Vegetarians, Vegans and Hegans
What's the Difference? What is a Hegan?
Vegetarianism is the term used to describe someone who eats a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and seeds but avoids meat. Vegetarians do not consume any game, poultry or fish. Under the wider category of vegetarianism, a person may or may not eat dairy products and/or eggs.
To drill down, there are three distinctions made between specific types of vegetarians.
An ovo-vegetarian diet includes eggs but no dairy.
A lacto-vegetarian diet includes dairy but no eggs.
A lacto-ovo vegetarian diet includes both eggs and dairy.
What is a Vegan?
Veganism is a more stringent lifestyle choice that excludes all animal derived products to varying degrees. Within the category of veganism there are two distinct types, dietary vegans and ethical vegans.
Dietary vegans avoid all animal based items in their diet, including any byproducts of animal slaughter such as gelatin, lard, rennet and tallow.
Ethical vegans do not allow animal-derived products into their life in any form. This includes avoiding leather, fur, wool, silk and honey.
All vegans are vegetarians but not all vegetarians are vegans.
I am a 30+ year vegetarian. During that time I tried dietary veganism but came to realize that the lacto-ovo vegetarian diet is the best for me. It's a personal choice and there are many options. Over the years I've met a range of people that practice different lifestyles under the broad vegetarian designation.
Now a new and maybe unexpected demographic is embracing vegetarianism. Because this group doesn't conjure up 'typical' images of vegetarians or vegans, The Boston Globe coined a new term to describe this group: hegans.
What is a Hegan?
Men who once enjoyed juicy hunks of meat and potatoes loaded with butter are beginning to rethink their dietary habits. Seriously masculine, these men are not moving towards vegetarianism for environmental reasons or in support of animal welfare, necessarily.
'Hegan' is a term used to describe men in their mid 40s and older who eat a plant-based diet, avoiding meat and animal byproducts. These men are choosing a vegan lifestyle for health reasons; they believe that a diet rich in vegetables and fruits will help prevent heart disease, diabetes and even cancer.
Celebrity Hegans
Well known hegans include Twitter co-founder Biz Stone, hip-hop magnate Russell Simmons, former President Bill Clinton, Milwaukee Brewers hitter Prince Fielder, former Detroit Piston John Salley and Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn.
While there are no firm numbers of current hegans, the group is expanding. With obesity on the rise, baby boomers aging, stories of E. coli bacteria outbreaks and mad cow disease on the news and a greater awareness of factory farming practices, the growing trend is expected to continue.
Sources:
The Charleston Post and Courier
Salon
More from this contributor:
Vegetarian Quinoa Recipe
How to Substitute TVP for Ground Beef in Your Favorite Recipes
Best Organic Vegetarian Restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina: The Daily Dose Café
Published by Langley Cornwell
Langley Cornwell has published with the Yahoo! Contributor Network since 2009 and brings 30 years of corporate experience to her writing career. Langley has a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from... View profile
- Becoming a VegetarianDeciding to become a vegetarian is a big step.
Cooking a Meal for a Vegan or Vegetarian Friend or Family MemberWhat to keep in mind when you are cooking for a vegan or vegetarian. 
Where to Eat in Victoria, British Columbia If You Are Vegetarian or VeganThe author lists three delicious restaurants that are either fully vegetarian/vegan or vegetarian/vegan friendly in Victoria, British Columbia.
An Ethical Decision: Should Vegans and Vegetarians Take Medications?Vegans and Vegetarians sometimes refuse medications that would save their lives because of animal exploitation concerns. This article discusses how taking life-saving medication...- Best Online Retail Stores for Vegans and VegetariansLocating stylish, vegan and vegetarian clothing, shoes, accessories, and cosmetics can be a struggle. There are a few great online outposts that provide wonderful gifts for vegans and animal lovers alike, without sacr...
- Getting Enough Protein on a Vegetarian Diet
- Benefits of a Healthy Vegetarian Diet
- I Am Thinking of Becoming a Vegetarian. How Can I Make Sure that My Meals Are Nutr...
- Is the Ornish Diet Right for You?
- Important Factors to Consider when Becoming a Vegetarian
- A Vegetarian Thanksgiving Tradition
- The Healthiness of a Vegetarian Diet
20 Comments
Post a CommentLearned something new today. Thank you. By the way, if you could come up with a vegetarian dish that tasted exactly like barbecue chicken wings, I'd seriously consider becoming a vegan!
Hegan? That's new! I once heard a vegetarian describe her diet as, "I don't eat anything with a face."
Like Bethany I hadn't heard of the term hegan before. Illuminating article, Langley.
This is great information and good to share. I was not aware of the hegan term either. Thanks for bringing this info to my attention. There are so many things to consider for nutrition and health.
Never heard the term hegan, but embrace it! I have personally been lacto-ovo vegetarian for about 20 years now but eat dairy and eggs very sparingly. I always love your articles! Great job on this one. : )
Like Abby, I am cutting back on meat. I try not to eat any during the day on most days and reserve it for dinner with my family. I am learning to love me a millet burger. ;D
I knew about the first two. I wonder why they didn't just go with "vegan". Is it to make it sound 'manly' (he-gan) or is it a combination of health + vegan, and if so could a woman of the same age group who changes her diet for health reasons be called a hegan too?
Very, very interesting! I've often wondered what the different classifications were, and now I understand. Thanks so much for a very informative article.
Thanks for the info.
Very entertaining!!