My journey as a vegetarian started a little over a year ago and has been one of the top 3 best decisions I have ever made in my life. In today’s society, more and more people are turning to vegan and vegetarian diets as the meat industry is being exposed. The way we obtain chicken and beef is kind of atrocious, but the idea of living without it is just as bad.

Believe me, I get it. Chick-fil-A was life for me. Sometimes we crave a double cheeseburger. Steak and shrimp hibachi hits the spot every time. Despite all of these things, I have been a vegetarian for over a year and I can’t even say it has been difficult.

If you are considering becoming a vegetarian, here are 13 things to consider before weaning yourself off of your strictly-nugget diet.

1. You can't just eat mac-and-cheese and grilled cheese for every meal like a full-grown child.

You need to know your food groups! As a vegetarian, you must ensure that you get enough protein each day and aren't picking up unhealthy eating habits.

2. Vitamins are your BFF.

You are going to be missing many nutrients, such as iron, by cutting meat from your diet. This doesn't make it unhealthy, you just have to ensure you get all of your nutrients from your vitamins to stay healthy.

3. B12!!! (wtf is B12???).

B12 is that awesome little guy in food that gives you energy. If you don't take B12, you may find that you are tired all of the time and have no energy. You will need to take B12 every day to keep your natural energy levels up.

4. Pinterest will ensure that you don't starve.

Pinterest has all of the best recipes. If you are craving buffalo chicken dip, Pinterest will show you how to "effortlessly" recreate a vegetarian version of buff chick dip using cauliflower. All of my carnivorous-friends can guarantee it is just as good without chicken as it is with.

5. You don't have to love fruits and veggies (but it's a bonus if you do).

You can make a vegetable taste like anything you want it to taste like if you cook and season it correctly. Veggie burgers that taste like real burgers exist. Trust me, I've tasted both.

6. If you have stomach issues, this could be a solution for you.

Before I changed my diet, my stomach would get extremely upset the majority of the time after I finished a meal. Now, my stomach rarely ever hurts after a meal.

7. You will feel cleaner inside and out.

I don't eat meals anymore and feel disgustingly sluggish. I feel so much healthier overall!

8. Your stomach might end up becoming more sensitive to greasy foods.

This is a sort of pro and con. For all you Negative Nancy's, eating certain fast food or overly greasy meals will upset your stomach. On the positive side, you won't be tempted to eat greasy foods that you probably shouldn't be eating in the first place.

9. You are going to have to try new things.

You can't go out to eat and order your standard chicken fingers and fries. You are going to have to search the menu for something vegetarian. I have never had any issues finding something delicious to eat while dining out, and many restaurants have even begun including vegetarian menus!

10. If you love Mexican food, this is the diet for you.

Rice and beans make a complete protein. Mexican food is the perfect meal for you now more than ever.

11. You have to make sure you are getting enough protein.

Protein is what keeps you full. Peanut butter, nuts, protein powder, quinoa, rice and beans, Ezekiel bread, etc. Make sure you always incorporate some type of protein into your meals so you aren't over-eating carbs (@ me my first few weeks of vegetarianism).

12. Tacobell!

Hands down, easiest fast food place to eat when you're a vegetarian. The secret: substitute any meat for black beans!

13. If you hate it, it's not like you can't go back to your former diet.

If you try it and you hate it, you don't have to stick with it. It's better to try it and realize it isn't for you than it is to miss the opportunity to try something you may love altogether.

Save some animals and feel healthier! Go vegetarian!