PLAN! :-)

Plan your menu for every meal before going to the grocery store. Try to keep breakfast simple with foods like bagels, smoothies, oatmeal, etc. Make enough dinner to serve for lunch the next day or better yet make enough for dinner, too.

Keep it simple with recipes like Califlower Cous Cous with Mint & Basil Sauce & Fried Rice.

Take your favorite non-vegan recipes, switch out a few ingredients and veganize it. I recently made my mom's collard greens recipe using liquid smoke opposed to smoked meat. It was yummy and I couldn't tell the difference.

If you don't want to plan your menu or don't have the time, Happy Herbivore offers affordable vegan weekly menus with grocery lists and directions.

Also Pinterest and my recipe page are great resources.

Plan ahead for social gatherings- This time of year (also Christmas, New Years, etc.) can be difficult because there's so much temptation to eat foods that aren't necessarily good for you at gatherings. I usually eat a meal before leaving my house and bring a simple vegan dish to events to munch on and share. If you're heading out to a restaurant, check out the menu online so you have an idea of your options. Fortunately, many restaurants now have at least one vegan entree. If all else fails, order several side items-like french fries, steamed vegetables, applesauce, garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette, rice (check to make sure it wasn't cooked in beef or chicken broth) and a baked potato.

Plan for snacking- I used to keep fresh fruit and nuts in my car for those times when I wasn't sure about my next meal. You don't want to be stuck with nothing to eat.

It can be overwhelming in the beginning, but soon you'll establish a routine and all of this will become second nature. I wish I could say every situation will be perfect, but the health benefits of compassionate eating are worth the effort.