Some of the “fresh meat” you just purchased is two-week-old hamburger injected with gases to make it cherry red. Meanwhile, up to 10 percent of species are becoming extinct each decade. And Donald Trump was just elected president. Has it ever made more sense to become vegan? Here are five great reasons why you should start.

1. An astonishing body transformation. Major bloating is unavoidable after the holidays, but did you know it can be caused by the chemicals found in foods produced from the meat industry? Going on a plant-based diet can completely detox your body from all of the chemicals, processed ingredients, antibiotics, and hormones that come from eating meat, according to “The Vegan Diet as Chronic Disease Prevention.” By doing so, you are increasing your metabolism, causing your body to burn calories up to 16 percent faster while building a lean body.

 Not only does a plant-based diet enable a faster metabolism, but it also is the trick to having clear, healthy, and glowing skin. Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, vitamin E and folate which gives you that desirable summer glow during the winter. Consuming healthy fats, like olive oil and avocado is what makes your hair and nails grow thick and strong.

And as an added bonus, studies have shown eating a plant-based diet reduces allergy symptoms and relieves the pain of migraines and PMS, allowing for your holiday season to be a little more bearable.

2. Many huge health benefits. Yes, it is true, removing meat and dairy from your diet radically impacts your overall health. Veganism has been connected to lower BMIs, reduced risk of type II diabetes, and lower incidents of cardiovascular diseases, according to The Vegan Society. Centering your diet on plant-based components can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and mortality rates due to the abundant nutrients consumed on a daily basis. In other words, becoming vegan or vegetarian means living an average of 3 to 6 years longer than those who do not.

Astonishingly, plant-based diets have in fact been proven to lower rates of cancer. A major study published in the “Journal of Urology” showed that men who switched to a vegan diet had either stopped the progression of their cancer or have reversed the illness entirely. Consuming a diet high in grains, fruits, and vegetables reduces the rates of prostrate and colon cancer. Similarly, it has been clinically proven that countries that consume less meat have lower rates of breast cancer.

In this case, your best alternative to fictitious healing water is consuming more greens!

3. It’s cheap, abundant, and delicious! First things first: you do not have to give up your favorite foods. PETA has created a wide-ranging list of popular supermarket foods that are vegan; Oreos, Twizzlers, and Kraft Taco Bell Dinner to name a few.

The key is to find replacement foods to substitute your favorite snacks. For example, purchasing coconut- and almond-based ice creams rather than dairy-based. The taste may not be identical, but it certainly won’t taste any worse.

A point often overlooked is that grains, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds can be cheaply purchased in bulk, as well as in-season vegetables and fruits. So you do not need to stress over the anticipation of an expensive grocery list. You will quickly learn of many more different plant species that you have never even heard about. Eating Vegan on $4 A Day generates a nutritional sound meal plan that costs less than a double cheeseburger. It also features a huge number of recipes to experiment with to diversify your meals each day.

There is an on-going belief that vegans suffer from a protein deficiency. Not true. Vegans receive the same amount of protein minus the fatty component. You can get equally as much protein as someone who regularly consumes steak as long as you consume enough plant-based protein. Quinoa, beans, nuts, grains, seitan and tofu are all plant based sources of protein.

4. You’d be making a substantial difference in the environment. Did you know nearly 20 percent of man-made pollution comes from the meat industry? Or that nearly 3.5 billion humans could live off of the food that is currently being fed to livestock? It’s mind-boggling.

According to PETA, about 20,000 pounds of potatoes can be grown on one acre of land; only about 165 pounds of beef can be produced on one acre of land. A varied vegan diet requires about one-third of the land needed for a conventional Western diet. The expense of water exploited in the meat industry is also troubling– only 25 gallons of water are needed to produce one pound of wheat, while 2,500 gallons are needed to produce one pound of meat. The self-evident distinction between the production of vegetable and meat is beyond comparison.

More animals means more land to grow crops in order to feed them. Not only do we not have the land to produce all of this meat, but we also cannot afford to feed both the increasing rate of the human population and the cultivated animal population. It is estimated that there will be 2 to 4 more billion mouths to feed by 2050, as stated in Elite Daily. There is just not enough to feed a growing population on an animal based diet.

The meat-loving trend is contributing to global warming, widespread pollution, deforestation, land degradation, water scarcity, and species extinction.

5. And most importantly, you would be saving the lives of countless animals. Whether intentionally or unconsciously, both vegans and vegetarians are taking a stand against animal cruelty and exploitation by demonstrating compassion for animals.

Nearly 500,000 animals are killed every hour for their meat in the U.S. alone. According to VeganOutreach.org, a single person is capable of saving about 50 animals each year by eliminating meat from their diet. Imagine 100 people saying no to meat. That potentially saves 5,000 animals every year.

