If you told me 5 years ago I wouldn't eat meat every day, I wouldn't believe you. Had you said I'd give up dairy even 2 years ago, I would say you didn't know me obviously since ice cream was my weakness.

So how did I get here?

Great question ... I've asked myself that before, too. Short story - I got sick and started feeling better once I changed my diet. For all the details, you can read about my journey.

If this is your first introduction to plant-based living, don't fear. I won't suggest replacing everything you own with a plant. Slowing swapping out products is the easiest way to make the transition to a plant-based lifestyle.

Does that mean you will have to become a vegan?

Not necessarily. While I fully support those who are vegan, I am plant-based for my health. It is a lifestyle for me because the majority of my diet and the products I use on my body and in my house are made from plants.

When I discovered that animal products affected my body negatively, I chose to incorporate more plant-based foods to avoid being in pain.  This just happens to closely resemble a vegan diet.

But plant-based does not equal vegan.

I still eat raw honey occasionally, which is not vegan. I rarely eat meat or seafood, avoid dairy in all forms, and try to limit my soy intake. Incorporating more produce into diet is more important to me than eating vegan food. Sodas, chips, and other snacks can be considered vegan, but I choose to consume few highly processed foods.

This is the version of a plant-based diet that works for me. Yours may look different from mine, and that's okay.

The goal is to eat more whole foods from plant sources and minimize eating heavily processed foods. I love eating a bowl of only veggies now, but it took a couple years to get here. Trying meatless Monday or picking one day to fast from dairy may make the transition feel less daunting.

I often hear how difficult it would be to give up a particular food. In these scenarios, I suggest focusing on what you can add to your diet or what you are willing to try. This practice has introduced me to new fruits and vegetables. By putting energy into what you can have, it removes the barrier that you cannot have something. If you are not ready to commit to the diet changes, plant-based products are a great starting point as well.

Since the products going on my body were just as important as what was going into my body, I slowly switched to ones without animal byproducts or chemicals that are known to cause issues. I did not throw away every lotion or body wash, but I vowed to not buy anymore of those products after I finished using what I had.

Many of my new products happen to be vegan. Again, I don't draw a fine line that they must have a vegan label, but plant-based items often meet the criteria to be labeled as such. Similar to food, the title does not automatically mean it is better. I also read the ingredient list so I can choose products without chemicals known to be hormone disruptors to the body.

As mentioned above, I live this way for my health. Understanding your desires - whether it is for ethical reasons, to eat better, or to reduce your contact with chemicals - can keep you motivated when it seems challenging to maintain changes.