rice and pasta
  • Dairy alternatives like soya and nut milks
  • Beans, pulses and other protein sources

You can get detailed help with planning your vegan diet by checking out the Vegan Eatwell Guide from the The Vegan Society.

Why not try Veganuary?

January can be a great time to make a change to your diet. If you’re looking to shake things up, why not spend January eating vegan food as part of Veganuary? The idea is to cut all animal products from your diet until the end of the month.

Remember, even a partial change is a good start. If you’re not ready to make the change all in one go, try eating two or three vegetarian or vegan meals a week. You can work up from there!

The Best Gifts for The Vegan in Your Life

The Best Gifts for “The Vegan” in Your Life

Need some holiday inspiration for gifts this season?! Check out https://thevegangarden.com/ in the links below to see our vegan gift guide for some vegan and all-natural product ideas!

The Best Gifts for The Vegan in Your Life

  1. Kinder Box: A monthly subscription box that consists of a variety of vegan and cruelty free products! The boxes consist of two full size products and Kinder donates a portion of the funds to animal rights and environmental charities.
  2. Pura Botanica: Eco-friendly candles that are hand poured made with soy wax! The packaging is biodegradable and free of paraffins, pesticides and herbicides. These candles come in a variety of scents including: Chai, Rose, Mint and Citrus.
  3. Vegan Handbags: Looking for a fashionable gift to exchange this holiday season? The search is over Sole Society offers a wide variety of vegan leather bags that are perfect for this season!
  4. Vegan Makeup: if you were needing guidance in the vegan makeup world, look not further! There are plenty of brands who have transitioned their products to be cruelty-free and contain no animal byproducts. Some of the brands include: Cover FX, Kat Von D Beauty, Elf Cosmetics and so many more!
  5. Tokibox: this monthly subscription box contains a vegan friendly products! Including vegan snacks, cruelty-free beauty supplies, vegan lifestyle tools and so much more!
  6. The Vegan Garden: What better way to show Christmas cheer than giving the gift of nutrition to friends and family?! We have a surplus of vegan meal prep options that you can sign up for monthly or a one time purchase! We also offer gift cards so your loved one can choose what delicious meal they want on their own!
Healthy Milk Alternatives

Healthy Milk Alternatives

Plant based milks! Everyone has a favorite and they are quickly gaining popularity even in the non-vegan world. Approximately 65% of adults are considered lactose intolerant. Many more experience digestive distress upon consuming dairy products. Of course, anyone practicing a vegan lifestyle does not consume dairy products. The majority of adults are seeking an alternative milk in order to indulge in delicious creamy desserts, enjoy a bowl of cereal, or grab their favorite coffee shop drink without the high percentage of fat that dairy milk contains. Plant-based milks are the perfect solution!

The most popular plant-based milks are almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, oat milk, and pea (yes, pea) milk. Each one is unique in its own way, and understanding the differences can help you to pick which is the best substitute for your diet. For instance, if you’re looking for healthy alternatives, it’s important to know that many of the popular brands can have added sugars and ingredients you do not need. The best way to pick a healthy, plant-based milk is to choose one with the least ingredients and look for the words “unsweetened” or “0g sugar added.”

Healthy Milk Alternatives

  • Almond milk is one of the most popular milk alternatives. Made from blending almonds and water together, it is easy to make at home. Many store bought brands also include emulsifiers and fortifying nutrients as well as countless flavors. Almond milk is one of the thinner plant-based milks, so not the best for creamier dishes and carries a nutty flavor wherever it is used. Almond milk is good for baking, cereal, smoothies, and coffee.

  • Soy milk is made from pressing cooked ground soybeans. It is thick and creamy and feels more like dairy milk. While it is one of the most naturally nutritious alternatives, many people choose not to use it because it contains phytoestrogens. Studies are inconclusive as to whether or not the phytoestrogens affect hormone balance, but many people steer clear as there are milk alternatives that do not contain the plant compound. Those who do use soy milk enjoy it as an alternative to everything dairy milk can do, as it holds together in much the same way and naturally has one of the highest protein counts of the plant based milks. It works well in cooking, baking, coffee, cereal, smoothies, and anything else you can imagine.

  • Coconut milk is a great option for anyone who has an aversion or allergy to nuts. Made from water and coconut cream, some brands can taste tropical, and, well…coconutty. It can also have a more subtle taste than other alternatives. It is creamy and comes in full fat and reduced fat options. The naturally sweet taste of coconut milk makes it perfect for an ice cream base, coffee “cream,” smoothies, and canned coconut milk is also a great base for soups. Many recipes call for canned coconut milk which has a consistency close to condensed milk, so be aware that the carton coconut milk may not be what you need in those situations.

  • Oat milk is made from blending oats with water and straining so it is another easy one to make at home. It is thicker than almond milk and naturally sweet from the sugars in the oats. Oat milk doesn’t have an overpowering taste like almond or coconut milk, so it is a nice addition for both baking and heartier recipes like vegan mac n “cheese” or sauces. It’s becoming wildly popular as the go-to alternative milk in coffee shops. Pro tip: when baking, use a little less than you would if you were using cow milk because oat milk is starchier and may affect the texture of whatever you are baking.

