First Steps ( Baby Steps!)

*As with Any Lifestyle Change, it is good to Research Research Research! There are many helpful sites on the web, books in the library, and friends on local forums who can help you become informed and knowledgeable in becoming a vegetarian.

The first steps to becoming vegetarian may depend on where you are in your life right now, and what kinds of food your body is used to. The key thing to remember is- Baby Steps. Don't feel like you have to go completely "Cold Turkey," because it may not be the most healthy way to go.

For instance, I was never a big "Red Meat" eater. (Cow, Pork products such as burgers, steaks, hams etc.) I would eat the occasional burger, hot dog, or ham during holidays, but would never cook them for myself. White meat was an easy source of protein for me. I ate Chicken, Turkey, and Fish pretty frequently, fish being the most common protein of my diet. I was also a High Sugar eater- which means, I like sweets! This is something to seriousssly consider before just jumping off to Veggie Land.

TIP--> You Must be Super Careful Balancing your Sugars and Proteins. Too much sugar Vs. Too little protein, and you're gonna feel dizzy, woozy, fainty and snoozy.

My best advice is to Take Things Slow. First, start eliminating Red Meats from your diet. These are the most Fatty of the meats anyway, so you'll also probably start shedding calories and pounds. Instead of a hamburger at the local restaurant, grab a veggie burger with sweet potatoe fries!

Once you've given yourself a few weeks to become comfortable with giving up Red Meats, start concentrating on giving up White Meats. This is one of the most difficult things for people switching to vegetarianism, simply because Chicken is so convenient and versatile to cook and eat.

But Guess what?? There are substitute Chicken products out there that look and taste like chicken, contain the same or more proteins and vitamins, are the same price or cheaper than the meat you buy, and are healthier for you! You can start transitioning these foods into your favorite chicken dishes, and also try Firm Tofu, TVP (textured vegetable protein) and Tempeh to add new proteins to your life!

This whole process of eliminating Red and White meats might take a month, considering how motivated you are. Its important to let your body get used to your new lifestyle, but its even more important to let your Mind get used to your new lifestyle. You have to start Thinking like a vegetarian to become a successful vegetarian. You'll have to start making choices, some of them not easy, and develop new mental and emotional strengths to overcome challenges. It might not be the easiest route, but after that first month, baby you've made it! Once you realize , Hey, I've gone a month without eating meat! You'll feel good about it, and soon, you'll hardly even think about it.