There is much evidence that the standard American diet—centered on animal and processed foods—is fueling chronic diseases and that a whole food, plant-based dietary lifestyle is the healthiest way to eat and increase life expectancy. However, just knowing about that evidence isn’t enough. Awareness of the extraordinary benefits of plant-centered eating often does not translate into sustained practice. That’s because lifestyle changes of any kind can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are eight tips to help you succeed.

1. Know Your Purpose
What motivates you to change? People who have a clear vision of why they want to make changes are much more likely to follow through and establish new habits. (My purpose was that I really didn’t want cancer to return!) Setting a personal and meaningful reason for changing your eating patterns will help solidify the commitment and perseverance needed to create lifelong habits.

2. Collaborate
Consider working with another person as you make changes. A like-minded partner, friend, or family member can provide invaluable moral support as you transition, helping you follow through and making your food journey more enjoyable. Grocery shopping and experimenting with recipes are especially fun with company.

3. Start Small
Don’t expect to master the full scope of plant-based eating immediately. Begin with a small, concrete step that you can put into action now. Focus on something that’s practical and meaningful for you, such as sautéing with water instead of oil, using plant-based milk, or eating plant-based meals for one week. Concentrating on smaller achievable steps will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed or paralyzed into inaction.

4. Reflect
As you move along, think about what works for you and what you want to tweak. Share these results with your partner or support group. Know that you are more apt to follow through with change if you are mindful of successes—and failures—and share these with others.

5. Use Resources
There are a host of expert organizations, professionals, materials, and groups committed to educating and supporting your transition to plant-based eating. For example, you can find many resources from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, including a WFPB Guide, hundreds of recipes, and numerous classes and certificate programs.

6. Anticipate Obstacles
Social customs often make it harder to maintain a plant-based lifestyle. It can be helpful to think ahead to challenging circumstances you’ll likely face during family holidays and celebrations, work situations, and social gatherings. With some mental preparation, you will feel emboldened and will be less likely to let others’ expectations weaken your dedication to this healthful lifestyle.

7. Find a Support Group
Feeling isolated and without support is a common challenge and may be a reason many plant-based eaters revert to animal foods. Both face-to-face and online communities are great tools for motivating, educating, and sharing. Search for local meetups, festivals, adult education classes, and cooking demonstrations. Seek out online communities, such as the free CNS Kitchen and Whole Communities. Being part of a plant-based community can be key to sustaining your plant-based lifestyle.

8. Enjoy
Celebrate any and all changes you make to better your health. Focus on the satisfaction of instilling simple yet significant changes. And be patient with yourself. Know that putting ideas into action and creating new habits takes time. Accept missteps and then move on—it will be worth it!