Whether your doctor suggested a vegetarian (or semi-vegetarian) lifestyle, your soft spot for animals drew you there, or you’re just curious about the whole concept of vegetarianism, it can be hard to quit cold-turkey. (contains forgiveness). But he’s compiled 5 tips that have helped me and a few other veggie lovers I know go through the lion’s share of the process.
Know why you feel the way you do.
If you love animals, if you love eating animals, or if you are completely indifferent to the whole concept of being (or not being) a lion, know what drives you to feel this way. Those who love our furry friends, and could never think of eating them: why? If you know why you take on the challenges of those who disagree, or punish you for choosing a certain way of life. If you are someone who could not have a meal without the meat of an animal placed in the middle: why? Is it just a tradition and you feel like you are missing out on these nutrients? If so, try the FDA requirements for certain nutrients (fruits, veggies and whole grains are filling), and try to break out of your comfort zone. I have been a vegetarian for five years and my family still has trouble understanding how I could not do without meat, but they also asked me to start a holiday without meat, where I am cook a full yummy meal with nothing but lemon extracts. Everyone enjoys it (even my super-macho step dad and fire fighting uncle) and it helps them get nutrition and break traditions. If you are lazy, what makes you that way? Do you love animals so much that it hurts to mold your burger to moo? Are you just against any kind of controversial argument? Whatever your motivation is, if you’re thinking of going on a date, do your research and find out why you feel the way you do. Because if you don’t, no one else will.
Dip your toe in the veggies.
The hardest thing about habit is breaking. If my clock doesn’t go off at 6AM, my body knows something is wrong. For all food is greater than life. Not long without. Since we depend so much on it, we tend to spend a lot of time on things related to food. School lunch times, they finish work before dinner, and our tummies are about to eat. We are used to eating what we want, and only what we want. Vegetarianism is a big leap from burgers and chicken wings, to veggies and meat substitutes. It’s a scary thought, and my first attempt at a disgusting fast foodveggie burger was rather appalling, but I went back to the proverbial He tried again. If you start slow (and meatless on Fridays), continue until you’re eating mostly veggies with the occasional meat, and eventually go full lean (or vegan if you’re feeling strong enough).
Do your research!
There are many websites out there that explain vegetarianism and the pros and cons of being one. I remind you to do research, because I am a very skeptical person. If you explain something, I’ll listen but you can bet what you said over the internet. Some useful websites are peta.org, peta2.com (for high school and college-age fans) and the always informative Wikipedia. There are books like Animal Liberation and Vegetarian Living for Dummies. All offer a wide range of information to help the interested eater become informed. Also, once you actually make the transition, an informed staying plan will help you better stay meat-free than you please.
Tell the people.
If you are excited about something, let the world know it. In the same sense, if you know a bunch of something, you’ll be excited about it. Tell your friends, tell your family, and tell the lunch staff (after these three groups, they’d rather feed you than anyone else). If you tell people, chances are they won’t go back to what you said. Also, just get the word out that there are different, healthier options than the ones that are filmed in society. Of course, they don’t go up to people and threaten to punch them in the face if they don’t follow suit. Men learn by example, and most respond to compassion. Stand behind your policies (refer to number one!) and be there as a sounding board for anyone who is interested.
Get creative.
The worst thing in the world is a boring meal. Some people think that Leo sits at home and nibbles on his Brussels sprouts and Babe watches in the dark. Not right! We did not eat much. Also we have replaced every meat product. If not, at least in most of those banks. Do you love the smell of sausages in the morning? Morning Star has an awesome faux sausage link. Are burgers on the grill your specialty? Boca vegetarian burgers I found a substitute (just ask my super macho fighting uncle). Your meals can be colorful, fun, and healthy without a little food in it. And the more fun you have, the more likely you will stick to your vegetarian diet!
Happy eating!
