You may have heard that Jay Z is going vegan for most of December. If you’re interested in trying it yourself, perhaps as a pre-holiday cleanse, there are plenty of benefits. But reaping the rewards comes from doing vegan right. If you’re a newbie, here are some key tips, Fox News reports.

DO eat whole plant-based foods

The benefits of going vegan come from not only eliminating animal-based ingredients, but also from consuming a wide variety of unprocessed nutrient-rich plant-based foods, including veggies, fruits, whole grains like quinoa, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, and healthy plant fats, such as avocado and coconut. Make quality plant-based foods your focus.

DON’T load up on vegan junk food

There are so many vegan products on the market these days, it’s easy to be a ‘junk food vegan.’ Today, there’s an endless supply of highly processed vegan foods, from faux pepperoni pizza and fake bacon to vegan cookies, candy, and donuts. I’ve met many vegans who never touch fruits and veggies, and others who live off of potato chips and licorice. Vegan treats like ice cream made from coconut milk (yum!) are fine in moderation, but to look and feel your best, the bulk of your meals and snacks should be comprised of nutrient-packed whole foods.

DO drink plenty of water

Water helps move the fiber through, so aim for at least 16 ounces, four times a day.  If you don’t like it plain, spruce it up by adding citrus slices, mashed fruit like berries, or a few sprigs of fresh mint.

DON’T forget about protein

Protein provides building blocks that maintain and repair your body’s tissues, including muscle, as well as hormones, and enzymes. It also boosts satiety, and revs up metabolism. Without enough protein in your diet, you may feel fatigued, get sick more frequently, and notice a drying or dulling of your skin and hair. Plant-based foods can provide enough, but it’s important to include protein sources in every meal. Quinoa provides 8 grams per cup; almonds 7.5 g per quarter cup whole; lentils 17 g per cup; and a vegan protein powder, like pea protein, which can be whipped into a smoothie, can pack nearly 25 grams per scoop.

DO veganize your usual meals

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of going vegan, or you’re wondering “What would I eat?!” think about healthy omnivore meals, then replace the meat and dairy with plant-based options. For example, stuff peppers with lentils instead of ground turkey, add cannellini beans to a soup in place of chicken, and make chili with kidney beans instead of beef.  

To replace dairy, opt for “milks” made from almonds, coconut, or sunflower seeds, and use extra virgin olive or coconut oil instead of butter.