Many people have a perceived idea about what veganism and vegetarianism are and who the people are that follow these lifestyles.

Some say vegans are hippies, others think their views are weird and are too ethical.

The true definition of a vegan is a person who doesn’t eat or use any animal products.

A vegan’s belief focuses on the idea that animals and humans are equal and that abusing or using them in anyway, including the consumption of them, is morally wrong.

A vegetarian has slightly different beliefs and morals, they are a people who don’t consume meat or fish. These lifestyles while having an ethical basis can lead to many difficulties for any adherent.

During my National Citizen Service course I experienced the difficulties of being a vegan first-hand. When being on a tight budget vegan food can seem monotonous and tasteless as the prices of flavourings and protein replacements are highly extortionate.

My personal experience of vegan food was a mixed bag, some meals were great whereas others were dry and had a grainy texture.

Vegetarians are much the same. I may be a meat consumer and lover but the diet vegetarians consume is flavoursome and is still fairly similar to that of a meat eater.

With dishes ranging from vegetarian sausages to vegetable lasagne the prices are lower and more affordable for everyone.

Although the economic factors may present a negative picture, the health and mental benefits are the outlining factors that influence people to become vegan or vegetarian. The appeal is further heightened by the celebrity endorsement that has rocketed in recent years.

Whether vegan or vegetarian, the ethics behind the diet are commendable and the dedication people have for a cause they believe in.

By Darcy Barrett