It’s not difficult. It’s not expensive. Anybody can be a vegetarian. Here are a few bullets to help you on your vegetarian path.
Learn to cook.
If you don’t know how to cook at least a couple of meals, grow up and learn how to cook. If you want to eat healthy food, cooking is a must. Have enough money to eat all your meals out? Learn how to cook anyway. It’s good for you. Warning: If you’ve never cooked tofu, don’t give up after your first attempt.
Prepare When You Travel
Gas stations and airports are filled with temptation. If you’re hungry, you’ll grab any food to kill the craving, even if you know it’s not vegetarian. Pack some snacks. It might take effort in the beginning, but you’re a maverick. And mavericks pack their lunch. Good travel foods: almonds, fruit, chips and salsa, hummus.
Read Labels
Reading labels is a proactive move that will keep you from eating junk. Good rule: if it doesn’t sound like food, it probably isn’t.
It get’s easier.
Starting anything new is a challenge, including a change in your diet. But like getting to the gym everyday or reading more, the challenge becomes more manageable with each small victory. Cutting out all animal products from your diet might be too much for you right now. Start small and work your way towards your goal incrementally. Focus on adding veggies instead of cutting out meat. You’ll get there eventually, but the goal is to achieve lasting change.
Be Nice
Eating a vegetarian diet is seen as an extreme position to some people. Some people take it personally. People will say you’re making a mistake. They’ll pressure you try something that you know has meat in it. They’ll tempt you with bacon. What you need to know is that not everybody will ally themselves with you on this journey. Eating a vegetarian diet isn’t for those who aren’t willing to stick to their guns.
Find Other Vegetarians
Farmers markets. Health food stores. Vegetarian restaurants. Go where you must to find people that support who you are. You’re the average of the five people you spend most of your time with, so choose friends that build you up and support your choices.
Again, our goal is to eat more plants and cut out the meat.
Be well,
Veg VA
Vegetarian Virginia 