Although the vegan lifestyle has been around for a long time, it has become more popular and notorious in our society in recent years. Despite some people considering this to be a new diet trend, veganism is much more than a diet: it is a movement characterised by respecting animals and covers things including diet and the defence of their fundamental rights.People who follow this lifestyle, vegans, refuse to eat food products of animal origin. But, is being vegan the same as being vegetarian? Below, we will analyse the so-called “veggietrend”and the benefits of being vegetarian.What is veganism?Veganism is a way of life where animals are considered to be equal, so they refuse to consume animals in their diets and in fashion, but also in areas in which they may suffer harm. Those who consider themselves to be vegan refuse to perceive animals as goods, transport or entertainment, in addition to a product to be used for experimentation in the cosmetics or pharmaceutical industry.Differences between the vegan and vegetarian dietHave you ever wondered what the difference is between the vegan and vegetarian diet? Both diet options have a similar base, vegetables, but if we look closely we can see some differences. Make a note of them!The reason for the diet:veganism is an ethical and moral attitude which isn’t just focussed on diet and is, therefore, stricter. For its part, the vegetarian diet also excludes animal meat, but the main objective is to have a diet which is as healthy as possible or to help to look after the planet.Prohibited foods:vegetarians don’t eat meat, but they can eat foods of animal origin. These include dairy, milk, gelatine or honey. In some cases, they also include fish or poultry in their diet. In terms of a vegan diet, it is more restrictive and excludes any product that comes from an animal.Vegans can be included within vegetarians, but not vice versa:many vegetarians opt for this type of diet to combat animal cruelty, but in a less restrictive way than vegans. Hence, the vegan diet could be considered as the “stricter” version of the latter group. Nowadays, there are different types of vegetarians depending on the degree of tolerance. The most common are:Pescatarians:those who eat fish, dairy and eggs, but not meat.Lacto-ovo vegetarians:people who consume dairy and eggs, but not meat or fish.Lacto-vegetarians:people who consume dairy, but not meat, fish or eggs.Vegans:those who don’t eat eggs, dairy or any type of animal derivative.