Recently, I have been in the habit of abstaining from the consumption of meat 
Oh, like a vegetarian! Why did you choose to stop eating meat?
Exactly, I have too much respect for sentient life.
That's a very good reason! Do you still eat eggs or dairy foods?
Sadly, such ethical motivations do not allow me to even consider having eggs or dairy items.
So does that make you a vegan? What's the difference between a vegan and a vegetarian?
Veganism
Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. A follower of the diet or the philosophy is known as a vegan. Distinctions may be made between several categories of veganism. "Dietary vegans" (also known as strict vegetarians) refrain from consuming animal products, not only meat but also eggs, dairy products and other animal-derived substances. The term "ethical vegan" is often applied to those who
Vegetarianism
Vegetarianism is the practice of abstaining from the consumption of meat (red meat, poultry, seafood, and the flesh of any other animal), and may also include abstention from by-products of animals processed for food.
Vegetarianism may be adopted for various reasons. Many people object to eating meat out of respect for sentient life. Such ethical motivations have been codified under various religious beliefs, as well as animal rights advocacy. Other motivations for vegetarianism are health-related, political, environmental, cultural,