You by definition

People have been asking me lately what exactly is the definition of raw vegan, vegan and vegetarian. I myself actually haven't researched all that much to fully understand what each is. I decided to do some research and find the definitions for myself and you all. Once you read this you will then know what you are or what you would like to be. Everyone is different, everyone's bodies are different and everyone can handle or not handle certain foods or certain amounts of certain foods i.e meats and dairy. Some people actually need red meat every now and then for their bodies to get what it needs. Some people don't need any meat at all. Some people are fine just with eating fruit and veg. You need to figure out what your body needs and then feed it the right food. Once you do that I know without a doubt your body will function at its fullest capacity and you will feel a lot better in many ways.

So here you go....

Vegan - A vegan will not eat any animal products, for example:

• No meat, fish nor other products that come directly from killing an animal, such as animal fats and gelatine.
• No dairy products such as cows milk, cheese and yoghurt; nor goats milk.
• No eggs nor foods containing eggs such as Quorn.
• No honey.

Link to find out more http://www.vegansociety.com/caterers/vcfa/definition.aspx

Raw Vegan - a diet that combines the concepts of veganism and raw foodism. It excludes all food of animal origin, as well as food cooked at a temperature above 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit).^{[citation needed]} A raw vegan diet includes raw vegetables and fruits, nuts and nut pastes, grain and legume sprouts, seeds, plant oils, sea vegetables, herbs, and fresh juices. There are many different versions of the diet, including fruitarianism, juicearianism, and sproutarianism. The definition of a raw vegan diet can be loosened to include vegan diets with at least 75 - 80% raw foods.

Link to find out more - http://www.vegansociety.com/caterers/vcfa/definition.aspx and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raw_vegan

Vegetarian - A vegetarian is someone who lives on a diet of grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits with, or without, the use of dairy products and eggs. OR

• A vegetarian does not eat meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustacea, or by-products of slaughter.

There are different degrees of vegetarianism which may be what causes confusion with caterers. The four most common forms of vegetarianism are:

• Lacto-ovo-vegetarian. Eats both dairy products and eggs. This is the most common type of vegetarian diet.
• Lacto-vegetarian. Eats dairy products but not eggs.
• Ovo-vegetarian. Eats eggs but not dairy products.
• Vegan. Does not eat dairy products, eggs, or any other animal product.

Eggs: Many lacto-ovo vegetarians will only eat free-range eggs. This is because of welfare objections to the intensive farming of hens. Through its Vegetarian Society Approved trade mark, the Vegetarian Society only endorses products containing free-range eggs.

Link to find out more - http://www.vegsoc.org/page.aspx?pid=508

Now that you have the info you can ask yourself what you are or what you would like to be. You will also understand someone when they say "I'm Vegetarian, Vegan, Raw etc..