The key to becoming vegan is taking it step by step. It’s not a race nor a spontaneous decision. It takes time, research, and patience. Start by picking a single food group to eliminate from your diet, and then try it for a few weeks to see how you feel. From there, you can begin to increase your plant and protein intake.

Either for a lifetime or just for a season, adopting a vegan lifestyle will result in clarity, positivity, and a transformation both physically and mentally.

The Bay Area offers a wide assortment of tasty restaurants and pop up cafes which can make any foodie overwhelmed with choices. However, finding restaurants that are either entirely vegan or vegan-friendly can be tricker than it seems. If you’re looking to expand your pallet and move away from traditional eats over winter break, here’s a few vegan, or vegan friendly restaurants scattered around the East Bay:

Sanctuary Bistro (http://www.sanctuarybistro.com)

1019 Camelia St., Berkeley, CA 94710

This small, family run bistro is a perfect spot for date night or a unique lunch with an entirely vegan and gluten-free menu. The atmosphere is modern and cozy with draped curtains, scatter succulents, and string lights carpeting the ceiling. Their menu is constantly changing, as they use the freshest ingredients in season, and also offer a bar with local wines and unique beer on tap. What this restaurant lacks in size it makes up for in an authentic environment and creative, sustainable food. According to their website, Sanctuary Bistro will donate a percentage of their profits to community non-profits for animals, education, and the arts.

True Food Kitchen (http://www.truefoodkitchen.com)

120 Broadway Lane, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Although this restaurant is a part of a growing chain, True Food Kitchen offers a unique menu with an assortment of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free foods so there is always something new to try. There is a full bar and plenty of seating , not to mention a warm, welcoming atmosphere with fresh artwork and design.  With nutrition at the center of their mission, True Food Kitchen is an urban spot to eat healthy this winter break.

Veggie Grill (https://www.veggiegrill.com)

1320 Locust St., Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Veggie Grill is a casual and family-friendly spot for a quick vegetarian meal. It’s very easy to order with a diner-like setting that makes it convenient to grab a meal on the go. Located in downtown Walnut Creek, Veggie Grill makes eating cruelty-free meals a breeze.

Also:

Some other local vegan restaurants scattered around the Bay Area:

The Butcher’s Son: Vegan Delicatessen (http://www.thebutchersveganson.com)

This is an all vegan ‘butcher’ shop deli that offers a fantastic array of vegan deli sandwiches, plant-based appetizers, sweet treats, and creative foods that make this a perfect spot to expand your pallet.

1941 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704

Veggie Today (https://www.yelp.com/biz/veggie-today-concord)

Causal restaurant for meatless Asian classics with a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. For a unique take on a classic, try the Mongolian “Beef” which comes highly recommended on Yelp.

1909 Salvio St., Concord, CA 94520

Millenium Restaurant (http://www.millenniumrestaurant.com)

This is an award-winning and innovative vegan restaurant that showcases a globally inspired and locally sustained menu. In a fine dining setting, this spot in downtown Oakland is perfect for a fancy, vegan night out this winter.

5912 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618

Shangri-La Vegan Restaurant (http://shangri-lavegan.com)

A simple spot to try something flavorful and exceptionally healthy. With a unique and constantly changing menu, this restaurant is every vegan’s dream.

4001 Linden Street, Oakland, CA 94608

Flacos Authentic Vegetarian Comida (http://www.flacos.com)

Showcases flavorful, nutritious, and vegan food for everyone, at economically friendly prices. Offers a wide variety of vegan burritos and other traditional dishes, all revamped to be cruelty-free.

3031 Adeline St., Berkeley, CA 94703

Souley Vegan (http://www.souleyvegan.com)

Good music and good food is the mission of this Louisiana creole style vegan restaurant. Vegan soul food will bring a smile to anyone’s face and is a perfect place to try this holiday season.

301 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607

Also:

Some sweet vegan treats to try this winter:

Cinnaholic (http://www.cinnaholic.com)

This is not your typical cinnamon roll; Cinnaholic offers a completely vegan menu along with unusual and innovative flavors such as Chai, Strawberry, and Hazelnut.

2132 Oxford St, Berkeley, CA 94704

Wholesome Bakery (http://www.wholesomebakery.com)

Cozy cafe offering plant based, gluten free, dairy and egg free, soy free, and, transfat free goodies.

3376 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

People’s Donuts (http://www.pepplesdonuts.com)

Bitchin’ plant-based breakfast spot offering everything from brightly flavored donuts to tofu ‘egg’ scrambles.

6037 San Pablo Ave., Oakland, CA 94608