So you wanna be a vegan in 2016?

My non-meat eating ways is old news to my close friends and family. But since I came out of the closet (so to speak) with my herbivore lifestyle in a newspaper article, I have been swamped with questions. Believe it or not I’m typically a private person and my personal life is generally kept on the downlow. (ICYMI: the Internet is filled with lies.)

But it is the holiday season and I am in the mood for giving. Here are some tips to make the vegan/vegetarian switch in 2016. (That’s your new year’s resolution, right?)

Vegan/Vegetarian 101

1. Be conscious of your reasons

Know why you are making the switch. You are not missing out because you can’t eat bacon or cheese. Don’t dwell on the negative. Is it for health reasons? To save the environment? Stop the senseless killing of animals? You are reducing your carbon footprint. You are saving a life. You are reducing your caloric intake. Be loud and proud. Buy the damn t-shirt.

2. Educate

Holy molly. It’s tough eliminating an entire food group from your diet. Don’t be ridiculous. Eating a vegan/vegetarian diet is not rocket science. Simply put – Meat = bad. Dairy = bad. Seriously it’s a heck of a lot easier living in a omnivore world than it was 15 years ago. Make friends with a nutritionist. Buy a book. Google the crap out of “vegan/vegetarian.” You got this.

3. Find support

Wear a sign, I’m a vegan. Love me. The people will come. Yes there are vegans living among you. When I first went veg, I didn’t have many people in my corner. But a lot has changed in the ensuing years on the plant-eating landscape. I just have to toss a carrot and I will hit another vegan/vegetarian.

No longer is being a plant-eater a “trend.” (Was it ever?) Now people are taking stock of their personal power. You too can make a difference. Facebook boasts hundreds of Vegan groups including Vegan/Vegetarian Alberta group, Calgary and Red Deer. Join a group and grow your tribe.

4. Don’t be a preacher

I get that you’ve seen the light. Some people may not be so open to your new way of life or thinking. Change and the unknown is scary for some people. Give your loved ones some time. And if they don’t come around then tell them to take a hike. (Just kidding.) Nobody loves an angry vegan. But they love to be inspired and motivated. Share your passion and light in a loving and a compassionate way.