Wondering what the differences are between vegetarian and vegan diets? Simply put:
Vegan:
A plant-based diet which means avoiding all foods of animal origin, including dairy products, gelatin, honey and eggs. Vegans will usually also forego consuming foods that are processed using animal products, which can include some beers and wines.
Vegetarian:
A catch-all term for a diet that’s based on the consumption of vegetables and fruits, grains, nuts, beans and meat alternatives (such as tofu and tempeh). Breaking this out further, the most commonly found vegetarian classification in Canada is the lacto-ovo vegetarian, which is someone who avoids meat but includes eggs and dairy products in their diet. Further to this, lacto-vegetarians include dairy products but no eggs, while ovo-vegetarians consume eggs but no dairy.
Though not truly vegetarian, a related sub-group includes the flexitarian, which is someone who primarily keeps to meatless foods but may, on occasion, include chicken or fish. Some flexitarians will choose to include meat in their diet from time to time. A pescetarian is someone who includes fish and seafood in their diet, but eschews chicken or meat.
Meatless Myth Busting:
While some may think eating meatless means dishes lacking in flavour, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Take the humble tomato, for example. There is nothing quite like a juicy, sun-ripened tomato enjoyed fresh from the vine when in season. To enhance flavours further, add a sprinkle of Club House Sea Salt Grinder. Roasting tomatoes, especially plum or cherry tomatoes, with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of herbs, such as Club House Basil Herb Grinder, helps intensify flavours and bring out the natural sweetness – regardless of the growing season.
Whether vegetable-based or other meatless dishes, including grains and beans, adding a dash of herbs or sprinkle of spices is a quick and convenient way to enhance flavours – especially when spice options are kept on-hand in your cupboard. Here are a few food and spice partners to get those creative juices flowing:
Potatoes: McCormick Gourmet Ground Nutmeg Cauliflower: Club House Paprika Sweet Potatoes: McCormick Gourmet Cayenne Pepper Squash: Club House Pumpkin Pie Spice Sweet Peppers: McCormick Gourmet Marjoram Leaves Cucumber: McCormick Gourmet Organic Dill Weed Cabbage: McCormick Gourmet Caraway Seed Celery: McCormick Gourmet Freeze Dried Chives Broccoli: McCormick Gourmet Lemon Pepper Seasoning Tomatoes: Club House Italian Seasoning Beets: McCormick Gourmet Organic Celery Seed Zucchini: McCormick Gourmet Organic Herbes de Provence Eggplant: McCormick Gourmet Fennel Seed Carrots: Club House Ground Ginger Avocado: McCormick Gourmet Cilantro Leaves Brussels Sprouts: Club House Ground Mustard Rice: McCormick Gourmet Ground Turmeric Oats: McCormick Gourmet Ground Cinnamon Pasta: Club House Crushed Red Pepper Quinoa: McCormick Gourmet Mild Curry Powder Black Beans: McCormick Gourmet Chili Powder Chickpeas: McCormick Gourmet Garam Masala Eggs: McCormick Gourmet Fine Herbes Feta Cheese: McCormick Gourmet Mint Leaves Gouda Cheese: McCormick Gourmet Cumin Seed Goat Cheese: McCormick Gourmet Sriracha Seasoning
If you or someone you know is thinking of going meatless, it’s important to plan for a balanced diet in order to get the protein, vitamins and minerals you need. Consider consulting with a registered dietitian. Visit dietitians.ca/find to locate someone in your area.
