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Becoming Vegetarian: "Life" Without Meat

nDee by nDee
Last updated: 11/24/2011

Turning Over A New Leaf With A Vegetarian Diet

"Becoming vegetarian" is oftentimes more than a diet change. If you are feeling drawn to a life without meat because of ethical, moral or spiritual reasons, your desire to embrace vegetarianism is no doubt part of a larger spiritual quest or renewal. Congratulations!

One of the most delightful surprises you will enjoy when you embrace the lifestyle of a vegetarian will be the number of others who will join you in your quest for a cleaner and more spiritual way to treat your body. The vegetarian community is a large one and it will welcome you warmly with all the help they can provide. But even from the community of those who are not vegetarians, you will often find friends and loved ones very supportive of the change of life you are going through and they will seek to help you all they can.

Becoming Vegetarian and Meal Prep

What to Expect

Life without meat will mean a new approach to meal preparation, which means new recipes and new ways to shop for the foods you need. This becomes additionally complex if you are living with those who have not made the choice to become vegetarians.

For example, if you are charged with meal preparation, that means two menus per night. If someone else is the primary cook of the house, that means you will need some accommodation so you can have a vegetarian meal while others are eating meat. As you can see, this will take some relationship building and some tolerances by you and by the meat lovers in your home.

Getting Use To Life Without Meat

During The Transition

Being a vegetarian in a world of meat eaters may be one of the biggest adjustments you'll be making. But also be prepared for some meat cravings as well. Especially if you've been a heavy meat-eater.

Some say, that it might be wise, at first, to ease into vegetarianism so you still get some meat protein while your body gets used to a lowered intake of that food group. I'm not quite certain how true that is but it is important to note that it will take a few weeks or longer to find a diet that has adequate nutrients and vitamins your body needs. By leaving meat in your eating schedule for a short time, you are less prone to feel run down or endure vitamin deficiencies during the transition to a full vegetarian eating regimen.

Becoming A Vegetarian Can Be As Fun As You Make It . . .

A Transition To Vegetarianism Doesn't Have To Be Boring

Becoming a vegetarian or vegan can be as simple, easy and as fun as you choose to make it. Whether you enjoy taking the time to prepare mouth-watering meals or . . . you choose quick-fix ones, vegetarian meals can be very satisfying.

Get into the habit of keeping the following items on-hand and meal prep can become a snap:

    A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, which should be the core of any diet by the way

    Canned beans (e.g., pinto beans, black beans, garbanzo beans)

    Vegetarian soups (e.g., lentil or minestrone)

    Rice (e.g., brown, basmati, wild, etc.)

    Pastas (e.g., whole wheat, spinach or other flavor combinations)

    Tomato sauce

    A variety of frozen vegetables

    Quick cooking or ready-to-eat whole-grain cereals (e.g., oatmeal)

    Whole-grain breads and crackers (e.g., whole wheat, rye, mixed grain)

    Soymilks and soy cheeses, if you decide to not eat dairy

    Herbs and spices

You'll learn to experiment with different foods as you go along. Soon you will discover that a meatless diet can be fun to make and best of all . . . doesn't have to lack variety.

An Essential Guide To Becoming Vegetarian

The New Becoming Vegetarian: The Essential Guide To A Healthy Vegetarian Diet

The New Becoming Vegetarian: The Essential Guide To A Healthy Vegetarian Diet

by: Vesanto Melina, Brenda Davis

One of many 5-star reviews: "This is book is absolutely necessary for anyone transitioning into a vegetarian or vegan diet and a great reference for those of us already there. It goes through all of the nutrients that vegetarians and vegans might have trouble getting enough of and explain why it's important and the best ways to incorporate that nutrient into your diet. It also gives dietary advice for prenanct women, children, and the elderly. There is so much information, I find myself constantly referring to this book as a reference guide." By Sara G. (Mamou, LA USA)

DVD: An Introduction to Vegetarian Cooking

Vegetarian Cooking with Compassionate Cooks

Vegetarian Cooking with Compassionate Cooks

"This lively DVD is a great introduction to vegetarian cooking. Chefs Colleen Patrick-Goudreau and Alka Chandna demonstrate simple, quick, delicious-looking recipes for entrees and desserts including a classic chocolate chip cookie and a Harvest Stuffed Acorn Squash which would make a great holiday meal.

The DVD contains a menu that allows you to watch the entire video, or select from individual recipes. Each segment has great tips about ingredients and techniques. The DVD also has a Frequently Asked Questions segment aimed at meat-eaters or new vegetarians which offers information and opinion about various issues surrounding a the choice of a plant-based diet." --Amy O'Neill Houck

On Becoming Vegan

Becoming Vegan: The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Plant-Based Diet

Becoming Vegan: The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Plant-Based Diet

by: Brenda Davis, Vesanto Melina

"Anyone familiar with Becoming Vegetarian, written by the same authors, knows what a valuable resource it is for vegetarians or those hoping to make the switch to a vegetarian lifestyle. Now there is a similar book with all the latest nutritional information just for vegans. It covers everything you could possibly want to know about a healthy vegan diet, including detailed sections on fats, vitamins, and minerals; feeding children; eating while pregnant; overweight; eating disorders; and eating for athletes. Also included are chapters on the roots of veganism, plant proteins, carbohydrates, phytochemicals, vegan diplomacy, and more. . . This book is sure to become a well-worn resource." --Reviewed by Melanie Wilson

Proud To Be A Vegetarian . . .

Cool Vegetarian Wear

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Great Vegetarian Lenses You'll Enjoy . . .

See What Others Have to Say About Becoming Vegetarian

I'm still visiting other vegetarian lenses (and there are quite a few) but here are the ones that stand out. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
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My Latest . . . Vegetarian Inspirations

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nDee

The kids are grown . . . my husband is still the coolest dude I know . . . and I get to share my interests, expertise and curiosities right here on Sq... more »

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