Becoming vegan is an onerous and cumbersome process. Making that transition, you often find that the foods you eat every day, or the foods you love, often involve animal products lurking in ingredient lists. But, this diet doesn't have to be awful. Even if you have to say goodbye to some foods, there are other substitutes that can make your life easier. Here are three.

(Just a disclaimer. The word "substitute" can make it seem like you can't have these foods unless you are avoiding others, and that simply isn't the case. These foods can stand on their own. You don't have to be a vegan to enjoy them).

1. Coconut Milk

It's sweet but not overbearing, packed with vitamin B-12 (that is often lacking in vegan diets), and totally dairy-free. Granted, it does not taste like milk. If you want a true milk substitute, other faux milks may be a better bet. But, as the days go on, eventually, you'll find that giving up dairy isn't as difficult as it sounds.

2. Earth Balance Butter

Okay, here, there truly is no difference between actual butter and earth balance vegan butter. Even if you're not vegan, and you're just looking for foods with less cholesterol, trust me on this one. This butter is amazing. Usually, you can always tell what's vegan and what isn't, but for this, it really just tastes the same. A true substitute.

3. Chao Cheese

It melts just like cheese does when it's heated, has somewhat of that famous cheese pull, and doesn't have cholesterol. If you're just eating a sandwich, you won't notice the difference. A little on the expensive side, but that's the balance: cost versus health.