Ive heard from many people motivated to become vegan by animal welfare issues. Health and the environment are other reasons to discuss, but this week, about halfway through my month chronicling my vegan ways, Im going to turn to some practicalities.

Just how hard is it to become a vegan? If youre new to it, where do you start? Ive gotten some advice from readers, and Ive reached out to a few people.

My friend and neighbor, Sarah Newman, tried being a vegan many years ago while training for a triathlon. It didnt stick then, but now she is a healthy vegan and offered me some tips.

She says cooking vegan motivates her creativity. An example? Truffles made with ground Medjool dates, nut butter, cacao powder and nibs, salt and cinnamon. Mix ingredients, roll into balls, and refrigerate.

Yes, the good news is that chocolate can be vegan. Just read the label.

The first step is to shop for foods you can use in vegan recipes. Try new fruits and vegetables, unfamiliar grains. Or, if the idea of cooking makes you want to run to In-N-Out, try vegan burgers and other foods from the stores freezer section. But remember, vegan does not equal healthful; French fries are vegan.

Another way to start to change, if youre not ready for full-on veganism, is the Meatless Monday idea. Its a campaign thats been going for years, and has grown to include institutions such as the San Diego and Los Angeles unified school districts. The campaign recalls those from the World Wars when patriotic Americans were asked to cut back on meat by 15%, which is roughly one day a week.

Another path is to find a website or an online community for support and ideas, said Diana Rice, a dietitian and spokeswoman for the Monday Campaigns. Meatlessmonday.com has vegetarian and vegan recipes, including some that children can cook, she said.

Jennie Cook, a Los Angeles caterer, told me about a couple of blogs that have vegan recipes, including some of hers: Ohsheglows.com and maplespice.com.

For a family, try meals that are a bit do-it-yourself, such as tacos or burgers perhaps some vegan, some not or two stir fries, one with chicken, one with tofu.

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So, how do I become vegan?