Becoming a Vegetarian

I just wanted to say keep us all posted. I have considered going to this lifestyle many times, but have not taken the plunge as of yet. My parent's a meat and potatoes people. That is how I was raised and not always how I eat now, but what I am used to. I am unsure if I could go completely vegetarian or vegan. I read an article on it once where a girl did it and lost a lot of weight. And that is why she kept it up. I don't know if that is the case for everyone though. Good luck with your choice!

Do as much research as you can on nutrition. Learn what nutrients your body needs, and the best sources of those nutrients. Especially protein and iron and B12, so that when a non-vegetarian asks you that tired old question "but what do you do for protein?" you can tell them that there is protein in almost all foods. Focus not just on protein, but on the amino acids that make it up. Learn what helps and what hinders the absorption of various vitamins and minerals. Eat a wide variety of vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, legumes and grains. This will ensure that you are getting a good variety of nutrients, and also you're less likely to get bored. Don't be afraid to try something new - for example, try quinoa and amaranth, both of which are excellent protein sources. I'm in the process of trying different alternatives to cut down on my consumption of dairy after over 30 years as a lactovegetarian - soy milk, oat milk, rice milk so far, and if I can find any, I'll try almond milk and hemp milk. If you don't already do much cooking, then buy some good vegetarian cookery books and start cooking. It's much better to prepare food yourself and know exactly what goes into it, than to go to a restaurant and not know whether what's in their food fits in with your dietary choices. Don't be afraid to experiment with new ingredients and methods and cuisines. Probably the most important thing though, is to eat a proper balanced diet - don't just become a vegetarian, become a *healthy* vegetarian. Don't just eat a heap of vegetarian junkfood - cakes, candy, cookies, white bread, white pasta, sugary cereal, salty and fatty snackfoods, etc. White bread, for instance, is virtually empty calories with little nutritional value. Mixed grain, wholemeal, rye, oat, barley, and soy & linseed breads are much better for you.

After seeing the appalling conditions of most farms, I have decided to never eat vegetables again.

I'm happy you decided to go vegetarian. Actually our body was designed for consuming only vegetarian food. We are herbivore, not carnivore.

Indeed the conditions at these high intesity production farms are so appalling, they're almost unbelievable. I also became a vegetarian after learning about the inhumane treatment of animals and I've never looked back. I feel better and you may have noticed that you feel better too. Not just physically, but emotionally as well. My best tips are to continue to learn as much as you can about vegetarianism, connect with other vegetarians, and open yourself up to trying new things. It truly is a wonderful lifestyle!