How to Become a Vegetarian and Save Animals

Farmed animals are often written off as just commodities, available for us humans to use as we will, but they are really very complex characters and if you give them a chance they will prove that to you.

Did you know?

Pigs just love to be scratched on the belly. They will roll over like a dog.

Spend a little time with a chicken and she will come to love her cuddles.

Do you like spending time with horses? Well cows are just as cool. They can love to playfully butt you with their big old head and develop strong emotional attachments to people and other animals.

Sheep are not stupid! They can recognize over 500 human faces. How many sheep faces could you recognize?

Turkeys are so friendly when given a chance. When I was helping at an animal shelter one particular turkey used to follow me around everywhere.

Every single farmed animals can become attached to people and animals just like a dog. Every single farmed animal has emotions. They can suffer. They can feel pain. Every single farmed animals is an individual who deserves a chance.

Come on Guys Give Peas a Chance! Go Veggie!

Ok, let's throw those preconceptions out the window. Becoming a veggie is easy and you will not be missing out. Far from it, you will be eating much better than your meat eating friends.

So a vegetarian is someone who doesn't eat meat, fish or any slaughterhouse products (such as gelatin). A lot of the things you already have in your cupboard are probably veggie. Think about it...noodles, pasta, margarine, bread, potatoes, chips, frozen veg, fresh veg, fruit, spices, flour. I mean you could probably get started with that. But a little shopping will take you to another level entirely.

Think of your fave foods - pizza, pasta, burgers, bacon, jacket potatoes, curry. Well guess what...you can still eat them all. The only difference is your food will not have meat in it. Most supermarkets sell veggie sausages, burgers, bacon and lots more and you can make veggie alternatives to nearly every meal out there. It's true you can even make shepherds pie (meatless).

You can buy nearly everything ready made,or you can grab a veggie cook book (there are hundreds) and get cooking yourself. Of course this would be the cheaper and probably tastier way to do things.

Check out your local health food shops and supermarkets for loads of veggie options. Yum!

You can buy veggie gravy and veggie roasts, so your Sunday Lunches will still be yummy.

You can also make all sorts of meals with beans and pulses and they are really good for you. (Bonus!)

Like eating out? No Problem! Nearly every restaurant these days has several veggie options that will have the meat eaters at your table green with envy.

To be a healthy vegetarian it is easier if you have the cooperation of your family, so of course you need to tell them at some point. It may seem like a big deal, especially if you family are big meat eaters, but just be honest and clear and stand your ground. This is important to you and your family should support that once they realize you are serious.

You may want to sit down with the family member you feel is the most receptive and explain your decision. You could then make a shopping list together to ensure them you will be getting all the nutrients you need.

Be strong my friend. Your family love you and will accept your decision soon enough.