How to Become Vegetarian

Vegetarianism is an increasingly popular dietary choice, for moral and health reasons. And in 2008 with increasing options, it's never been easier! Here's a handy guide on how to cut out meat from your daily life.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Just do it! Decide that you want to give up meat. It's a decision that must come from within yourself, not from anyone else. If it's right in your heart, you'll know.

2. Go slow! You may be surprised at how little you have to change your grocery shopping or cooking habits. Buy the things you like, just skip the meat aisle. Concentrate on improving or making more amounts of the meatless dishes you know you like already: for example, salads, mashed potatoes, pasta, etc.

3. You don't have to spend money! You don't necessarily have to substitute fake meat products into your dishes, as some can be expensive. But if you like chicken Alfredo pasta, try regular fettuccini Alfredo - it's cheaper because adding chicken or meat to pasta dishes costs extra. Instead of a pepperoni pizza, order a cheese pizza, which is cheaper anyway! And the money you save on meat you can use for more fresh vegetables.

4. Read up! Vegetarianism is better for the environment, and with modern factory farming meat is so processed that it is very different from how meat was raised even 50 years ago. Talk to your pastor, rabbi, or Google "vegetarianism" plus the name of your religion. You may be surprised at how your existing beliefs may already correspond with vegetarianism!

5. Talk to your loved ones! Let them know that you're not going to judge them, but give them information if they ask and let them make up their own mind. Many meat-eaters are scared because they feel vegetarians will be sickened at the sight or meat, or want to convert them. Let Grandma know she can still make her regular Thanksgiving, you'll just load up on mashed potatoes, bread and veggies, and skip the turkey!

Tips & Warnings

• At restaurants, if you see a dish you like that contains a meat product (such as bacon bits), ask if they can cook it without the meat. Most places are happy to comply!
• Taco Bell is the best fast food restaurant for veggies, as if asked they will substitute beans for meat in just about any dish! Subway is good also.
• Most grocery stores have a special section in frozen foods for veggie products, like Morningstar Farms, so keep a look out!

Resources

• Judaism & Vegetarianism
• Vegetarian & Vegan Information
• Vegetarian Recipes

[lkcooper]

on 7/31/2008 Nice, I keep seeing Taco Bell in veggie articles... they're getting a pretty good reputation with us I guess!