First off, I wanted to start by saying that I currently do not consider myself a vegan. I have taken on a plant-based diet for the most part, with very little meat and dairy here and there each week, but I did try going a couple weeks without meat and dairy. And I have to say that, while it takes some getting used to, going vegan isn't as hard as I thought it'd be.

I wasn't always 100 percent pro vegan.

I was originally against the vegan diet because I felt that, while it is definitely a healthy choice, it isn't the right choice for everyone because I once read an article that claimed our blood type tells us what type of diet we should stick to, which I later found out is a myth by the way. But I also felt that it would be very difficult for me to give up meat and dairy. While I didn't think it was for me, I always had a lot of respect for vegans because I knew I couldn't do what they do. But the more I've become a health nut, the more I've researched and the more I've realized that maybe the vegan diet is the way to go.

In addition to ruthless animal cruelty and careless health code violations, the meat and dairy industry produce a carbon footprint so high that it poses a threat to our planet and our health. Also, most meat production consists of using harmful preservatives and additives and cows are being injected with antibiotics and steroids and being fed GMO crops.

Upon researching tons of eye-opening information, I became so overwhelmed with anger and frustration and sadness and helplessness all at once that I knew I could no longer continue to support these industries. I ignored the thought that one person going vegan can't change the world, and, instead, I instilled the idea in my mind that a large number of vegans, together, can change the world. We, as the consumers, make up supply-and-demand, so we just need to change our demands.

Steps I Took to Become A Vegan

I had always felt that being a vegan would be difficult and just because I finally decided to give it a try didn't mean I suddenly thought it'd be easy. I knew I had to come up with an organized plan to help me execute my vegan mission.

I found that there were three helpful steps that I took that assisted me in changing my diet.

Step 1: I made a list of all the things I felt like I would have a really hard time giving up.

I didn't feel like I would have much of a problem giving up chicken or beef, and I have always loved steak, but I knew I could do without that, too. What I knew I was going to have a hard time letting go of was dairy products such as whipped cream, sour cream, butter, ice cream, milk chocolate and especially cheese. But I kept my hopes held high for substitution cheese to taste good, or the same. After making this list, I set out on a shopping trip to Sprouts to find substitutes for all of these foods.

While this step turned out to be successful, some of the products themselves, such as the cream cheese and the sour cream, were not such a success. Though I could get used to their taste, or I could look for different brands to try to find better-tasting versions, so I am going to continue purchasing these in replacement of dairy products.

As a side note, I initially didn't know about the soy controversy (if you haven't heard of it either, feel free to follow that link), so I'm planning on sticking to the substitutes that are "soy-free," simply because there is too much evidence against that stuff for me to want to risk it.

Step 2: I stocked my fridge and pantry with lots of fruits and vegetables.

I didn't just buy cabbage, celery, spinach and kale. As much as I love salads, I knew that if I went into this planning on eating nothing but salads and fruits, I would hate being a vegan. But I did my research (which should maybe be a step but I figured it can be optional) so I knew that being a vegan consists of so much more than just the obvious fruits, veggies and salads. I bought eggplant and potatoes, because they are both substitutes for meat. I also picked up some beans, nuts, bread, lentils and an assortment of delicious fruits.

Definitely a misconception of the vegan lifestyle is that all they eat is salads and "healthy food." Vegans can have pizza, burgers and desserts, too. Just because they're vegan versions doesn't mean they don't contain sugar, fats and grease. There is such a thing as "vegan junk food."

Another misconception would be that the vegan lifestyle is expensive. While this can be true, I found it to be pretty inexpensive when I bought my own veggies, fruits, beans, nuts, and vegan substitutes and prepared my own meals from scratch. If you plan on only buying pre-made or frozen vegan meals, you're going to be paying for the convenience.

Step 3: I told my family members about my decision to go vegan.

This step is only recommended if you don't live alone. You want to make sure that your family members or roommates are aware of your choice to stop eating meat and dairy so that they don't unknowingly tempt you by offering you BBQ chicken wings. You want to make sure they're aware that you're going to be stocking your section of the fridge with lots of fruits, eggplants and vegan substitutes. (You also don't want them to use your vegan whipped cream by accident 'cause that stuff's expensive.) You should be sure to tell your friends too so you all can make more conscious decisions about where to go out to eat.

Since I live with my mom and my sister, I told them about my decision to go vegan. Since my mom cooks for us every now and then, I told her to not worry about making my meals because I didn't want her to have to learn how to cook vegan meals just for me. However, she was actually so supportive of my decision that she learned how to make my favorite dish in the world, a traditional Mexican dish known as "Milanesa," which is essentially breaded steak, using eggplants as substitutes for the meat. And I can truthfully say it tasted better than the original!

So, why am I no longer a vegan?

I only went about two weeks without eating any meat or dairy. It was too difficult for me to deny certain foods because they had cheese or milk in them. So I won't allow myself to call myself a vegan until I have gone at least a few months without eating cheese, milk, eggs or milk chocolate (that last one's the most difficult for me).

On the bright side, I have not purchased meat or dairy at the grocery store in the past couple of months and I must say I am proud of myself for that. While I don't consider myself a vegan, my diet primarily consists of veggies, fruits, beans, nuts and vegan substitutes. I eat milk, cheese and meat only once or twice a week and I make sure I have as little as possible. For the most part, I am conscious about what I eat and I try to keep my fridge full of vegan options.

I truly do feel lighter when I eat vegan meals. I don't feel bloated or tired after each meal and I actually feel more fresh and energized every day. It even helps me crave sugar less. I actually lost ten pounds in the past month simply from eating more fruits and vegetables, fruits for breakfast, veggies for lunch and dinner.

Replacing "Vegan" With "Plant-Based"

Instead of saying I'm "pro vegan," I feel much more comfortable saying that I am all for a plant-based diet, with a limited consumption of meats and dairy. (And by limited, I mean very limited.)

There is evidence that is telling people that they could help stop global warming and massive amounts of pollution from destroying our planet simply by quitting meat and switching to a plant-based, vegan diet. However, we can't force everyone to drastically alter the diet they've been accustomed to all their lives just overnight. We have to simply promote a primarily plant-based diet. Instead of serving the meat and cheeses as the main entree and the veggies or fruit as a "side," we should promote the opposite.

I truly believe that if everyone just took the time to do some serious research on all this stuff, then devised a plan to replace their meat and dairy products with vegan substitutes and set out to at least attempt a vegan lifestyle, it could tremendously help relieve our planet from a lot of the toxic waste we are producing and dumping out onto it constantly. And what's more is that it really would be a much healthier diet. But if everyone really doesn't want to give up meat or dairy entirely, we can at least try to buy from places or brands we know for certain have derived their products from sustainable, organic sources. Even just limiting our consumption of these foods would be a giant step forward. I encourage everyone to at least try, for the animals, for the planet and for our health.