After almost a year of being vegan, I can say fully and whole-heartedly that I am so happy with my decision. "Happy" really is an understatement, but in simple terms, a plant-based diet has helped me to grow strong, mentally and physically, which has made me smile a bit more every day. My body feels clean and refreshed. My skin is clearer than ever before. My stomach doesn't hurt. My heart is content. Not only do I feel great, but I know my lifestyle doesn't thrive off the suffering of something else.

My vegan journey has been full of yummy (and not so great) food. Along the way, I've found my ultimate favorite plant-based foods. The vegan movement is growing which means more options and better vegan food. A simple search on Pinterest or Youtube brings up tons of vegan recipes, hacks and tips/tricks. Along with my research, I've practically mastered the art of "vegan searching" through fast food menus. When you're in a pinch and McDonald's is the only restaurant in sight, you need to improvise. If you're new to the vegan lifestyle or trying it out for the first time, here is a list of vegan fast-food hacks to try on the go.

1. McDonald's

Ahh, the hub for fast food (and also the most questionable). Lucky for vegans, there a few random options available when you're in a pinch (and the fries AREN'T one of them! They contain milk).

- Side Salad: very simple, very basic.

- Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad: Take out the chicken and cheese, and you have yourself a vegan salad (the dressing is vegan, too!).

- Fruit and Maple Oatmeal: Ask for no cream! The oatmeal and fruit blend is vegan by itself.

- Baked Apple Pie: A dessert item is vegan? You, bet! Nothing to take out for this one.

- Iced Coffee: Ask for no cream. The only vegan syrups are French Vanilla, Hazelnut, and Sugar-Free French Vanilla.

2. Taco Bell

Another fast food giant, Taco Bell, is very vegan-friendly if you choose to mix and match items. By simply taking out the cheese or adding more veggies, you can make any taco or burrito vegan. Here are a few items that are vegan by themselves.

- Hashbrowns: Yay for breakfast!

- Cinnamon Twists: Yes, the best item on the menu is completely animal-free.

- Fresco Bean Burrito: It is completely certified vegan!

- Black Beans/Black Beans w/Rice: Some restaurants sneak unneeded ingredients into their beans, but this one is safe.

All Border Sauces and Freezes are vegan, too!

3. Burger King

By far, Burger King had the worst vegan options available. Even though they offer a veggie burger, it is not vegan. Sorry, your options are limited here. You can get creative by taking the meat and cheese off a burger, but here are the items that are completely vegan by themselves.

- Hashbrowns: WARNING - they share the same fryer as non-vegan items, so if this bothers you, avoid it.

- Applesauce and Apply Juice: Both vegan!

4. Panera

You would think Panera Bread would have amazing options for vegans, but your options are limited to, well, bread. Here's what you can eat --

- Breads: Hoagie Roll, Sourdough, Sea Salt Focaccia, French Baguette, Ciabbata, French Baguette Side, Country, Rye, Sesame Semolina

- Bagels: Everything, Plain, Sesame, Blueberry

- Steel Cut Oatmeal with Strawberries & Pecans (not the other oatmeals!)

- Black Bean Soup

- Seasonal Greens Salad

- Vegan Lentil Quinoa Broth Bowl and Soba Noodle Broth Bowl with Edamame

- Peach and Blueberry Smoothie with Almond Milk

5. Chick-fil-A

Yes, Chick-fil-A is on this list! It's a favorite of your friends, so you're bound to end up there hungry and looking for a vegan option.

- Hashbrowns

- Sunflower Bagel

- Waffle Fries (YES)

- Superfood Side