Choosing a diet plan is like picking out a new pair of sneakers; fits one person perfectly could have someone else limping towards the nearest shoe store. Case in point: vegan and vegetarian diets. While both set meat and meat-derived products in the no-fly-zone, a closer look shows them to be as different as Nikes and Reeboks.

So, what’s the difference? Think of veganism as the strict, iron-willed sibling of vegetarianism, rejecting even our honey-loving, pollinating friends' nectar. Beyond that, dairy, eggs, and rennin (a cheesemaking enzyme from our mooing friends) are also on the blacklist. Now doesn’t that sound restrictive? But don’t write it off as the diet of martyrs just yet. More on that later.

Vegetarianism, on the other hand, gives a polite nod to the egg and dairy industry, but won't touch flesh food. Even the exotic delights of elk, venison, or bison get a pass in this diet.

Beyond these main players in the plant-based league, other fringe variants also exist, like part-time vegetarians (So, a vegetarian who cheats on weekends?).

Coming to the health perks, both of these diets promise almost superhero-like defense against chronic diseases. The line-up's heavy on low-fat foods and high on fibers, water, and phytonutrients. The actors-fruits, vegetables, legumes-are low in calories and high in nutrients. However, committing to either diet means being vigilant about nutrient intake. Remember, variety is the spice of a balanced vegan or vegetarian diet.

Choosing vegan or vegetarian depends heavily on your beliefs, lifestyle, motivation, and let's not forget: personal preference. While both come with impressive health merits, the finer details lie in how you execute them. Building your diet around whole grains, fruits, veggies, legumes, nuts, and seeds could get you starring in your own health sequel. But we’re not dissing the role of refined carbs and imitation meats-they’re like extras in a movie. Don’t make them your main characters, but a cameo here and there won’t hurt.

If you're caught in the vegan vs. vegetarian tug of war, calling in a dietitian as a referee may not be the worst idea. Keeping your health conditions and age in view, they can whip up a suitable game plan for you. As always, remember to have medical backup on speed dial before changing dietary lanes abruptly.