It’s World Vegetarian Day!* On this kick-off day for Vegetarian Awareness Month, I encourage my fellow veggies to celebrate and pat yourself on the back for joining a compassionate and sustainable movement. You and your millions of vegetarian brothers and sisters around the globe are making a difference!

If you’re an omnivore, this is a good time to try indulging in more plant-based goodies and eliminating the animal-based ones… or just give a hug to your favorite vegetable lover (I am available for all your veggie-embracing needs). If you’re not ready to join the likes of Alicia Silverstone, Bill Maher, and Ghandi just yet, there’s plenty of time to prepare yourself for the Great American Meatout next March.

*Thanks, Max G., for the tip off!