How to Be a Vegetarian

For many people, being a vegetarian is more than just a preference; it is a way of life. People who give up eating animal products usually do so for religious, ethical, environmental or health reasons, or a combination of the above, and try to incorporate their beliefs into their daily life.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Vegetarian Cookbook
• Organic Produce
• Soy Products
• Cruelty-free Products

1. Eat a wide variety of foods. Include legumes, fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet. This is the best way to ensure that you are getting all the nutrients you need.

2. Add soy products to your diet, unless you are allergic to soy. Soy is a very good source of protein; plus, it has other health benefits and may even help protect against some cancers.

3. Eat as much fresh food as possible. Minimal processing helps keep nutrients intact.

4. Buy grains and beans in bulk. It's usually cheaper and cuts down on excess packaging.

5. Look for organically grown foods. If you make the commitment to be a vegetarian or vegan, then go for the best produce. Organically grown foods are grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, so there is no worry about toxic residues. They are also better for the environment.

6. Use organically grown eggs and dairy products if you include them in your diet. The cows and chickens are usually treated more humanely on organic farms, and you won't have to worry about unwanted residues in your food.

7. Buy a vegetarian cookbook. Impress your skeptical friends with how great veggie food can be.

8. Dabble in ethnic cooking. Many cultures, including Indian, Chinese, Thai, Italian and Mexican, have wonderful meatless cuisines.

9. Visit vegetarian restaurants in your city. Support their effort.

10. Consider your reasons for becoming a vegetarian. If it's for ethical reasons, then you may want to consider other ways to remove animal products from your life. One way is to buy cruelty-free products from companies that do not test on animals. Another is to use leather substitutes.

11. Join vegetarian groups. Surf the Web. There are many veggie resources online.

Tips & Warnings

• Whether you want to take vitamins is an individual decision. Some vegans do not get sufficient B-12, and many experts recommend that everyone take vitamins in order to ensure optimal health, regardless of the diet they eat.

• Buy from farmer's markets. You will have produce that may have been picked that day, will probably pay a lower price than at the regular store, and will help keep family farms in business.

• Let your favorite restaurants know that you appreciate their commitment to offering meatless dishes. Maybe they'll put more on the menu.

• Tell your neighborhood grocery store that you'd like to see a greater variety of fresh produce, if the selection is skimpy. Ask for other items and brands you like.

• If you have any questions or concerns regarding becoming a vegetarian, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.