If you are a non-vegetarian and love your meats, you will not be interested in reading this article. In case you have been ordered by your doctor to give up all red meats, then you may want to consider these tips on becoming vegetarian.
Giving up your dietary base is not easy though you will realize that once you have made the transition you will not want to go back to being a carnivore. If the reason for giving up red meats is because of environmental reasons, you will enjoy discovering new tastes and flavors especially when there are so many plant foods available. Mix and match when you experiment and you will find that you do not miss foods that could be potentially harmful for your body.
Here are a few tips to help you become a vegetarian.
1. Proteins are available in plants
Plants, lentils nuts and seeds have enough protein from a health standpoint. Many of us may drink milk and eat more eggs though this is not necessary. What you should do is to take a vitamin b12 supplement as this will give you the supplements necessary to ensure that you lead a healthy life.
2. Reasons for becoming vegetarian
If the environmental and ethical reasons have swayed your decision you will probably go through a conditioning phase. You are choosing what to eat and accepting the consequences. Research and you will come across many neurological links to help you abide by the decision. You have made a conscious choice and you will be able to improve your health and bring back that sparkle in your eye! Many health issues will be sorted out and you will feel more energized and look more radiant.
3. Let those around you know about your decision
Inform your parents and your spouse about becoming a vegan. They may not be exactly supportive and will disagree on many counts. If you have done your research well you will be able to explain your views on the topic. However, if you are doing it for health reasons, your family will not be as objective. They will not stop you from becoming a vegetarian as long as you do not stop them from eating foods of their choice.
4. Look for vegetarian cookbooks and make a note of the interesting recipes
Vegetarian cookbooks are available in many stores and also online. Download a few recipes that appeal to your senses and experiment. Attend a few vegetarian food fairs and sample some of the dishes. Visit the health food stores and farmer’s markets to get fresh vegetables and fruits of your choice. Pick up healthy grains such as quinoa, barley, orzo, couscous and others.
5. Check out the variety of faux meats
In case you are still hankering for the taste of meats, you will be delightfully surprised to note that you can get vegetarian substitutes that have the texture and flavor of meats. For instance you can pick up hot dogs and burgers that are vegetarian with meat flavors. Some people may not be able to give up their meats totally. You can reduce the times you eat meat and gradually give it up though it is a good idea to give up eating meat altogether as this will make it easier to become a vegetarian.
6. Eat healthy and eat smart
Your calorie intake should be around 1200 and you should include nuts and seeds along with legumes in your daily diet. If your taste buds require to be pepped up, nibble on a piece of chocolate. You will find that you will lose all those extra pounds when you eat the right foods and find the right balance.
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