HOW TO GO VEGAN

A meat-free diet is truly a lifesaver: Vegans and vegetarians are less likely to suffer from heart disease, obesity, and several types of cancer, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Plus, vegan foods are delicious!

The following are our "Top Five Tips for Making the Switch":

1. Make vegan versions of your favorite meals.Make your favorite recipes vegan simply by replacing the meat and dairy products with other foods. For example, replace the beef in burritos with beans, guacamole, and grilled veggies or try vegan beef crumbles from Gardein or Boca. Make spaghetti with marinara sauce and add roasted vegetables as well as vegan meatballs or sausage (try Nate's brand or Gimme Lean). And replace cheese with one of the many dairy-free brands available, such as Daiya.

2. Explore delicious vegan recipes.

You'll be amazed by the variety of tasty vegan recipes out there, from classic American dishes to Italian and Creole. People tell us all the time that going vegan exposed them to an array of flavors and foods that they never knew existed. Click here to explore the thousands of recipes on PETA.org.

3. Try tasty faux meats and dairy alternatives.
Sample the ever-growing lineup of mock meats—including burgers, hot dogs, turkey deli slices, riblets, and chicken patties—and the vast array of tasty alternatives to dairy products, such as vegan cream cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. Some of the most popular brands include Boca, Gardenburger, Gardein, Daiya, and Silk.

4. Sample microwaveable meals and convenience foods.
Always on the run? Check out the variety of vegan microwavable meals in your local grocery store's freezer aisle, including Amy's Black Bean Enchilada With Spanish Rice & Beans, Fantastic Foods' Vegetarian 3-Bean Chili, and Yves' Thai Lemongrass Veggie Chick'n. There are manyquick and easy vegan snacks, including such basics as fresh fruit and PB&J and unique options such as Tofurky Jurky and Silk Live! soy-yogurt smoothies.

5. Find vegan-friendly restaurants in your area.
Whatever your budget and wherever you live, you can enjoy delicious vegan meals. Many national chains, such as Johnny Rockets, sell tasty veggie burgers and other animal-friendly options. Click here to use the Happy Cow restaurant guide to help you find great vegan-friendly restaurants wherever you are.

Thank you again for pledging to try a vegan diet for 30 days. If you need help deciding what to make or what to buy over the next month, check out How to Go Vegan, our guide for going vegan in three easy steps.

Best of luck!

Sincerely,

PETA