I've been vegan/vegetarian for over 3 years now. My New Years resolution was to return to veganism (let's just say that when I'm stressed, cheesy bread became a staple in my diet). When I found out January is "Veganuary" I wanted to talk a little bit about why I've chosen to be vegan and why you should consider it. Going vegan isn't easy for everyone. It can be expensive to get quality produce, meal prep isn't always quick, and for many of us, you've been eating animal products for years and it's hard to break the habit. So here are some reasons why you should consider going vegan in 2017.

1. You Can Still Eat at Taco Bell

Yes you heard right. Taco Bell actually is the best fast food restaurant for vegans and vegetarians. As long as you ask for no sour cream and no chipotle ranch sauce, you can make so many things vegan! I even learned how to create an awesome vegan Crunchwrap Supreme by asking to add potatoes, sub beans, and change the sauce. And I've never had anyone complain even when I substituted and added a bunch of items.

2. New Vegan Foods Are EVERYWHERE

It used to be that you hd to go to Whole Foods or similar health stores to get vegan food, but not anymore. Stores like Target, Walmart, and most grocery stores are carrying more and more vegan items. Walmart has Ben and Jerry's new non-dairy flavors, Target carries almond milk, cashew milk, soy milk, and even milk made out of pea protein (don't worry, it doesn't taste like peas), and nearly every grocery store has awesome brands like Sweet Earth Foods and Gardein meat-free products.Hampton Creek has a line of mayo's and dressings that are AMAZING (I love their Chipotle flavored Just Mayo and I put their Just Thousand dressing on basically every sandwich I make). If you start looking for them, chance are you'll find some awesome vegan eats right in front of you. Even Oreos are technically vegan, and you're probably already eating those!

3. You Can Be A Part-Time Vegan

Some people find part-time veganism controversial and don't approve of meatless Monday's and other partial plans. I think it's a great first step. Cutting down your animal product consumption any way possible helps animals, the environment, and your health. Need some convincing? Check out movies like Forks Over Knivesor Cowspiracy that can be found on Netflix. They are extremely eye opening in explaining what animal products do to your body, and what the over-consumption of animal products is doing to the earth. You can do things like only eat meat a few times a week, cut meat out of your lunches, or try and include more veggies and smaller meat portions. It doesn't have to be drastic to make a difference.

4. Your Health Will Improve, Not Suffer

Plants have protein, don't worry. You do not need a 16 ounce steak to survive. Veggies, pasta, non-dairy milk, and so many things have protein. And if you're worried, there are so many vegan protein powders on the market to. Also, if you go vegan, you completely eliminate cholesterol. Looking at the nutritional facts of something and seeing cholesterol listed is an easy way to know if something has hidden animal products. Eliminating dairy from your diet can help with digestive issues and sinus congestion. There are even vegan doctors out there with cookbooks and information about how you can be super heathy and vegan. Marathon runners and professional athletes can stay fit and preform at the top of their game on a vegan diet. A quick google search will show you that most of the things you've heard about veganism being unhealthy is a myth. Are there unhealthy vegans out there? Of course. You can eat only Oreos and pasta and technically be a vegan, but as long as you're eating balanced meals, your health will not suffer from giving up animal products.

So go out there and buy a veggie burger or try some non-dairy milk. It won't kill you, and you just may like it!