What Foods Do Vegans Avoid?

"Vegan" refers to a type of vegetarianism. A vegetarian does not eat meat, fish, or poultry. A vegan takes this a bit further and excludes all animal products from the diet.

Reasons to Be Vegan

Reasons for becoming vegan vary from ethical to health concerns. Some vegans avoid animal products because of the lack of ethical treatment that animals receive.

Animal Products

Vegans, like vegetarians, do not eat the flesh of any animal. They find substitutes for the protein and iron that meats typically provide.

Bi-Products

By products of animals are not part of a vegan diet or lifestyle. Examples of animal by products include eggs, honey, dairy products and even leather or wool.

Nutrition

Despite the restrictions of a vegan diet, you are fully capable of consuming the daily recommended allowance of nearly all foods. Some vitamins, like B12, have to be consumed in supplement form.

Dining Out

Finding a place to eat with vegan options can be difficult. Vegans have to be concerned not only with the products in the food, but also the way the food is prepared. For example, lard comes from animal fat and is used to make many non animal foods.