10 Websites for Vegans

Whether you've been a vegan for years or just recently adopted the diet, you may be looking for more resources to guide you on your way. For many, veganism is more than just avoiding meat and animal products -- it's a complete lifestyle.

These 10 websites offer guidance and insight into what veganism means and how you can make it work for you.

1. VeganCoach.com

Still not sure you can give up your spareribs and grilled cheese? VeganCoach (a.k.a. Patty "Sassy" Knutson) can help guide you to a meat-free life. She says that the site "is dedicated to all my fellow vegans (or wanna-bes) who are sick and tired of recipes and just want to play with their food."

2. VegWeb.com

An affiliate of the magazine VegNews, VegWeb.com is a community of vegans sharing recipes, articles, tips and ideas. The mouth-watering recipe section breaks dishes down into categories with pictures to help you find just what you want for dinner, and also allows you to submit your favorite vegan meals.

3. VeganHealth.org

Maintained by a dietician, VeganHealth.org is a project of Vegan Outreach and offers recommendations for a healthy vegan diet for adults and kids. There are meal plans and articles on nutrition for vegan athletes, as well.

4. VRG.org

The website of the Vegetarian Resource Group, VRG.org provides information on natural foods and a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle, with information in English and Spanish. Topics include vegan cooking ingredients and restaurants that offer vegan-friendly choices, among many others.

5. VegSource.com

This site is an omnibus of information on all things vegetarian- and vegan-related. VegSource.com features news and recipes as well as the latest celeb converts to the veggie lifestyle, including former President Bill Clinton, who has said about his recent change to veganism: "You know, when you get older, your appetites change and abate, and you're more interested in having another good day -- so I'd like to have as many good days as possible, and this seems to be the best way to do it."

6. PETA.org

If you're still on the fence, PETA's Vegetarian/Vegan Starter Kit can help you decide if the vegan lifestyle is right for you.

7. EthicalPlanet.com

Because being vegan is often much more than what you eat, EthicalPlanet offers an intro to veganism, as well as resources for vegans beyond the kitchen, including clothing, household products and personal-care items.

8. VegNews.com

A complete lifestyle resource for vegans, VegNews.com offers news on how to live a greener life, as well as vegan-friendly food destinations and travel tips. Vegan chef Chloe Coscarelli, winner of Cupcake Wars on the Food Network, says, "VegNews.com is my go-to site for vegan news, and I visit it pretty much every day."

9. Foodfightgrocery.com

Need a junk food fix of the vegan variety? Nonmeat eaters, rejoice. Food Fight is the indie darling of vegans across the nation. Located in Portland, Ore., the site will ship to you any of its completely vegan foodstuff options.

10. GreenFriends.com

Interested in finding a friend or date who shares your vegan lifestyle? GreenFriends.com is a site for singles who are interested in environmental issues, as well as a more holistic and healthy lifestyle.