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.

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[liljenn2003]

on 10/27/2008 Vegetarians do not eat MEAT, Vegans do not eat meat or any animal by-products ie. eggs & dairy.

[Number15]

on 4/29/2008 ill do what you said

[flavorisnotfat]

on 11/14/2007 also vegetarians do not eat dairy.

[flavorisnotfat]

on 11/14/2007 there's no protein issues in a vegetarian diet. that myth is getting way overdone.

on 8/8/2006 Yeast flakes are a good source of Vitamin B12 if you're a vegan and want an alternative to supplements. Another source is from your own body. B12 is most commonly found in animal products, because it is manufactured in creatures that have livers. Human beings are creatures with livers, too. It has been proven that B12 is manufactured in the gut by a substance called Intrinsic Factor. However, in order to "activate" the intrinsic factor, a certain kind of bacteria is necessary. That certain bacteria is found in the mouth. Morning Breath is the result of bacteria growth in the saliva that has become stale from prolonged stagnancy; like after sleeping for a length of time. And so, the practical thing to do before brushing your teeth, gurgling and spitting out with water or mouth rinse, or eating, is to rinse your mouth for several seconds with water (preferably warm) upon rising, and then swallow. The bacteria that grew in your mouth overnight is the component/ingredient necessary for the intrinsic factor to manufacture B12, along with the liver enzymes that are secreted into the gut. This routine is practiced by many vegans. Our bodies are made to not ingest meat. Then does it not make sense that we can obtain everything essential for our nutrition from plant products or from our very own bodies? It's amazing! In addition, drinking warm water instead of cold water in the morning will keep the pyloric sphincter dilated, so that the water will go straight to the gut and assist in promoting peristalsis so that your body can excrete the stored waste. Drinking cold water will just constrict the pyloric sphincter because of the body's initial normal reaction to temperatures below it's core temperature. And so, by drinking warm water, preferably 2 glasses or 1/2 liter every morning upon rising, you will benefit from the the B12 and the regular bowel activity.