Making the change to a vegan lifestyle can not only be rewarding, but it can also introduce you to a whole new world of delicious eating. At first, a vegan lifestyle may seem like a hindrance to your food options, but to the contrary, the transition to this lifestyle opens the door to a whole new range of dietary options that you may not have known were right in front of you. Many people choose veganism for different reasons, one of which being that this lifestyle will make your body healthier than you probably ever thought was possible! So, what is a vegan lifestyle? A vegan lifestyle is essentially a plant based diet; free from meat, dairy and eggs, that has been shown to help reduce your chances of cancer and diabetes, while also eliminating harmful toxins in the body. It is important that we have a well-balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, nuts, herbs, and grains along with natural supplements. There are a wide range of delicious meat, dairy, sugar and egg alternatives you can enjoy. Alternatives including foods such as avocados, walnuts, wild rice and nut milk. Mushrooms and tofu are also a great meat replacement for when you have a craving for meat, such as steak or chicken. Almond butter is another great alternative for when you want a tasty spread on your morning toast instead of the usual butter or dairy product. In the beginning, the trick is to slowly replace all of your non-vegan foods with healthier alternatives. If you slip up a few times along the way, that is to be expected. So, do not worry because it is perfectly normal! Meal prepping is also a great option to help you maintain this lifestyle when away from home, along with keeping snacks on hand for those unexpected cravings. In the “Virgin Vegan,” I will be giving you a few simple meal recipes that will help you get started on the road to a healthier life. So, go ahead and POP THAT VEGAN CHERRY!!!!