I naively dream of a world without innocent animals being tortured and killed for food, yet I know this is not going to happen. However, with increasing attention on justice for animals, many people have considered a vegetarian diet. Being a pescatarian, a person who does not eat any meat but fish, I understand the not-so-easy transition from a meat eating diet to one without it at all. Many of my friends have asked me, “How do you do it?” and the answer may lie within these tips to beginning a vegetarian diet:
1. The transition to a vegetarian diet should be eased into.
If you think going from eating meat every night to not at all is a good idea, you’re wrong. A sudden transition can be detrimental to your protein intake and overall health. I suggest easing into this new diet by decreasing the amount of meat you eat every day before you get rid of it altogether.
2. Substitution is key.
Although the killing of innocent animals is inhumane, it provides us with nutrients and a protein-filled diet. When getting rid of the intake of this protein, we are left in the red with these crucial macromolecules. To stay healthy, substitution is a very important aspect of vegetarianism. Instead of eating chicken at dinner, have tofu and beans, to get the recommended amount of protein per day.
3. Be mindful if you are an athlete.
Eating meat can be seen a beneficial factor to athletes and their strength. Being an athlete myself, I was nervous about the transition and if it would affect my performance and strength. Even my coach was skeptical about my thoughts of a vegetarian diet. My advice would be to make sure you can get all the nutrients meat provides in other foods, meaning that if you are extremely picky, maybe this isn’t the right diet for you.
4. Learn to be watchful of what’s in almost everything you eat.
One thing about vegetarianism is that you must be prepared to ask, “Is there meat in this?” everywhere you go: your friend’s house, a restaurant, school, etc. It gets to be extremely annoying, especially when someone doesn’t know and has to conduct further investigation. You then stand there awkwardly as your friends help themselves to whatever they can get their hands on.
5. Use your resources.
A problem I commonly have is being at a loss for what to eat. You want a healthy and satisfying dinner but can’t even think of what to eat. My advice is to use your resources. Go on the internet and look up vegetarian recipes. You’ll be surprised at how many people are sharing their delicious and healthy recipes.
Overall, if you are sure that a vegetarian diet is right for you, go for it. It is a rewarding and beneficial diet to both you and animals around the world.
