What the hello does being "vegan" mean anyways?

After several conversations this weekend, it has come to my attention that the term "vegan" is not completely understood by the general public.  Also brought to the forefront of my frontal temporal lobe was the sad truth that many restaurants misunderstand the term "vegetarian".  Always one to create drama out of a perfectly impotent situation, I ranted and raved to my friends about the lack of vegetarian cuisine and the lack of understanding of food service workers.  I mean, hello?!  If I go to the trouble of ordering a side of steamed vegetables, a baked sweet potato (hold the cinnamon butter), a side of green beans, and a salad (asking the chef to remove the cheese and egg), you would think they would alert me to the fact the green beans are cooked with ham and the steamed veggies are doused in butter!!  I'm just sayin'!

But that was in the south, where I've been living for the last few years.  Upon return to my native Los Angeles I was expecting a plethora of vegetarian and vegan fare, as well as informed food servers.  And while I have to admit I've already eaten at three vegan places (one of them twice!) in the week I've been home, I'm disappointed to find as ill equipped food service workers as in Kentucky.

As my friends and family at home have found out about my new healthy eating habits they always ask the titular question.  Here are the big three: What does "vegan" mean?  Why in the world would I do such a thing!  And how do I get my protein (see an upcoming post for the answer to this question).

I've already talked about my personal answer to the "why" question (see the "Reasons to Go Veg" label and my "About Me" page); let me explain exactly what I mean when I shock you with the statement, "I've gone vegan!".

Vegetarian means that the individual in question does not eat meat (this includes beef, poultry, pork, and fish) but may still eat dairy and eggs; this person is referred to as a lacto-ovo vegetarian.     Some vegetarians still eat fish and seafood (called pescatarians).  Others refrain from all types of meat and seafood as well as eggs, but still eat dairy (lacto vegetarian).

Being vegan means that someone refrains from eating all types of animal products, including beef, poultry, pork, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy, and honey.  So when I say I'm vegan, it means I avoid animal products as much as I possibly can.  Hard core vegans who choose to eat this way out of compassion for animals may also avoid purchasing or using any product produced using animal testing or animal products (like leather for example).

There are many reasons why one may choose to go vegan.  Many, like myself, choose to eat this way for health reasons (see the "Reasons to Go Veg" label).  The evidence is overwhelming, well documented and researched, time tested, and compelling.  Others choose to become veg for environmental reasons (Did you know that factory farms account for 80% of greenhouse gas emissions?  We are literally causing global warming by what we choose to feed ourselves).  Yet others choose veganism in protest of the way animals are treated, slaughtered, and prepared before it gets to their plate (Who wants crap in their food?  Have you SEEN Food Inc.?  Come on!).

So now you know.  Why will you choose to become vegan?