Five years ago, I went vegan. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I didn’t stop eating meat, dairy and eggs because I didn’t like the taste. I stopped because I saw an undercover video that exposed how animals are ruthlessly abused and slaughtered.

Here’s why I am never going back to eating meat, and why millions of other vegans aren’t either.

1. I care about the planet.

Animal agriculture is terrible for the planet. Raising animals for food produces more greenhouse gases than all forms of global transportation combined, making eating vegan one of the best ways to fight climate change.

2. I want to be healthy.

Countless studies have shown that a vegan diet is beneficial to your health. Meat is linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and even cancer. The World Health Organization reported that processed meats are just as hazardous to your health as cigarettes. Think about that for a minute.

3. I feel the best I’ve ever felt.

Many people say that after going vegan, their complexions improved and their hair got shinier. They also lost unwanted pounds.

4. I want to live a long life.

A large-scale study of 73,000 Americans finds that eating a vegetarian diet promotes longevity. Study participants who followed a plant-based diet had an early mortality rate 20 percent lower than those who consumed meat.

5. I care about workers’ rights.

From slave labor to sexual abuse, workers at modern industrial farms are just as victimized as the animals. These workers are subjected to countless workplace hazards, including injuries, respiratory illness, PTSD, and exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

6. I'm all about saving money.

Rice, beans, legumes, pasta, and all kinds of fruits and veggies are some of the most affordable foods on the planet are, making eating vegan a great way to save money.

7. I want to tackle world hunger.

Nearly 800 million people do not have enough to eat, while 90 million acres of land are used to grow corn to feed factory-farmed animals. You don’t need to be a mathematician to figure out that this is a problem.

8. I'm obsessed with vegan cuisine.

From kale and quinoa to tempeh and sweet potatoes, vegan fare tastes amazing. I've expanded my palate and discovered a whole new world of flavor. Nearly every city in the U.S. has incredible restaurants with vegan options. To find veg restaurants near you, check out VegGuide.org.

9. I'm saving water.

Meat and dairy production are incredibly water intensive. Animal agriculture uses a whopping 56 percent of water in the United States. Mother Jones reports that it takes 30 gallons of water to make one glass of milk and a staggering 109 gallons of water to make one stick of butter.

10. I love making new vegan friends.

Vegans are some of the most talented, intelligent and compassionate people alive. Join a vegan meetup, attend a vegan potluck or participate in other veg events close to you and make new friends.

11. I'm sparing animals.

Veganism isn’t about perfection; it’s about protecting animals from a lifetime of suffering. By choosing a vegan diet, you will spare the lives of about 30 farmed animals each year.