It’s much easier than you might think! In fact, most Americans consume an overabundance of protein, mostly from animal-based sources. The good news is that protein is readily found in a cornucopia of plants, including nuts, beans, seeds, whole grains, and vegetables.

Vegan foods are not inherently more expensive than animal products. To keep costs down, minimize the use of processed foods, purchase in-season fruits and vegetables, and buy dried beans, grains, nuts and seeds in bulk. Pound for pound, plant foods are typically less expensive.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “well-planned vegetarian and vegan eating patterns are healthy for infants and toddlers.” Moreover, “well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes.” Other good resources on this topic include the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM.org) and The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG.org).

Studies show that cheese contains chemicals that are addictive. However, as consumers become increasingly aware of the health benefits of eliminating dairy as well as the suffering endured by dairy cows, more and more people are choosing dairy-free cheese! And with so many delicious options available, it’s easier than ever. Try varieties by Follow Your Heart, Daiya, Miyoko’s Kitchen, Treeline, and many more.

One of the most exciting things about exploring vegan eating is discovering new-to-you foods! From tempeh, to seitan, nutritional yeast and more, there are so many delicious options that allow you to enjoy the foods and flavors you love while leaving animals off your plate. Visit our How page for information on some specific ingredients.

Competitive sports stars are proving that athletes can power up with a vegan diet! Vegan athletes excel in many sports, and many have switched to plant-based eating to improve their performance: from world track and field star Carl Lewis, to tennis superstar Venus Williams, bodybuilder Torre Washington, triathlete Rich Roll, Olympic cyclist and activist Dotsie Bausch, and others.

As the number of people choosing to order veg foods soars, so too do the number of restaurants offering meat-free menu options. There are hundreds of all-vegan eateries nationwide and countless more restaurants with meatless menu items to serve this growing market. Here are several major chains offering plant-based options: Subway, Taco Bell, Pita Pit, Chipotle, and many more.