Veganism has become an increasing trend among teens and celebrities. With this rise in popularity, there has also been some confusion as to what it means.

“Honestly, I had no clue what the difference was between vegan and vegetarian until a year ago,” junior Jennifer Sahakian said.

Veganism is commonly mistaken with vegetarianism. Vegetarians do not eat food that contain fish, meat or poultry. It is a part of veganism but in addition, vegans do not eat or use animal products.

The vegan diet depends on fruits, vegetables, grains, greens, seeds, legumes and nuts. Veganism can be the diet or the addition of the strict lifestyle of not using animal products. There are different levels of how strictly people expand their vegan lifestyle.

Celebrities have either parted their traditional eating habits and went vegan or done a short-term vegan diet. More than a year ago, Beyoncé and Jay Z shared the 22 days of their vegan diet on Instagram. The celebrity couple opened the eyes of thousands and inspired them to try the diet. They popularized the 22 Days Nutrition’s vegan meal delivery, which selects a meal plan that will provide weekly delivered meals.

The vegan lifestyle is not easy to begin out of nowhere. There needs to be a plan or an idea of what you could eat on a daily basis and what ingredients can or cannot be used. As an easier alternative, there is the option of becoming vegetarian then adapt- ing to the vegan lifestyle so the diet change is not too drastic. That is what senior Sofia Jimenez did.

“I chose to go vegan during Lent to challenge myself and as a result I feel much healthier since I don’t eat as much junk food,” Jimenez said.

There are few different types of vegans including raw vegans, plant-based and complete vegans. Raw vegans do not eat animal-produced foods or food cooked over 115 degrees because it is believed that once food is cooked over the temperature they lose their nutrients and enzymes. Plant-based vegans do not eat animal by-products such as cheese or meat as well as processed food and more depending on the person.

There are also vegans who eat food that may not be healthy but are vegan. Food such as Oreos, chips or french fries are all vegan (depending on the company and the oil used).

A grocery store recommended for vegans is Trader Joe’s. They label their vegan foods and even have types of vegan ice cream made of soy.

According to the Vegetarian Times, 7.3 million Americans are vegetarian; of them about a million are vegans. There are both advantages and disadvantages of being vegan. Advantages include helping lower cholesterol, blood pressure, prevent chronic diseases, increase antioxidant intake and improve self-control.

Disadvantages include difficulty when eating out, the impact on the body, careful reading of labels and much more. Of course these disadvantages and concerns of the vegan lifestyle are paved through the careful nutritional planning which helps avoid the need to take supplements.

People become vegan permanently or temporarily because of their compassion towards animals and the environment and/or to improve their health. The wide variety of vegans and the benefits open the door of a vegan lifestyle to everyone.

“No argument that people need to do research before they become vegan. Research is an integral part of being vegan,” senior Ruhsora Akbarova said. “Whenever I have to eat out at restaurants online sources, guides and simply asking the right questions make eating out easier.”