How should I begin a vegitarian diet?

Question

What would be the first step in changing to a vegetarian (sp?) diet? What foods should I buy more and how should I prepare them?

Answer 1

The best way to start is with education.

Check out the two links for McDougall and Physician's Committee on Responsible Medicine as to why meat is bad.

Check out some websites on proper veg nutrition. Contrary to what FC says, humans are herbivores. Not omnivores. This is a biological fact. We are herbivores who have learned to eat meat. That's why colon and prostate cancer is so prevalent.

Want a little impotence? Be a big meat eater.

Check out Howard Lyman (Mad Cowboy) he's very COOL!!

Get some good veg cook books. Know that there are two kinds of veg. Healthy veg and convenience veg. Healthy vegetarians will cook from scratch. Convenience vegetarians rely on packaged processed veggie food-stuffs. Which is basically still SAD (Standard American Diet)

Start slowly. Just cut back on the meat you eat. Keep a diary of how you feel. Two or three times a week make a vegetarian meal.

Don't beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon. Find a support system. Friends who are sympathetic to your decision. Friends who will go to veg diners with you. (see the veg dining website for places all over!!)

Answer 2

Start with some research. Find some books on vegitarian diets, combination foods, (to complete a WHOLE protien you will need to eat certain foods at tne same time, ie beans rice and greens.) There is nothing wrong with a vegi diet but don't do what some do and think that all you have to do is eat salad and greens.
Humans are omnivores and we do need complete protiens for brain function.

Answer 3

I am a vegitarian, and have been for quite a while now. But what i did was i started to eat alot of salads, and stirfry's(things that still taste good without meat) and then i started to eat tofu, and fake meat, like hamburgers made out of soy. You can hardly taste the difference.

Answer 4

It all depends on what you are going to make. Extra firm tofu is usually used in stir fry, grilled, or for tofu burgers. Firm tofu can be used in just about anything. You can dice it up and put it over a salad, use it in soup, etc. Soft tofu can usually be used in smoothies or you can even blend it up and mix it with some ricotta for a protein packed lasagna. It's all on what you're going to use it for.

Answer 5

good question- I think that you should buy a greater supply of fruits and vegetables, as well as grain products (rice, cereal, pasta, etc.) In addition, you must determine how you would like to supplement your protein intake since you are no longer eating meat...good sources include peanut butter, tofu, beans (kidney, black)....it also never hurts to take a multivitamin in case you happen to miss some key ingredients...enjoy!

Answer 6

The first thing I did was order the free vegetarian starter kit at peta.com. It's great and it gives you the necessary information to become a vegetarian. Good luck!

Answer 7

Go up to a cow and punch it in the face. When it tramples you will not want to eat meat anymore.

Note: Yahoo does support the Punching of Cows. No Cows were injured in the answering of this question.

Answer 8

I'd start by no longer eating meat and take it from there

Answer 9

Don't do it maan! I know many people who have and they actually got really weak and sickly. Sure eat more veggies but you need meat. Just stay away from the snacky food and bread.

Answer 10

I would start with a HUGE surf & turf meal. That way when you are eating limp veggies the rest of your life - you will know what you are missing.

Mmmmm - steak & lobster.

Good luck in whatever decision you make.