How to Make the Transition Fun

Many people who consume meat on a regular basis have experienced the desire to be a vegetarian or simply eat less meat. One of the drawbacks they feel is that they are going to be in for hard work or they might end up going hungry. But with all of the creative and inspiring vegetarians out there, changing your diet can be an easy and enlightening experience. You just need to know how to go about doing it.

By making the change to a vegetarian diet, you can take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle and a more peaceful world. The transition to a vegetarian diet can be a bit of a challenge at first. You may feel limited by your meal options or be worried about getting proper nutrition. But once you start exploring vegetarian foods, the delicious and nutritious dishes you will taste will make you wonder why you ever ate meat in the first place. All you need are some ideas to spark your creativity. Below are a few suggestions to make the transition easier.

  1. Start by trying new recipes. There are many fantastic vegetarian cookbooks available to help you. Their recipes range from quick and easy dishes to exotic, gourmet meals. Many are convenient and inexpensive to prepare. Another great resource for recipes is the internet. For instance, at www.downtoearth.org you can check out our featured monthly recipes and also browse our recipe archives for many more.
  2. As you experiment with vegetarian foods, you will find useful meat substitutes like tofu, tempeh, wheat gluten and various other vegetable proteins. Tofu is a common beginner’s choice because it is inexpensive, easy to find, and can be quickly prepared in hundreds of different ways. There are entire cookbooks dedicated to tofu recipes.
  3. If cooking is not your thing, a night out vegetarian style will open your eyes to the possibilities of vegetarian cuisine. In metropolitan areas, vegetarian restaurants are popping up all over the place. Each Down to Earth store has a vegetarian deli, bakery, and hot food bar. If there is not a vegetarian restaurant in your area, nearly all mainstream restaurants now have tasty vegetarian dishes. It is also fun to try foods from different parts of the world. Indian and Italian restaurants are good options for finding vegetarian choices. Be sure to ask about the ingredients if the menu does not specify.
  4. Keep yourself motivated and make new friends by finding other vegetarians in your area. Many cities have vegetarian dining clubs and a local Vegetarian Society chapter that get together for potlucks, socials, and other events. Find out about the organization in your area or start one yourself. Associating with other vegetarians will make your transition easier and fun. Before you know it, the thought of eating meat will not even cross your mind and you will feel healthier than ever.
  5. Finally, continue educating yourself about vegetarianism. It is important to know your reasons for adopting a vegetarian lifestyle. Being strong in your convictions will make it easier to avoid eating meat and will hopefully inspire others to follow your example.