I love encountering individuals who are eager to learn about a vegetarian lifestyle and make a change. Last night at the restaurant I had the opportunity to chat with a couple that has just decided to embark on their vegetarian lifestyle journey. They asked me for some helpful hints to get through the difficult first couple months. With spring quickly approaching and BBQ’s and soccer games around the corner they were concerned about vegetarian options. Luckily for them I have quite a few helpful hints.
Deciding to become is a big diet and lifestyle change. There are times when it will seem impossible, but once you find your strength and keep pushing forward there is not turning back. Here are a few tips that helped me “keep on trucking” and create a healthy lifestyle for myself.
1. Don’t expect everyone to embrace your new lifestyle change initially. My parents thought I was crazy when I told them I was making the change, and now they eat a primarily plant-based diet. During the first couple months my friends and family would taunt me with my past favorite meals with meat making it a game to see if I would crack. I stayed strong and soon everyone came to realize this was something I was doing to better myself and I wasn’t going to back down. Stay strong!
2. There will be times when you crave a dish with meat in it, and when that happens just watch one of the wonderful documentaries out there about the factory meat industry. I am sure that craving will pass. Documentaries are a great way to find inspiration to make change and find your strength from within. Educate yourself!
3. Try new fruits and vegetables. There are so many it shouldn’t be hard to try a new one every week incorporating it into a new recipe. I can’t stress enough that even “ugly” fruits and veggies taste wonderful. Don’t overlook certain types just because you have never tried it before or it looks ugly. Dive in head first and see what you like.
4. If you are not a chef, take a vegetarian cooking class. I took a class in my first couple months of becoming a vegetarian and learned so much and met a great support system. Working and having fun with likeminded people is a great way to discover some new recipes and new friends.
5. Eat what is in season and go to the farmers markets. Going to the farmers markets is not only a way to get your groceries, it is an experience in itself. Become friends with the farmers and really find out where your food comes from. I also suggest planting your own garden. It is such a satisfying feeling cooking a meal with all your own fresh yields.
Making a lifestyle change doesn’t have to be that hard. Find a good support system and make a promise to yourself, you’ll be half way there. If you have any other questions about become a vegetarian, I would love to answer them for you! :)
Go Green and Stay Keen,
Julie
1. Don’t expect everyone to embrace your new lifestyle change initially. My parents thought I was crazy when I told them I was making the change, and now they eat a primarily plant-based diet. During the first couple months my friends and family would taunt me with my past favorite meals with meat making it a game to see if I would crack. I stayed strong and soon everyone came to realize this was something I was doing to better myself and I wasn’t going to back down. Stay strong!
2. There will be times when you crave a dish with meat in it, and when that happens just watch one of the wonderful documentaries out there about the factory meat industry. I am sure that craving will pass. Documentaries are a great way to find inspiration to make change and find your strength from within. Educate yourself!
3. Try new fruits and vegetables. There are so many it shouldn’t be hard to try a new one every week incorporating it into a new recipe. I can’t stress enough that even “ugly” fruits and veggies taste wonderful. Don’t overlook certain types just because you have never tried it before or it looks ugly. Dive in head first and see what you like.
4. If you are not a chef, take a vegetarian cooking class. I took a class in my first couple months of becoming a vegetarian and learned so much and met a great support system. Working and having fun with likeminded people is a great way to discover some new recipes and new friends.
5. Eat what is in season and go to the farmers markets. Going to the farmers markets is not only a way to get your groceries, it is an experience in itself. Become friends with the farmers and really find out where your food comes from. I also suggest planting your own garden. It is such a satisfying feeling cooking a meal with all your own fresh yields.
Making a lifestyle change doesn’t have to be that hard. Find a good support system and make a promise to yourself, you’ll be half way there. If you have any other questions about become a vegetarian, I would love to answer them for you! :)
Go Green and Stay Keen,
Julie
Very helpful article! I am a vegetarian turned meat-eater but starting to reconsider. These tips will definitely help.
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