How to Become a Vegetarian in 6 Simple Steps

When deciding how to become a vegetarian, there are many options to consider. Some recommend gradually changing your diet while others advise you to dive right in and correct course along the way. Regardless of your strategy, there is a way to succeed with your new meatless diet by following six simple steps.

Although they are simple steps to take, they may not be easy. Some of them apply more to people who make a gradual change to a meat-free lifestyle while others are more suited to those who make the change more rapidly. Most of them apply to both.

If you are undecided about how to become a vegetarian, consider applying these steps as you go. You could apply one to your live each day or every week, depending on your preference and what works for you.

Step 1: Identify the reasons why you want to change your diet.

Carefully consider your main motivations for following a meatless diet. Do you want to end animal suffering? Save money? Help the environment? Improve your health?

All of these are great reasons to go vegetarian. However, it is important to know which ones mean the most to you.

Give your reasons serious consideration and write them down. This list doesn't have to be fancy and it doesn't matter if you are already a vegetarian or not. Keep it in a place where you will see it often to remind yourself why you are making this change in lifestyle.

Repeat this process periodically, as your reasons may and probably will change over time. It is also a great way to stay passionate about following a meatless diet.

Step 2: Find social support.

Whether it is from friends or just an online vegetarian forum that you visit regularly, it is important to receive support when you go vegetarian. Others will be able to give you advice and tips for how to become a vegetarian. They can lift you up when you feel down and frustrated.

Support from others, especially vegetarians and vegans, is important for you success at a vegetarian lifestyle. It also makes the change much more fun!

Step 3: Research recipes and nutritional information. It is a good idea to know what you are undertaking before you get started, or at least shortly afterward. Look up information about how to become a vegetarian in a healthy way. Consider setting up an appointment with a nutritionist or dietitian, if you can, to talk about a diet that will meet your nutritional needs.

Also, find vegetarian recipes from cookbooks or online. Keep a variety on hand for meals and snacks. This makes the transition easier because you won't have to wonder what you can eat. You already know a few options!

Step 4: Evaluate your diet.

As you change your diet, think about how it makes you feel. Do you have more or less energy?Are you getting adequate nutrition? Do you eat enough fruits and vegetables?

Make a point of evaluating your eating habits on a regular basis. You may need to make changes or focus on consuming enough nutrients.

Step 5: Make changes based on your comfort level.

There are many ways that are recommended for how to become a vegetarian. Do what feels right. Don't think you can stop eating meat all at once? Cut back on how many times you consume meat each week. Eager to dive right in? Go ahead, but do some research as you go.

No one way is the "right way" to become a vegetarian.

Step 6: Track your progress and reward yourself.

Note when you have met a major milestone. Haven't had any meat for a week, month or even longer? Celebrate your progress. Going vegetarian can be challenging, so take the time to reward yourself. Go out for a movie with friends, get a manicure or buy that new outfit you've been eying.

Whether you already follow a meatless diet or you are just considering it, these tips can help you feel more motivated and keep you on track when you feel discouraged.

Deciding how to become a vegetarian can be a bit overwhelming at first, especially with the wide variety of contradictory advice. These simple steps are beneficial no matter how you decide to go about making the change in your lifestyle!

Linda Newell of Recipes-For-Vegetarians.com is a member of the Vegetarian Resource Group and the North American Vegetarian Society. She shares information such as vegetarian protein sources

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_K_Newell

Original article

Why Become A Vegetarian?

You've probably asked yourself that one at one point in your life. As someone who's been a vegetarian for several years, as well as learned from world-class chefs and dietitians, there are several of valid reasons to make a fresh start and begin a plant-based diet.

A lot of people concerned about their well-being are searching for ways to get rid of unhealthy eating habits. By taking meat out of your diet, you are getting rid of a major source of saturated fat, cholesterol, and various other harmful elements. This doesn't include the chemicals that you take in by having meat in your diet. The animal processing industry uses various growth hormones, antibiotics, and other unnatural chemicals that you will wind up eating and processing through your body.

You can also take into account the environmental aspects. Research has proven that the level of harmful gases given off from the daily excrement of millions of factory-raised livestock is more harmful to the world than every car put together. Additionally, the dizzying amounts of feed necessary to feed the millions of head of livestock requires additional millions of pounds of pesticide and other chemicals, which can run off into drinking water.

One more element of the discussion over going vegetarian has to do with the less-than-humane ways animals are processed for eating. We like to think that chickens, pigs, cows, etc. that are raised for consumption lead pleasant lives, similar to how we treat our dogs and cats.

But the hard fact is that the majority of livestock are looked at as commodities and are treated as nothing more than a product; not sentient creatures. Realize that most livestock live in small boxes, often not allowed room to stand. They suffer from awful diseases and are kept viable so that they can make it to the slaughterhouse, where they are shocked, hit with electric bolt guns, have their throats slit, and some are even dumped into scalding water while still conscious.

The good news is that you can lead a healthy, ethical life by eating a meatless diet. Vegetarians often have lower incidences of disease, and several report feeling a higher level of focus and concentration all through the day.

And for the folks who are worried that all they will be eating is lettuce and soybeans, think again. You might be surprised to find out just how great a plant-based diet can taste. With a slate of delicious, simple, and quick cooking techniques, not to mention modern meat analogs and replacements, you will be more satisfied than ever before. This includes the once-in-awhile treats that will make you believe you're eating steak, grilled chicken, pepperoni pizza, and more.

Think about just how much change you could bring to the world and your own life by taking animals off your plate. You will most likely look great and feel even better, in addition to making a significant impact for the rest of the planet. Thanks for reading.

For more info on how to easily adopt a plant-based diet, visit Benjy Portnoy's WhyBecomeAVegetarian.com for articles, recipes, forums, restaurant guides, cookbook recommendations, and even a free email series on making the transition.

Feel free to reproduce this article online as long as this info and its links are included.

Original article

Become a Vegetarian

Parents often tell children to finish their vegetables because it is good for them. The truth is that vegetables are good for everyone. In fact, some people live on them alone. Becoming a vegetarian can help you become healthier, help with weight loss, keep animals and the environment safe and so much more. Although it may take some effort, becoming a vegetarian is not really very difficult.

The first step to becoming a vegetarian is finding a good reason to do so. This is something that shouldn't be taken too lightly. Changing your eating habits can really have a big effect, so you need to consider why you are doing it. Wanting to become healthier, caring for animals and others are often good reasons. Those with good reasons are often able to stick to this change better than those without solid intentions.

The next thing to do is read up and do some research. There are different levels of being a vegetarian and it takes different amounts of effort. Find out what it is all about and what you need to know about it. By learning these things you can brace yourself for what you are about to take on. It will also help you clear any questions that you might have and offer a good amount of guidance for you as well. During this time it will be good to look for forums or support groups which you can turn to during the process of becoming a vegetarian.

Once you've been able to find reasons and gather the information you need, goal setting is up next. While some people go cold turkey and just switch to vegetables suddenly it may be better to go for a gradual change. Set your goals for each week and cut back on your meat consumption slowly. You can start by eliminating one type of meat a week. This will help you get a feel of things without jumping into it too quickly. At the same time, meeting each goal will give you a drive to go further and do more.

Lastly, don't forget to try out new vegetarian recipes. This will help you expand your menu and let you discover new dishes. By finding new things to eat you do not feel deprived and will not be tempted to switch back to old eating habits. This can also be incorporated with your goals.

If you set your goals publicly it can help to keep your goals on track. Our goal setting website, Solid Goals, is ideal for this.

Original article