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Growing up, someone was always cooking meat in my household. My grandmother was an amazing cook and soulfully prepared fried chicken, smothered pork chops, chilis and stews right up until she died last year. She was even known to whip up pigs snout, cows tongue and chicken feet on special occasions, but Id always make myself scarce on those days.

It never occurred to me that, one day, Id be preparing food with vegetarian children in mind. Ive got six kids ranging from 26 down to 3-year-old twins and four of them will not touch meat. As their mother, I can assure you that from the moment they could digest food, they knew they didnt want animal protein.

So, when the holidays roll around, Im quite busy preparing different dishes for the keto eaters in our family, the gluten-free crowd and my league of vegetarians. When we go on vacation, we even try to pick destinations that will accommodate our varied dietary needs. Recently weve been looking to relocate, which is why WalletHubs 2019 Best Cities for Vegans and Vegetarians immediately caught my eye.

The Method

There are roughly 10 million vegan and vegetarian adults in the United States. Depending on where you live, though, finding meatless options at local grocery stores and restaurants can be difficult. Thats why WalletHub set out to find the 100 largest cities with the best and most affordable plant-based options across the country.

The team looked at 17 key indicators including the cost of groceries, number of salad shops and share of restaurants serving meat-free dishes. For the full findings and description of the methodology used to compile the list, see the full article.

The Top 10

While there was a time when vegetarianism was closely associated with a California lifestyle, looking at the top 10 cities on WalletHubs list, its clear that people across the country are choosing a meatless diet. Lets take a look:

These cities are spread all across the country, which is not surprising considering acceptance of veganism and vegetarianism has grown the number of vegans increased by 600% between 2014 and 2017.

Plant-Based Options Are Growing

The options for plant-based eaters are growing every single day. Just look at how many meatless meals are now available at fast food restaurants! Who would have ever thought that Burger King would sell an Impossible Whopper, which contains zero beef? Yet, chains such as Carls Jr. and White Castle are carrying burgers that vegetarians can actually enjoy.

Gone are the days where theyd be forced into ordering nothing more than a salad at sit-down restaurants. Today its pretty common to find a whole section of meatless appetizers and entrees on menus. The offerings are becoming bolder and more creative too, a trend for which vegans and vegetarians nationwide are undoubtedly thankful!

While plant-based options are growing across the country, its great to have a list of cities that are particularly friendly for vegans and vegetarians. Its so much easier to live a fulfilled, happy life in a community where you feel supported. Not happy with whats available in your area? One of these cities might just be for you!

Read more:
The Best Cities For Vegans and Vegetarians in 2019 - Forbes