How To Become A Vegetarian Without Killing Yourself
Note: If you are not interested in becoming a vegetarian, this post may not be for you. If you are vegetarian or vegan, please tell me how you changed your lifestyle in the comments below.
Have you considered a vegetarian lifestyle? Would you know where to begin? Here are some suggestions to help you without killing yourself.
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Ask yourself why.
You need to know why being a vegetarian is right for you. Vegetarianism is not the latest diet fad. This is an eating lifestyle that has stood the test of time. Some religious people may even argue that it was the the only way to eat in the beginning. However, religion aside, some people do it for health reasons and others because of environmental concerns. You may even dislike the animal suffering that goes on and have that be your motive. Once you understand your purpose, it will be easier for you to progress.
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Get informed.
Order a FREE vegetarian starter kit. This will give you valuable information on how to go vegetarian. There are so many sources of information that it can be rather overwhelming. Try not to get too much information too soon. Learn a little, do a little.
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Go slow.
Sometimes it can be hard to make such a drastic leap in lifestyle change. A slow start can give you the confidence you need to keep going. It is the same idea for starting a new habit or breaking a bad habit. Meatout Mondays is a great website to help you start slow. The idea is that for one day a week you will eat differently than you normally do. Again, if you try to do too much too soon, you may suffer from burn out and lose the desire.
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Have a good support system.
If you do not have people supporting you, it could be a very challenging process. Seek out the support of family and friends. If support is lacking, there are several online forums. You can also listen to the Food For Thought podcast, as well as many others (iTunes link). The Food For Thought podcast is one part of my support system. Make sure you have a good support system. This will be extremely valuable as you continue your journey. Surprisingly, some might even join your quest.
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Make a plan.
Some people may stop eating meat all at once. Great for them, but most of us need more than two seconds to transition. If you live in an area that is vegetarian friendly, the transition will be smoother. Having a plan of action will help you lay out your goals and to stay accountable. Be detailed in your plan. Just saying you want to give up meat entirely may not be enough. Set some clear obtainable goals.
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Keep It Simple.
Without simplicity, you may lose focus. It can be very easy to stop and continue the lifestyle you were living. If you stay focused, change will come naturally. Not a cook? Not all vegetarian meals are complex. Let’s say a normal meal for you consists of steak (of other type of meat), mashed potatoes and green beans. For that meal, cut out the meat. Simple right? I would even suggest ignoring the idea of eliminating dairy and other animal-derived products.
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Be Prepared.
When you make the decision to change, everyone will start asking you questions. You will not know all the answers. I have been a vegetarian for over two years and still continue to learn new things. Just be sincere. If you do not know the answers, point them in the right direction. You are not an encyclopedia. People are naturally curious and many will be genuine in the questioning.
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Ignore The Negativity.
For some this may be the most difficult thing to do. Others may have no problems and be surrounded by a positive atmosphere. You may become the subject of jokes. This can be hard to overcome. This is where your support system comes into play. You will be able to let go of negative comments when you have others cheering you on.
Have anything to add? Feel free to give some suggestions or tell how, why and/or when you became a vegetarian.
Photo by Iggi
I don’t think I could ever be a vegetarian but I have found through my travels around Thailand that I am eating a lot more vegetables and a lot more vegetables I have never seen or heard of before.
The big thing is how much better I feel when I am eating healthier foods and is a big step for me.
Thanks for stopping by. It’s great you are eating lots of vegetables during your travels. I’m glad you are able to experience rare vegetation from other cultures. Not many people, myself included, have that advantage.
You also point out a key element to a vegetarian lifestyle, feeling better. Meat is laden with fat and cholesterol which makes you feel bloated. Our digestive systems are not equipped to handle meat, which is why arteries get clogged and heart disease is so prevalent.
Try not to think of vegetarianism as an all-or-nothing approach. I used to think I could never be a vegetarian myself. Seafood was a favorite of mine, as well as chicken. Once I found my “reason” for change, I did it. Since then, I have not looked back.
Becoming a vegetarian is a gradual process by eliminating one meat item at a time and educating yourself as to why you should become a vegetarian for your own body and health. Learn different vegetarian meat substitute recipes that will ween you off the real meat. Here is a video of a great meat substitute recipe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmV3WRF8Lzw
Monique, you are exactly right about it being a gradual process. I find it amazing that once you become vegetarian your eyes are opened to new recipes. No longer are you restricted to a meal consisting of meat. Many people think that there are less options for vegetarians, but in fact there are more.
Thank you for posting your video.