Grant Butler, a self-proclaimed life-long carnivore who writes for The Oregonian, is going vegan… for awhile. 

As with many vegetarian/vegan converts, Butler grew up in a household where meat was the centerpiece of most meals. The practice followed him through his adulthood but he is ready to temporarily kick the habit.

Cooking meatless, dairy-free dishes promises to be a challenge for the Food & Arts writer but he will seek out the best cookbooks and prepared products. In addition to noting that meat-free eating is a sustainable green option, Butler hopes to find a connection with the vegan culture which is abundant in Portland.

Butler, who expects that his new lifestyle will kick-start some weight loss, writes that he will follow a vegan diet for at least the month of February – as he notes, the shortest month of the year. The writer will document his journey via his blog and Twitter.