Must we really resolve to improve our diets or exercise routines in the New Year in order to increase longevity or improve quality of life?

Unfortunately, gun violence and traffic accidents are still the leading causes of death among young people. Fortunately, however, our fork — yet another deadly weapon — is within our own control. Well over a million of us are killed each year by high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other chronic diseases linked to our meat-based diet.

So how exactly are we in control? According to Gallup, more and more of us are choosing to avoid meat (22 percent) and also dairy products (12 percent). Supermarket chains, along with Target and Wal-Mart, offer a growing selection of delicious and healthy plant-based meats and dairy products. Animal meat consumption has dropped by 8 percent in the past decade.

Hundreds of school, college, hospital, and corporate cafeterias have embraced Meatless Monday and vegan meals. Fast-food chains like Chipotle, Panera, Subway, Taco Bell, and White Castle are rolling out vegan options.

Our own New Year’s resolution can easily be about empowering ourselves with plant-based entrees, lunch meats, cheeses, ice creams, and milks, as well as the more traditional green and yellow veggies. Recipes and transition tips are easy to find online.

Will Macker

Waterville