How do I start my way into becoming a vegetarian?

Question

I have always wanted to become a vegetarian because of the benefits. Unfortunately, because of my lifestyle (workshift mainly graveyard, culture where majority are meat eaters - particularly pork), I always end up failing.

Any suggestions from those who've converted to being vegetarians/vegans?

Answer 1

I gave up meat totally 2.5 years ago, and it was pretty easy. I was (and still am) a "meat and potatoes" and fast food guy. I substituted all of the meats with analogs. As long as you live near a big grocery store you should be able to find faux turkey, chicken nuggets, chicken patties, veggie burgers, etc.; also, most of the Boca brand stuff is vegan too.

Unless you live in a rural area, most chain restaurants serve veggie burgers (Bennagins, TGI Fridays), and some "fast food" places have options too (Chipotle, Panera).

It's pretty easy once you get the ball rolling.
I've never looked back.

Answer 2

I quit meat cold-turkey, but I DID rely heavily on the "fake meats" for a long time. I'm using them less and less now (been veggie for almost 2 yrs) and I never miss "real" meat. In fact the look & smell of it disgusts me now. And I used to be a HUGE steak-lover. I never thought I could go veg... till I did. :)

Morningstar Farms is by FAR my favorite brand of substitutes. They offer a HUGE variety and everything is really good... especially their chic'n and their "sausage" links. Quorn is another great one... really good for soups and stews too as it doesn't get soggy like most fake meats do (it's not soy-based).

Try the recipes on the www.allrecipes.com site. They have a vegetarian section. I only try those with good reviews from other users, but I've never been disappointed so far.

The first couple months is the most difficult. After that I've never wanted meat.

Answer 3

Bing a shiftworker should make no difference to being a vegetarian - I have been a shiftworker since 1989 and veggie since 1991.
You do have to be a bit more organised and make sure you take your own food into work, but once you've got into the swing of it, it's easy!
Take a look at the Vegetarian Society website - it's full of information, recipes, ideas and is very inspirational. If you really really want to become vegetarian, you should let nothing stand in your way!
Your health and the animals will thank you!

Answer 4

I started my lifestyle change to vegetarianism in 2002 by giving up beef first, then pork after a few months, then chicken, and then for a couple of years or so, I ate nothing but veggies and fish. Eventually I gave up fish, too. Just do it gradually and you'll find that you won't miss meat. I work pretty irregular hours, too (I'm a lawyer) but somehow manage.

Also, research on meat-free protein sources, because without protein, your vegetarian diet will leave you always hungry.

Answer 5

go and educate yourself on the meat industry, i really believe that the information you find with put you off meat. i gave up meat cold turkey and i will never go back. if you really want to go vegetarian, than you can do it! really, it is such a simple lifestyle change, and now there are so many alternatives to meat that you wont even miss it.
if you need a good frozen food brand for those nights when your in a rush, there is a brand called Amy's which has some great meals.

Answer 6

I became a vego a while ago and i found it pretty easy to give up meat. I dont eat chicken or fish or red meat, and find it easy to fill myself up with lots of beans and nuts and cheese. Instead of having boring salads with jus lettuce and tomato, try adding lots of diffrent cheeses, beans, types of pastas, sauces and tofo. I cant wait 4 the next crazy salad I create. Its so easy nowdays too coz most takaway joints have some vegatarian options. Dont worry youl get used to it, and think of the benifits! Meat is not really that good for you, plus youll cut down on crap food like burgers and KFC and stuff, and your saving the animals!
Good luck with it :-)

Answer 7

I found it easy...cause once I thought about what meat was, how it goes from being a beautiful animal to a slab of grossness, and when I thought about all the damage it does to the earth, the poor and my health I was never able to look at it again without feeling nauseous...the more you know and make connections the easier it is...

Answer 8

Start slowly. It helps to use the "ready made" and "meat like" versions of veggie foods. Garden burgers, Boca burgers, Barbque Tofu. These are things you can easily eat in a sandwhich and no one will know.

If your friends knew all male pigs raised for food were castrated without use of any anesthesia, being men who love their wedding tackle, they would probably stop eating pork.

Answer 9

Become a vegetarian is pretty hard but it takes time.

Try eating chicken salad first and then you can start there. By the way, make sure you have enough all the nutritions especially proteins when you start becoming one.

Answer 10

stop eating meat, if you don't feel like eating fruits and veggs, you have to starve yourself, then feed when hungry