Is Vegetarianism Right for You?
There are different reasons why many individuals are deciding to make the
switch to a vegetarian diet. While some are considering the health benefits
of this kind of lifestyle, others are more driven by personal beliefs.
However, transitioning into a vegetarian diet does not happen instantly.
It can be intimidating and difficult—especially during the first
few weeks or even months. That is why before completely going over to
the no-meat side, it is important to get educated about this kind of lifestyle.
Below are the degrees of vegetarianism that you may want for yourself:
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Lacto-oco-vegetarian – The most common type of vegetarian diet wherein a person still
eats both dairy products and eggs.
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Lacto-vegetarian – A person eats dairy products, but not eggs.
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Ovo-vegetarian – A person eats eggs, but not dairy products.
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Vegan – When a person does not eat dairy products, eggs, or any other animal product.
Having a clear goal of what you want to achieve can help you get excited
and persist in sustaining a vegetarian diet. Once you know what you want
to pursue through this lifestyle change, you can begin your new diet journey.
Replace Your Favorite Meals with Vegan Versions
If you don’t know where to begin with your transition, start by replacing
your favorite meals with their vegan versions. Doing this can help you
avoid the feeling of deprivation and may even be a source of comfort.
You may want to search online or find recipe books that focus on meat
substitutions. There are alternatives for just about any kind of meat,
and most of them are very delicious.
Take it One Day at a Time
Transitioning to a vegetarian diet differs from person to person. While
there are a few who can go cold turkey and eliminate meat all at once,
others may take awhile to adjust to the new diet. Plan your meals one
day at a time. The pacing of your transition depends on you alone. Remember
that no one is going to judge if you’re taking a longer time to
transition or if you slip up. The important thing is that you keep trying
until you have become comfortable with the vegetarian diet.
Scout the Vegetarian Restaurants Near You
Trying out a vegetarian restaurant can be a good introduction for you when
it comes to transitioning into a vegetarian diet. Ask the owner or staff
of the restaurant about their bestsellers, or be adventurous. You may
just discover some wonderful food that will make you thankful that you
have decided to give a vegetarian diet a try.
Try One Vegan Recipe a Week
Find some vegetarian recipe books or websites with photos of the meals
to help you get excited by the idea of cooking them. Try one new vegetarian
recipe a week and make sure to keep tabs on the dishes that you liked.
In time, you will have a good collection of staple vegetarian recipes
that you can eat on a regular basis.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.