So You Think You Want To Be A Vegetarian?

So you think you want to be a vegetarian? First of all, hooray! Secondly, you have come to the right place! Third, so happy you are here.  It is a great time to be vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, or even plant-forward. With so many new + yummy meatless options available, it is easier than ever. Today, let’s walk through the first steps you can take on your journey to a more plant-based lifestyle.

Tara’s Tuesday Tips:

So You Think You Want to Be a Vegetarian?

Find Your Why

Whenever I am faced with making a decision, I start with why. From the words of one of my favorite authors and speakers, Simon Sinek, “Everyone knows what they do and how they do it, but few people know why they do it”. Figure out your why. Why do you want to become vegetarian? Write it down, and let it inspire you. Read these: The Story of My Vegetarian Family.com, How I Got Here.

Share the News

It is not difficult to tell people about what you are up to. Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest … you get it … share the news, join people on their journey, lean on those that help lift you towards your goal and happily ignore the others. Follow like-minded people, unfollow those that don’t make you feel good or are not aligned with your values. Tell your family + friends, the more layers of accountability + support, the better.

Start Slow

No one ever said change was easy. However, slow + steady changes are easier, and will have a more lasting effect. Start with one meal, one day, or one animal-based product at a time. Pick a starting point and start. If you fail, well ok, reassess, but don’t quit. Start with these: How To Go Plant-Based In 7 Easy Steps, Tips To Make Going Plant-Based Easier

Make a Plan

Write it down, print recipes, make a grocery list, stock up on vegetarian staples. Plan one meal, and then the next, and you will see, it becomes easier and easier each time. Check these out: 10 Things To Do On Weekends To Make Weeknight Cooking Easier, Is Dietary Variety Really That Important?.

Try New Foods

This is the fun one! Try out new ethnic foods, new spices, new recipes, new restaurants, be brave!! Keeping it interesting will make it easier. Start here: How To Enjoy Eating Out As A Vegetarian, How To Use Spices To Boost Wellness.

Make Your Favorite Meals Meatless

Swap the meat in your favorite meat dish with a plant-based protein. This can be an extremely helpful way to get over any cravings for meat that might come up. So many great meat replacements right now making the transition quite easy. Read these: How To Stop Meat Cravings As A Vegetarian, Guide To Plant-Based Meat Alternatives. 

Do Your Homework

Read books, watch videos, follow vegetarian blogs and social media. So many resources to find your “why”, make a plan, and stick to it. If you are here you are off to a good start! Being prepared is half the battle when it comes to being vegetarian. Read this: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Plant Based.

Stop Worrying About Protein

We are so obsessed with protein. Stop worrying about getting enough protein!!! You will!! Nuts, organic free-range eggs, organic dairy, organic grass-fed whey protein powders, vegan protein powders, yogurt, organic non-GMO tofu, vegetables, hummus, beans, grains, SO MANY options. I have authored a few articles on this topic that will help: Vegetables with the Most Protein, The Vegetarian’s Guide To Protein.

Ditch the Stereotypes

Not all vegetarians are hippies, or anemic, or weak, or judgmental, or boring, or querulous! Ditch the stereotypes and you are one step closer to ditching the meat.

⭐️Do you think you want to be a vegetarian? Leave a comment below!

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