Sincere advice on beginning a vegetarian lifestyle?

Question

I'm wanting to transition into it, rather than a dramatic change. Anything that worked for you, and links/websites with nutritional information, meal plans, etc. Would be helpful.

Thanks!

Answer 1

It helps to find fake meats that you like and gradually start using them in your favorite meals / recipes instead of meat. I like Boca Chik'n Patties, Morningstar Farms Meal Starters Chik'n Strips, Tofurkey Deli Slices, and Nate's Meatless Meatballs. Here's a list of of others: http://vegcooking.com/guide-favs.asp

This site has tons of information and tips on making the transition:
http://vegcooking.com/makingthetransition.asp

Recipes:
http://www.chooseveg.com/vegan-recipes.asp
http://vegcooking.com/searchRecipes.asp

Health:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vsk/index.html
http://goveg.com/optimal_vegan_nutrition.asp

Answer 2

As I always say, i´m glad you´re thinking about going vegetarian...but i´m sure that cows, pigs, fish and every animal would be infinitely more glad.

I´m vegan, but as most of us, i was once an "api-ovo-lacto" vegetarian...and before that an omnivore.
Every one of us, has had a different approach to it so don´t expect to read the one you will. But, anyway, it is always helpful to hear about others that walked the path you´re beginning to.

When I started to realize that the thing I always called "meat" was no other than a "corpse", a dead body of an animal I thought I "respected" or even "loved" I couldn´t see it as anything else, from that time on.

Sadly, at first, i quit every "terrestrial" animal from my diet (because of that damned discrimination we make on the animals that live in an aquatic environment).

I did quit the terrestrials for good, in about a month. 6 or 7 months later I quit fish and every so called "sea food", since I realized there was no difference between them. All of them died with pain...each and every one.
Up to that time I didn´t even know much about vegetarianism and it´s health and nutrition aspects but the reason i never had any problem, i think, it´s because i never ever thought about going back (even in the first month, when I only ate salads - since i didn´t know what else to cook jajaja). My choice was not on discussion. As long as your mind is set, your body will follow.

Then I knew about the real deal about the dairy and egg industry so I couldn´t play deaf or blind anymore. Veganism was the only way that fitted with what my beliefs were and are. Empathy and respect for every animal. They not only want to be alive and stay that way. They want to live, and live in liberty so I should, at least, respect those wishes.

When you know what you´re doing is right, and that you are doing it "for the right reasons", there is NO dramatic changes. It´s just what was supposed to be. Natural evolution.

Anyway...look out in any "web searcher" for the Position of the American Dietetic Association and the Dietitians of Canada, where it states that "appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases" in every state of human development (pregnancy, infancy, adolescence, etc). It is really detailed, and i´m sure it will help you a lot (look for the 2006 one).

And look out for the documentary Earthlings, the most powerful and life changing film i´ve ever seen. I´m sure it will help you a lot to change, not only your habits, but your whole conception of life.

Lots of energy for you in this great journey.

Liberación e Igualdad

Answer 3

If you are actually going to do this, I think you should do some research about adding L-lysine as a supplement. This necessary amino acid appears in some plants naturally, in very small amounts, but red meat contains the most. So, if you don't want to shock your body, try it.

Answer 4

Good for you...I have little advice, though as I am a confirmed carnivore. I guess gradually, start by eliminating red meat and pork, then chicken and other fowl. Supplement your protein with beans and legumes.
I envy your fortitude.

Answer 5

It doesn't have to be a 'lifestyle'. You actually can live just like everyone else, only you don't eat meat. It's pretty simple, really! Just make sure to take a multi-vitamin and eat a variety of foods.

Answer 6

Make sure you get enough protein.

Also, veggie burgers taste good.

Answer 7

quit cold turkey.

Answer 8

dont....
a good healthy varied diet of meat / fish and vegetables is by far the healthy way to go