Veganism-- a diet/lifestyle that completely removes the consumption and use of animal (or animal tested) products in your life. This is a step farther than vegetarianism in that a vegan does not just give up meat, but also eggs, butter, milk, cheese, honey, etc. In addition, the hardcore vegans don't wear leather or wool or anything type of fur, skin, or coat of any living creature. Yea, it's intense. But the diet also does wonders for your body, your environmental footprint, and your overall outlook on life. I would know-- three months ago, I made the big change. And I've never felt livelier, happier, and more energized in my entire life.

Unfortunately, not everyone is able to see it that way.

I’m gonna guess that you opened this article for one of three reasons:

1. You’re vegan/thinking about going vegan and you’re interested.

2. You know me and you're interested.

3. You think vegans are idiots and wanted to see what crazy thing we're saying next.

If you fall into the third category, well, sorry to disappoint, but there are about a thousand blogs, YouTubers, pages and other people who could tell you all the boring things like the environmental reasons behind veganism, the horrors of the meat industry, the cruelty-free aspect, the health benefits, the corruption of our daily diets, the historical significance and the lives you’d be able to change by converting. Nah, I don’t feel the need to rehash all of that to you here, but if you really want to talk about it, let me know. Any time. Seriously.

Instead, I want to talk about what I’ve noticed, both about myself and about society, in the short three months that I have become a vegan.

1. There is no such thing as a ‘stereotypical’ vegan.

People seem to be caught up in the idea that only those who hug trees, walk barefoot and hate showers adopt a vegan diet. I told someone I was a vegan once, and they told me they were surprised, because I don’t look like one. What? Do you have any idea how many celebrities are vegans? Athletes? World leaders? And with the number of vegans drastically increasing, this only becomes more and more true.

2. I needed to be ready to explain my diet choices.

Not only was adopting a vegan diet difficult for me to transition to, but I also had people constantly asking me to justify it. Nobody asks someone why they eat meat (except maybe some vegans), yet I’m always asked why and how I do it. Why do you care that I don’t eat a steak? More for you! Unless you are truly interested, in which case, ask away.

3. On the other hand, people really can’t handle criticism of their own diet choices.

This was a hard one to swallow for me at first, but vegans are socially forbidden to criticize what some others may eat, while we are expected to endure diet-shaming during nearly every meal. I know it isn’t just vegans too. A lot of people who choose to go gluten free have to deal with the exact same treatment. Side note: My roommates, family, and friends have been overwhelmingly supportive and cool about the whole thing. Thanks, y’all.

4. You know that joke about vegans?

The one where you ask “How do you know when there is a vegan in the room?” And the punchline is “Don’t worry, they’ll tell you.” Yeah, well, I hate that joke. Do you realize how much we, as a society, talk about food in our daily life? A LOT. Seriously, try counting one day. Food is a huge part of culture, and I learned just how much of my life was consumed with talking, thinking, making and eating food. So yeah, if you know a vegan, it’s likely that you know they are a vegan, because it is likely that food has come up at some point in your relationship, and the decision to go vegan influences a significant part of their lives and they are going to talk about it.

5. I love talking about veganism.

Why? Because I feel GREAT. The best I’ve ever felt. I want to share this feeling with everyone in the world, and I bite my tongue more often than not because the way my diet has been received by some people is not so great. It is a natural freaking reaction to want to share good things with people. Sue me.

6. In a way, veganism is kind of a religion.

Now I am not religious, and I don’t have anything against those who are, but bear with me on my explanation for this here. I’m not trying to imply that veganism has to replace one’s religious practices, but there are similarities. Many religions dictate what food can and cannot be consumed; so does veganism. Many religions require prayer before meals, so that those practicing it can be aware of where their food comes from, and thankful for it; so does veganism. (Not the prayer part, but becoming aware). Many religions encourage spreading the word and hopefully converting others; so does veganism. Many people seek out religion to come to a sense of peace and to do good in the world - so do vegans. Many people who are religious, have a community of others who are religious - so do vegans. But with other vegans, not necessarily religious people.

7. Being a vegan is not that hard.

I thought about going vegan for about two months before I actually took the plunge, and I thought it was going to be a hell of a lot harder than it was. It didn’t require some weird ritual. I didn’t have to completely disregard my former life as a meat-eater. It is not some extreme diet. In fact, after the first month, it became easy to me. Second nature. I still go out to eat with my friends regularly. I still have dessert and midnight snacks and junk food. I just have my own versions of it. Being a vegan is only as extreme as I want it to be, and I don’t want to be a slave to my food. I want to enjoy it, feel good about it and then focus on other things that are a lot more important in my life.

8. It is so important to be aware of each and everything you eat.

That doesn’t just mean what kind of food, but also what is in the food. Where the food comes from. How it is made. Even who made it. Even when I ate meat, I never really considered myself that carnivorous. After becoming vegan, I realized that there was some form of animal product in nearly everything I ate and just how unnecessary that was.

9. The most beneficial thing a person can do for their health is to find a diet that works for them.

I strongly believe that a vegan diet that is done correctly, transitioned into slowly and paired with an open mind, is a diet that will work for almost anyone - but I’m biased. However, if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. But PLEASE find one that does. It’ll change your life. I know so, because it has changed mine.

10. The people who listen to me, hear me out and not only give me a chance to explain my diet, but are genuinely interested in hearing about my choices, are simply the greatest people in the entire world.

Honestly, thanks for listening. And you, thanks for reading through to the end. You rock.