As we celebrated the end of 2018, many of us made resolutions toward becoming a more productive, prosperous, healthier and happier person in the new year.

Dietary changes are a common focus for New Year’s resolutions; after all, people rarely wish they would have eaten more junk food as they reflect on the past year. In 2019 it is predicted that plant-based diets will continue to increase in popularity. In the last 12 months, plant-based “meat” sales grew by 23 percent, creating a U.S. retail market worth $684 million. Mock-meat products were purchased by 14.7 million households nationwide.

This trend is tremendously positive on many fronts. An all-vegetarian diet reduces the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer, as well as helping people to lose weight and keep it off. In case you need more incentive, take a few minutes to browse the participant stories on the ‘Ekahi Ornish (ekahiornish.com) website.

The ‘Ekahi Ornish Lifestyle Medicine program works with patients in small groups to help them transition to a plant-based diet. Participants benefit from learning healthy skills like stress management, aerobic exercise and strength training, coupled with the powerful, healing power of group support. More than 1,000 island residents decreased their blood pressure by an average of 9 percent and their cholesterol by 16 percent; some were able to completely drop their dependence on prescription medications.

Need more motivation to go meatless in 2019? The environmental benefits of a plant-based diet are considerable. A Nov. 26 article in the Star-Advertiser, “Greenhouse gas biases affect food decisions and health,” erroneously left readers with the impression that a vegan or vegetarian diet had little to no impact on ecological health, specifically greenhouse gas emissions. More accurately, current studies show that in the U.S., 42 percent of agricultural emissions come specifically from animal agriculture.

Additionally, 32 billion acres of land globally are converted from various habitat types to pasture and cropland every year to accommodate livestock grazing and grain production exclusively for animals destined for the slaughterhouse. The biggest driver of deforestation is agriculture, significantly contributing to the negative impacts of greenhouse gas emissions. Intact forests can absorb almost 9 billion tons of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide every year worldwide. Furthermore, it takes nearly 400 gallons of water to produce 1 kilogram of beef, an incredible demand 20 times larger than that of plant-based foods.

Don’t let commonly believed myths stand in your way to better health — a vegetarian diet does not lead to iron or protein deficiencies. Many plant-based foods contain more iron than meat. For example, one would have to eat more than 1,700 calories of sirloin steak to get the same amount of iron as found in 100 calories of spinach. Typically, vegans and vegetarians at least meet or exceed their protein requirements.

To make 2019 a momentous year that positively impacts your future well-being, seriously consider switching to a plant-based diet. Slow steps forward are most likely to lead you to success, rather than disappointment and failure. To start, experiment with going meatless one meal a week. Research one article or testimonial on the benefits of a vegetarian diet every weekend. Try something new and visit one meatless restaurant a month. Increase your efforts when you feel ready.

Contributing to a sustainable environment and improving your own health are the most hopeful resolutions, leading you toward greater happiness this year and for many years to come.

Alison Riggs is public policy/government relations manager for Down to Earth Organic & Natural.