Oh, the life of a vegan. People judge us because we're different, not like the rest of society who eats meat and dairy products. (Though please tell me what's so appealing about eating and harming innocent animals?!) I've never gotten so many questions about my diet and lifestyle until I became vegan. Read on to learn more about what it's like to be vegan!

1. Why are you vegan?

Personally, I chose to become vegan for ethical reasons, after my sister and I watched the documentary, Earthlings (available on YouTube!), which consists of behind-the-scenes footage from animal-based industries and shows animals' mistreatment in farms and factories. The environmental and health benefits of veganism don't hurt either!

2. What do you eat?

Contrary to popular belief, there is more to the vegan diet besides fruits and vegetables. Beans, rice, pasta, bread (basically all carbs), tofu, lentils, nuts, falafels, peanut butter...the list goes on and on. There's also a TON of soy/dairy substitutes and vegan alternatives that taste pretty similar to their dairy counterparts, so I feel like I'm not giving up many foods, but instead just replacing them.

3. Where do you get your protein?

Where to start? Tofu, beans, lentils, nuts, veggie burgers, peanut butter, quinoa, soy yogurt, and soy milk are just a few examples of meat/fish protein alternatives.

4. Is it hard?

The vegan diet is only hard if you choose to be a picky eater. It's all about how open-minded you are to trying new and different foods and varieties. However, some restaurants aren't as accommodating to vegan diets, so be sure to check the menu before going out.

5. Do you miss eating meat?

No, I don't miss feeling guilty about eating former baby pigs every time I ate bacon, thank you very much.

6. Do you miss ice cream?

Just because I'm vegan doesn't mean no ice cream! Well-known brands like Ben & Jerry's and Breyers have their own unique dairy free ice cream (made from cashew, almond, and coconut milk) which tastes just like your normal dairy ice cream. Additionally, Häagen-Dazs just released four new dairy free flavors, exclusively available at Target, so vegans now have that option too!

7. What does tofu taste like?

A soft, flavorless substance that tastes best with soy sauce or seaweed seasoning in my opinion. Tofu mixes well with vegetables in pastas and rice too. Oh! And tofu scrambles. A must try tofu dish.

8. Are your parents/family vegan?

No, only my sister is vegan, and it is a choice that we both made as educated young adults.

9. Do plants have feelings and feel pain?

Given the fact that plants don't have any central nervous system or brains, they cannot feel pain. So no.

10. Isn't vegan food expensive?

Many soy alternatives at the supermarket cost more than the standard dairy items, but if you consider how much money you're saving by not buying meat and fish, the savings does make a difference.

11. Are your future kids going to be vegan?

Hell yeah! I'm not going to be a hypocrite who preaches a vegan lifestyle and then not raise my kids on a vegan diet. That being said, I'll probably convince my future spouse to be vegan too. One happy lil vegan family coming right up. #Goals

12. Can you eat bread?

It depends. Most bread is made with some kind of egg, milk, or whey, so that’s why it’s important to read the labels when grocery shopping!

13. Do you miss cheese?

Nope! There’s all kinds of dairy alternatives — like this awesome Daiya cheese — that make up for the lack of “real” cheese I’m no longer eating. Or you can just concoct some delicious vegan cheese recipes like this lady.

14. But isn't eating meat just part of the Circle of Life?

Yes, because the Circle of Life you're thinking of is exactly as Nature intended.

A year ago, if you asked me about veganism, I would have said that I loved the idea of it, however, I wouldn't be able to give up fish: sushi and salmon were just too delicious! Becoming vegan was not easy and required giving up some of my favorite foods: RIP Andes Chocolate Mints and eggs. But it's a sacrifice that I'm willing to make, andI know what I'm doing for the environment and the animals is one of the greatest and most selfless acts. And now? I'll just make the vegan alternative to whatever dish I used to make (of which there are plenty).

Health-wise, I definitely have a higher fruit and vegetable intake, and lots of vegans I've talked to agree that they eat healthier now that they don't eat meat. I'm proud to be vegan and hope that you there reading this article will consider trying it out. Whether it be for health, environmental, or ethical reasons, veganism is the future. It may take some time to get adjusted, but once you get the hang of it, you won't ever look at meat and dairy the same again.