Going Vegetarian: Make Sure You Have Strong Reasons to Make the Switch

It is not uncommon to fall prey to trends, be it fashion or lifestyle. However decisive we may be, we tend to follow the flock, so to speak, especially when a particular trend has the nod of approval from celebrities or famous people. Becoming a vegetarian is one such phenomenon that was once perceived to be a passing fad. But vegetarianism has today a world-wide following that clearly shows that it is a lifestyle option people choose even when they are not driven by any external compulsions.

If you are thinking of going vegetarian, you may not find the switchover tough. The true test of will power however arrives a few weeks or months later when the power to resist non-vegetarian food seems to weaken. The only way you can stick to this lifestyle choice is if you your reasons for turning vegetarian are strong enough.

Going vegetarian: why do people make this switch?

Though the reasons for vegetarianism could be personal, there are broadly four driving factors that motivate people to turn vegetarian:

5. It is a fact that cooking meat consumes more energy, time and fuel. When going vegetarian, you are showing the world that you are concerned with the conservation of precious natural resources like soil, water and fuel. After all, it is a fact that forests are increasingly getting destroyed and acres of land are now used to breed and raise livestock.
6. Health is perhaps one of the most important reasons for vegetarianism. Not just weight loss, people are going vegetarian before some chronic ailments set in including diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, etc. They are also aware that vegetarian food habits keep blood pressure and cholesterol within manageable limits and are considered to be beneficial for the heart.
7. The third reason for going vegetarian is same as becoming vegan – prevention of cruelty to animals and putting an end to animal slaughter for human consumption.
8. Vegetarians also believe that foods of animal origin lack in several nutrients including carbohydrates and vitamins except vitamin B complex.

Of course you could have your own reasons for going vegetarian but you need to be doubly sure as to why you want this lifestyle switch, since it is going to be a major decision to take, especially if you are used to red meat and other non-vegetarian foods from birth.

Going vegetarian: tips and tricks to start on the right note

Perhaps the biggest stumbling block for a new vegetarian is diet planning? While the exercise may seem a bit tough in the beginning with these simple tips you could be a master in making quick vegetarian meals in no time at all:

4. During the initial phase after going vegetarian, take help from vegetarian cook books, written by renowned chefs. Such books are available in plenty both online as well as at the shelves of the local book store.
5. Ensure that all the animal proteins and adequately substituted by plant proteins when you pick up the recipes for quick vegetarian meals.
6. Colored fruits and vegetables contain more nutrients. Also, it makes more sense to start planning your meals well in advance so that there is no last minute emergency to cook up a tasty vegetarian dish for lunch or dinner.