As veganism and vegetarianism continues to rise and grow in popularity, replacing the consumption of meat with near identical plant-based alternatives that are not only healthier, but much better for the environment and, in my experience, most of the time taste better, one question continues to come to my mind.

Pull up a chair. Let’s jump straight in with an epic example of lifestyle contrast:

From meatless meatballs to crispy tenders, Gardein blesses vegans with some of the tastiest meatless meats around. Their products have become a staple in my house, especially when I want to make my version of vegan Puerto Rican Pastelillos!

So, you are thinking of going totally vegan. You've been having second thoughts about the environment, saving our planet, your health, feeling sorry for the animals, your weight, etc.

Two and a half years ago, I transitioned to a Vegan lifestyle after being vegetarian for 28 years and it was something I’d wanted to do for a while but never thought I could. I had absolutely no understanding of what a Vegan diet looked like. I always thought it seemed so ‘extreme.’ I had already omitted meat and fish from my diet and I wondered if I took dairy away, what would be left? How would I survive on a few vegetables?

I decided to go vegan when I got home from a summer abroad and realized I had gained 10 pounds. I have been vegetarian since I was in 10th grade, and before traveling I had been off dairy for six months to see if it would help clear my skin. (Hint: it did.) But I was going to the land of pizza and cappuccinos... so I went from zero to 1,000 in dairyland as soon as I got off the plane. It was six weeks of salty, creamy, sugary bliss. Then I got home, returned to reality, stepped on a scale, and took a long look in the mirror at the bumps all over my face. It was time to change. And since then, I have never looked back.

Hiya! So I am someone who is currently going vegan and I wanted to make this article post for anyone who might be wanting to also go vegan, or is considering it. So, should you go vegan? Eh, no one but YOU can make that decision, so let's break down the pros and cons:

Vegans.

Hey everyone!

Summer is soon approaching, which means it's about that time of year to enjoy backyard barbecues with friends and family. Even if you're the only vegan on the deck, you can still have fun and eat some delicious food. If you're tasked with bringing a little something to share, here are some options to choose from that even the most militant meat-eater will enjoy.

“I personally chose to go vegan because I educated myself on factory farming and cruelty to animals, and I suddenly realized that what was on my plate were living things, with feelings. And I just couldn’t disconnect myself from it any longer.” -Ellen DeGeneres

Choosing to live a vegan lifestyle is not only great for the planet, and those we share it with, it's also a great way to take care of yourself.