How To Go Vegetarian

How to become a vegetarian is a big thing to consider. This is not a simple diet; it's a lifestyle change. Many people will not understand your decision and in the beginning you may be faced with a lot of opposition and temptation. However, with perseverance and a little know-how, you can become a vegetarian and become healthier and happier while living a cleaner existence.

1. Understand what type of vegetarian you want to become. For beginners, it can be easiest to become what is known as an ovo-lacto vegetarian. This means you still eat eggs and dairy products (e.g. milk, cheese, butter) but you do not consume meat products (e.g. beef, chicken, fish, pork/ham/bacon, gelatin). Lacto vegetarians consume dairy but do not eat eggs, including egg substitutes which are often made from egg whites. A vegan is a special type of vegetarian that eats nothing that comes from an animal (e.g. meat, dairy, eggs, and honey).
2. Begin slowly if you wish to be successful at becoming a vegetarian. For most people, it is easiest to cut out one thing at a time. For example, start by cutting red meat from your diet. When that has become habit, remove chicken and fish. Continue until you have reached the level of vegetarianism you desire to be.
3. It can be helpful to understand a little about nutrition. Knowing how to get proper protein and vitamins from vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes can help you add variety to your diet and keep from resenting your decision. This can also help you learn what is and is not vegetarian. For example, Oreo cookies can be considered vegetarian while Jell-O cannot.
4. Recruit friends or make new friends to help you become vegetarian. Sharing recipes, lending support and providing advice can help you make the transition to vegetarianism easier and more rewarding.