Two days ago, it has approximately been two years since I had become a vegetarian.
For the longest time growing up, I had wanted to be a vegetarian. I just didn't know where to begin.
Here are some helpful tips I wish someone told me before beginning the change.
1. Make sure you are still getting all your vitamins, protein, & etc.
This is crucial. If you are going to make the jump, do a little research on what you'll be missing in your diet that you normally get from eating meat. There are various simple and easy solutions to make sure you get all of your nutrients! Eat plenty of nuts, beans, vegetables, fruit and etc. As well, take extra supplements and vitamins to make sure you have a healthy system running!
Here's a helpful website that was a nice reference: https://takecareof.com/articles/what-vitamins-should-vegetarians-take
2. Do your research.
With the diet change, there are a lot of small details you have to pay attention to that you may not even know contains animal products.
Some examples include:
(1) checking what broth is used in soups
(2) looking to see if certain veggie salads contain meat toppings
(3) knowing what pies/desserts/fruit snacks do and don't include gelatin
3. Check the menu before you go to the restaurant
For your own sake, check out the menu before you go out to eat. You don't want to end up in a situation where the only thing you can eat on the menu is a basket of chips. Thankfully restaurants have become a lot more accommodating to vegetarian/vegan diets where they have alternatives listed on the menu.
But for safety measures, check out the menu ahead of time so you know there is something for you and you'll already know what to order when you get there! :)
4. You aren't obligated to explain yourself.
One of the most frustrating conversations I have encountered are the ones where they ask you, "Why? Is it an animal thing? A diet thing?"
Not only that but the face of judgment they give you before you answer really hits a nerve for me. It is almost like they are ready for you to give a poor response or pick a fight on your choice.
You. Don't. Need. To. Answer. To. Anyone.
If you want to explain and inform them, I full heartily encourage you to. But, if you don't feel like getting into that conversation: don't.
5/10 times I have had that conversation because they wanted to pick a fight with me why they disagree when I never simply asked for their opinion in the first place.
Frankly, I still don't want their opinion. I know how I feel: emotionally and physically. And that's good enough for me.
Your true friends will love and support you no matter what you are doing and going through, those are the only opinions that should matter.
5. You're going to feel different, and the change won't be the easiest.
Like any diet change you go through, your body will react positively, negatively, or neutrally. In my personal experience, I actually lost a few pounds from taking out meat, especially chicken, out of my diet. Just make sure to discuss with your doctor that you are making healthy changes.
Now, with all these tips, keep on killing it. x
