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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SMU chapter.

People usually write off the possibility of being vegan because it seems daunting and impossible. Iā€™m here to help convince you that it isĀ not at all impossible. Yes, even if you have a meal plan and only eat in the dining hall. Iā€™m not saying itā€™s easy. It requires dedication and a little bit more time, but itā€™s definitely worth it. Care about climate change? It takes 2,400 gallons of water to produce one (thatā€™s right, ONE) pound of meat. So basically, youā€™d save more water by not eating one pound of meat than you would if you didnā€™t shower for five months.

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Image via Youtube

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Okay, but what do you eat?

Breakfast:Ā 

If Iā€™m in a rush, I grab a vegan granola bar and some fruit. Bananas are a great option, but I prefer apples or oranges.Ā 

If I decide to actually get out of bed when my alarm goes off, then I head to Arnold and grab a bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar, a slice of peanut butter toast, and more fruit (I could eat those pineapple chunks all day).

I also try and make vegan protein shakes whenever I can Theyā€™re super easy and you can find tons of recipes online.

Lunch: Umph has pretty decent vegan options in the ā€œHealthy on the Hilltopā€ line. Things like tofu wraps, curried chickpeas, and Cajun tofu are some of my favorites. If Iā€™m not feeling what theyā€™re serving, then I head to the sandwich line and make a veggie sandwich (spinach wrap or wheat bread with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and hummus). Then, I grab a veggie burger patty (near the fries) and make myself a delicious lunch. They also have great stuff like black beans, spinach, and quinoa to add to your sandwich in the salad bar.

Dinner: For dinner, I usually get stir fry from the Mongolian Grill line at Arnold. I usually put all the veggies, either rice or noodles, and ask for extra tofu. I love spicy food so mine is covered in Sriracha sauce. If the lineā€™s too long or Iā€™m extra hungry, I grab a baked potato (with some salt, pepper, and hot sauce) and a huge salad with balsamic dressing and a little olive oil.

Snacks: Iā€™m stalked up with snacks in my room:

āƒ Sea Salt Popcorn

āƒ Vegan Cereal and Almond Milk

āƒ Oreos (Theyā€™re vegan!!)

āƒ Fruit

āƒ Baby carrots

āƒ Pre-packaged cups of quinoa

āƒ Dark chocolate

Youā€™d be surprised how many snacks are actually vegan! Just check the ingredients to make sure thereā€™s no hidden dairy or eggs!

But what about protein? Check out this chart that compares animal based protein to plant-based protein:

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Image via Pinterest

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According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, animal protein consumption is linked to increased risk of diabetes, mortality, and cancer where as plant-based diets tend to be low in saturated fat, high in fiber and full of antioxidants to prevent health issues like obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. There are plant-based substitutes for just about every food (even bacon), but eating raw, whole foods would definitely equate to a healthier lifestyle. There are plenty of reasons to go vegan and it doesnā€™t have to be an overnight change. Do some research (Netflix has some great documentaries like ā€œWhat the Healthā€) and figure out how you can make transitioning to veganism best fit your lifestyle.

For more information, read on below:

PETA The Vegetarian Resource Group The Vegan Society

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