  • Pea milk is a newcomer to the plant based milks but is rising in popularity. It is as creamy as soy milk with fewer calories, and a milder taste than almond milk. It is made from pea protein isolate, water, and other emulsifiers such as sunflower oil, and guar and gellan gums. Pea protein is quickly becoming a favorite for a vegan source of energy and pea milk is no different. One serving can pack a whopping 8 grams of protein, compared to the 7 grams soy milk contains. When cooking and baking with pea milk, note that it has a much lower fat content than cow milk, so you may need to add in a plant based fat to maintain the same texture.

Plant based milks are growing and developing quickly as people are realizing the benefits compared to more traditional milks. With so many options and additional flavors, they can meet any need in the kitchen of https://thevegangarden.com/ and can help you to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing food options or taste.

How Vegan Food Helps Your Immune System

How Vegan Food Helps Your Immune System

These days, we are all looking for ways to stay healthy and shield ourselves from illness. The most powerful way to be in tip-top, virus-fighting shape is to nourish your body with foods that boost your immune system. The stronger your immune system, the better your chances of avoiding infection or fighting off illness with only mild symptoms. Following a vegan meal plan, like any of our Vegan Garden Meal Packages, is an active way to make sure you are getting the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy!

Fruits and vegetables are simply bursting with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are truly irreplaceable in strengthening your immune system. Orange veggies such as pumpkin, carrots, and sweet potatoes contain a powerful nutrient called carotenoids that aid in the production of infection-fighting cells in our bodies. Cruciferous veggies are high in calcium and zinc, so they are great for your bones as well as for boosting immunity! Zinc is crucial in fighting illness and is also found in pumpkin seeds, lentils, tofu, and whole meal pasta.
Lemons, strawberries, and oranges are packed with vitamin C, which we all know bolsters immune function. But you can also get that powerful vitamin from cruciferous vegetables, bell peppers, and tomatoes!

How Vegan Food Helps Your Immune System

And then there is garlic. Ah, garlic. Add a little or a lot to your dish to transform not only flavor but also your immune system! Garlic stimulates and activates your white blood cells, supercharging their powers and keeping you safe and healthy. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to fight both infection and inflammation in your body.
Of course, we can’t forget to talk about protein! Protein is vital for a robust immune system and some of the best protein sources such as nuts, lentils, and seeds are also full of many other essential vitamins and minerals.

In these overwhelming times, who has time to think about which foods are best and prepare nutritious meals? Let us do all the hard prep work! Check out our meal plans and packages created in https://thevegangarden.com/ by our chefs with only the best ingredients just for you. We cook and clean and all you have to do is enjoy your fresh, healthy, delicious, guilt-free cuisine and know you are keeping your body healthy and strong!

Self Care Tips During Shelter in Place

Self Care Tips During Shelter in Place

Let’s talk about self-care. The world is constantly changing right before our eyes. We are battling issues we never imagined. Our lives and personal routines are shaken up. It is now more important than ever to stay on top of your self-care! Here are five very important ways to take care of yourself during this scary and stressful time.

Self Care Tips During Shelter in Place

1. Move Your Body
Limited social gathering and shopping opportunities along with Stay Home orders are causing us to reside indoors, often sitting around. We are all more sedentary than we are used to. It is vital to get up and move multiple times a day. Go for a walk. Work at the computer standing up. Explore Youtube for an at-home workout. Turn on some music and just DANCE! Not only will you get the blood pumping, but you will also feel more motivated and happier once you get those endorphins going.

2. Stay In Touch
We are a social species. We thrive on the energy and interaction of those around us. Fortunately, it has never been easier to electronically communicate with other people. Check-in on your friends. Schedule up regular video chats. Set alarms on your phone to text or call 5 people per week. You will feel connected and rid yourself of the lonely feeling that comes from social distancing.

3. Eat Healthily
We tend to have two responses when stressed: eat all the things, or eat nothing. Neither of these is good for your body or your mental health. It is vital to fuel your body and mind with regular, healthy meals and snacks. The Vegan Garden healthy meal delivery service makes this a breeze! You don’t have to worry about shopping, cooking, or cleaning. We prepare everything organically and all you have to do is heat and eat! Check out https://thevegangarden.com/ for our multiple packages and plans to find the right one for you. Also, be sure you are drinking enough water! A water bottle with time markers is a great way to motivate yourself to drink more.

4. Routine
Having a structure to your day is the difference between feeling lost and feeling in control. When we are home more often, we tend to let routine fly out the window and let stress and loneliness take over. Find a good morning and night routine that you stick to at least during the week. Providing yourself with a sense of stability is essential in this time of uncertainty. Get up and take a shower and get dress. Don’t stay in your pj’s all day every day. Set aside time to read every day. Start a new skincare routine. Clean up your space at the end of every day. Trust me, waking up to a clean home is one of the best ways to feel on top of things.

5. Hobbies
You always said you would start if you had more time. Well, guess what, here it is! Spending some energy and time on a new hobby will make you feel good and relieve stress! Work on your baking skills, start painting, learn a new language. Buy yourself that thing you’ve been admiring