Transitioning to a Vegetarian Diet

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Many people love following a vegetarian diet to gain health and fitness and overall wellness. Many others decide to follow this style of diet for their own personal reasons. Others become a vegetarian in an effort to lose weight.

Research reveals that vegetarians tend to live almost eight years longer than meat-eaters. To many ‘healthy’ meat-eaters, this may be a surprise. Remember, there are many types of meat included in these findings and many are not healthy, such as processed meats.

However, many meat-eaters do not consume healthy meats alone, and it is often the regular consumption of unhealthy meat that is attributed to the difference in longevity, compared to that of a vegetarian.

For balance, it is not necessarily only the meat that is the difference. Becoming a vegetarian is a conscious choice, almost always for reasons of health. Therefore, most, or at least many, vegetarians are likely more health-conscious generally, as compared to those opportunistic feeders who eat whatever is available.

So a meat-eater’s diet might include a whole range of unhealthy options that are not specifically included or excluded by way of vegetarianism. Some of these choices may not even relate to diet.

Nevertheless, the statistics remain. So, if as part of your health goals you are wanting to begin following a vegetarian diet, the following tips may help you make the transition easier.

Taking Meat Out of Your Diet – Do It Gradually

There are people who choose to stop eating meat the instant they make their decision to become a vegetarian. Others prefer to do it gradually. There are also individuals who prefer to jump straight into veganism while others opt to try the flexitarian way first.

Regardless of what type of vegetarian diet you choose, simply set your goals. What do you want to achieve from making this dietary change?

If you cannot go cold turkey on giving up meat, (no pun intended), you can start your vegetarian diet plan by following the “Meatless Monday” campaign. You may also try the “Vegan Before 6” diet which only allows you to eat meat after 6 pm.

Meal Replacements – Making Changes To Your Daily Diet

Think about replacing your favorite meaty meals with vegetarian versions of them. It may seem difficult to replace your favorite beef steak with a plant-based alternative. However, you can begin to experiment on your favorite recipes using different vegetarian ingredients designed for this purpose!

Remember that being vegetarian does not mean that you have to eat bland, boring foods, or that they have to be just platefuls of vegetables! There is a huge variety of foods that are classed as being perfect for vegetarian eaters.

You should take care when choosing any meat alternatives, as many are highly processed and filled with additives and harmful chemicals. Always opt for the most natural alternative you can. This ensures that you always eat nutritious meals that work for you, not against you.

Replacing your favorite burritos and tacos with seitan or grilled mushrooms is just one example of a healthy vegetarian replacement that you can incorporate into your new diet.

Can’t Decide What to Cook? Consider Eating Out Temporarily

You may think eating out is more of a luxury than a necessity. However, in your transition, you may find it helpful. Consider it an opportunity to research what others cook for vegetarians. As you dine in different eating places, you will be inspired by the experts. Plus, you’ll be able to taste the different kinds of vegetarian dishes served to you.

Invest In Vegetarian Cookbooks

You can certainly browse the Internet for free recipes, however, cookbooks have not become obsolete because of the free ones available online. Cookbooks definitely have something that gets you in and makes you want to cook.

Having your own cookbook in the kitchen will certainly make the food preparation process more interesting and pleasurable. Plus, as you read a few cookbooks, you will find a wide range of vegetarian cooking styles.

Loving Life — The Reboot!

Dominique

This article provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.