Vegan. That keyword probably creates an image in your mind of a barefoot hippie with dreads and a tie dye t-shirt welding a peace sign. Or maybe a snob at a restaurant who complains about the menu and has a million questions and a million specifications. Or maybe an extremist who stands outside department stores, throwing buckets of blood on newly purchased fur coats. Regardless of how it is portrayed in the media, veganism is more than a fad: it is a movement that is not going to fade away anytime soon.

Due to ethical, economic, and environmental reasons, I have recently decided that eventually, I would like to live a vegan lifestyle, as I see it as the only responsible and sustainable diet. Now before you shake this off as another anti-meat industry rant, a disclaimer: this article is not about why I want to go vegan, but my experience so far trying.

I first tried to go vegetarian after I watched "Food, Inc". for the first time my junior year of high school. I ended up eating basically just veggie burgers for five days straight until I stopped and continued to eat as I always had. In other words, I gave up.

I tried again this past spring after I watched a plethora of food documentaries on Netflix, including "Cowspiracy" and "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead". I gave up meat for Lent but that lasted about a week until I caved. That's when I realized I was doing it all wrong; not everyone has the resources or the will power to instantaneously stop eating meat and dairy products. I am a college student with a meal plan that doesn't offer many vegan options. I was living in a dorm where I did not have the option to cook for myself.

Going vegan is a process. I've pretty much accepted the fact that I won't be a perfect vegan or even vegetarian for a little while. But that's okay. What matters to me is that I'm working towards it. This summer, I started only eating meat every other day, and eliminated as much dairy as I could. Over a month in, I now only eat meat when it is inconvenient not to and when I really want it, which makes it 100% more enjoyable in my opinion.

So if you wanna go vegan to find out what works for you. Quit cold turkey if you can. If not, take it little by little. Do meatless Mondays, only eat meat on the weekends, or have a meatless breakfast every day. Give tofu a try. Choose soy milk over cow's milk. Don't add cheese to salads or sandwiches. Have fruit for dessert. Fill your diet with grains, nuts, and veggies. Eventually, you will stop missing meat and dairy, and your tastebuds will evolve.

It also helps to have a "vegan spirit guide" to help you out, or a friend that is already living a vegan lifestyle. Mine is my friend Sofia who has been a vegan for years now, and I could not be more thankful for her. She is my inspiration. Find yours.