Although the reasons may vary, veganism is on the rise. Some do it for health reasons, some do it for environmental reasons, and some do it for ethical reasons. Regardless of the reason, going from a kitchen that includes meats and dairy to one that is devoid of any substance produced by animals can be extremely difficult. While some of us can stop eating cold turkey, most of us need to take our clothes off and this includes meat and dairy. Here are some great ways to start working towards a completely vegan kitchen.

• Say goodbye to sugar: You are worried? Did you think you had to face a life without the sweets that get you through the day? While processed sugar is a big “no no” in the vegan lifestyle, you can still satisfy your sweet tooth with natural sweeteners. One of the best vegan-friendly sugar substitutes is agave juice or syrup. Agave is almost one and a half times sweeter than sugar, which means you’ll have to use less to get the same sweet effect. Like honey and maple syrup, it can be used as a sugar substitute in desserts, main dishes, and drinks. Guava nectar is chemical-free and has a low glycemic index, making it a great sweetener for those with Type II diabetes.
• Be a snack expert: Believe it or not, many of your favorite snacks are not vegan friendly. A great way to stock your pantry with snacks that follow the rules is to visit gourmet food stores or organic food stores or centers. These places often have a great selection of healthy and vegan-friendly snacks, as well as other neat organic stuff. It’s often hard to give up your favorite snacks, but there are some great substitutes. For example, if you love chips with dip or vegetables with dip, try soy chips or vegetables with hummus or vegetable pates. If you like nachos, try using black beans or refried beans topped with vegan cheese instead of the regular toppings. For a sweet tooth substitution, look for soy milk ice creams, as well as some of your favorite cookies made to fit your diet.
• Minus the meat: Thanks to the modern marvels of food science, there are tons of great meat substitutes that come very close to the taste of meat. The veggie burger is no longer a tasteless piece of cardboard. In contrast, many vegetable, tofu, soy, or bean-based meat substitutes, such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken nuggets, and even luncheon meats, taste great. Experiment with different brands, flavors, and types of meatless alternatives early in your vegan days to help you find what you like and make transformation simple.
• Get rid of dairy: Like I said, there have been a lot of advances in the world of food science, which means you can find great substitutes for your favorite dairy products. This includes milk and dairy products like cheese, sour cream, and butter. The only thing left for you to do is pay attention to the ingredients and read the labels. Most grocery stores will have a section dedicated to organic and vegan foods, so look there first.

By introducing these substitutions into your diet, you will eventually find that you can satisfy most of your cravings safely. If you find that you’re having a hard time staying on track, or if you’re afraid of making a quick jump to veganism, try changing your diet in stages. Eliminate a different animal protein each week. Eventually you will, and when you do, you will feel better and be healthier. To make sure you stay healthy, make sure you eat a diet rich in calcium, zinc, protein, and vitamin C.