My first day of being a vegetarian was at my very own high school graduation party, a party where I was surrounded by foods I had just decided to give up that very day. I had been considering the new dietary restriction for quite some time before the decision had finally been made. However, I thought that I would struggle with finding adequate sources of nutrients that meat-eaters did not have to worry about finding. Thankfully, during my freshman year of college, I was required to complete a nutrition course that was all about how nutrients function, the necessary intake levels, and what foods contain which nutrients. Something else that we were taught was the consequences of eating certain foods. After completing this course, I finally grew a stronger awareness of the foods necessary for vegetarianism and, overall, became a huge advocate for conscious eating. I even conducted a presentation about wholesome eating that same semester. That semester, everything I gathered from the nutrition class and the act of actually eating consciously, seriously changed my life. That being said, I have created a list of 4 things I discovered after almost two years of being a vegetarian.

1. Meat is NOT the only source of protein out there

After becoming a vegetarian, I have received a lot of questions regarding my protein intake. Questions like “But, how do you get protein?” and “Would you just eat a steak?” are probably the most asked questions I have ever received. What some people don’t know is that meat is not the only great source of protein out there. Beans, for example, are an excellent source of protein and you don’t have to worry about the extremely high levels of saturated fats found in red meats that can lead to high cholesterol levels. According to Health.com, other ways for vegetarians to get protein is through quinoa, nuts, tofu, edamame, leafy greens, and chia seeds; And, not to mention all of the other sources.

2. Healthy eating CAN be tasty

I’m guessing that one or two of the foods I mentioned above sounded pretty unappealing to some people. I can relate to this because up until I became a vegetarian, I didn’t understand what half of those foods even were. But, when you add those foods to certain dishes with the right seasoning, dressings, or just mixed with other great foods, you can start to make meals that you feel good about eating!

3. I know I am benefitting my body

As I started to watch what I was eating, I realized which foods, in large quantities, would harm my body in the long run. While minimizing the harmful foods, I began to incorporate those that bring about certain benefits. For example, some could contain antioxidants, while others might lower your risk of heart disease. (Fact: Not eating meat can actually reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes).

4. Cooking your own meals can actually be really fun

Being a vegetarian has basically forced me to cook my own meals and, quite honestly, I can’t complain. I have grown to love cooking because it allows me to have control over my own meals, as I know exactly what is in my food and where it all comes from. I always find it somewhat comforting when I know the ingredients that are in my foods.

The transition into vegetarianism was definitely intimidating at first. But, after a few months of getting used to it, and after completing the nutrition class, I can say that being vegetarian isn’t all that hard. If anything, it has actually changed my life for the better.