You've weighed your options carefully, studied the pros and the cons, and Decided that the vegetarian lifestyle is right for you. But where do you start making the changes? Do you go 'cold turkey?' Do you adopt a more gradual approach to Transitioning to vegetarianism? However you choose to the make the change, you can begin to Achieve the health benefits of vegetarianism by Significantly cutting down on the amount of consumed meats, and making vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains the focus of your meals.
Choose whole-grain products like whole wheat bread and flour, instead of refined grains or white. Eat a wide variety of foods, and do not be afraid to try vegetables, fruits, grains, breads, nuts, or seeds that you've never tried before. Experiment and explore! You may discover a new favorite or two, and learn fresh new ways to Liven up more traditional vegetarian dishes. Many vegetarian foods can be found in any grocery store. Specialty food stores may carry some of the more uncommon items, as well as many vegetarian convenience foods. When shopping for food, plan ahead, shop with a list and read food labels. And if You decide to eat dairy products, choose non-fat or low-fat varieties, and limit your intake to 3-4 egg yolks per week.
Becoming a vegetarian can be as easy as you choose to make it. Whether you enjoy preparing delectable, delicious meals or choose the quick and easy ones, vegetarian meals can be very satisfying. If you get in the habit of keeping the following on hand, meal preparation time wil Become a snap:
-Ready-To-eat, whole-grain breakfast cereals, and quick-cooking whole-grain cereals such as oatmeal, whole-grain breads and crackers, such as rye, whole wheat, and mixed grain and other grains such as barley and bulgur wheat
-Canned Beans, such as pinto, black beans, and garbanzo beans
-Rice (Including brown, wild, etc.) and pasta (now available in whole wheat, spinach, and other flavors) with tomato sauce and canned beans and / or chopped veggies
-Vegetarian Soups like lentils, navy bean, or minestrone
-A Wide variety of plain frozen vegetables, and canned and frozen fruit
-Fortified Soymilks and soy cheeses, should you choose to not eat dairy
-A Wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, the which should be the core of any diet
As you learn to experiment with foods and learn that a meatless diet does not have to lack variety, you'll find your decision for vegetarianism was not only wise, but easy and fun come mealtime.
