Whatever the reason (health, allergies, love for animals or the environment), you want to become a vegetarian/vegan, it is a difficult task to change your eating habits, especially if you have followed a meat-based diet all your life. But it’s not impossible and it’s worth a try! Try these suggestions to help your transition:
Make a Recipe List: Compile a list of 20 recipes that you are comfortable with: cooking and eating. You can get a large number of recipes from friends, recipe books, or the Internet. Make a short list of 20 vegetarian/vegan dishes from various cuisines. Choose the ones that don’t involve elaborate cooking because you don’t want to get discouraged before you even start. Choose dishes that use ingredients that you are familiar with and that are readily available. Start testing each one, one by one. You will most likely be left with only half the number you started with. Changing your diet should be satisfying to your palate only then will you continue. Sometimes it is also about acquired taste. Be patient and keep looking for more. You will have a list of perfect recipes only with trial and error.
Change one meal at a time: Once you have a list of delicious recipes, it’s time to make one meal fully vegetarian/vegan. Start with dinner. Even if you are eating out, be sure to only order a vegetarian/vegan dinner. You have to use your willpower. You will start to notice the difference in a few weeks. Your digestion will improve, you will sleep better, you will have more energy the next morning and, of course, you will notice a loss of weight. These motivating factors will influence you to shift your focus to the next meal: breakfast. There are a number of nutritionally balanced and easy to prepare breakfast recipes. Do a good research. Gradually, as you’ve adjusted to the change from breakfast to dinner, you may not even crave your usual diet at lunch. When it’s time to turn your attention to lunch, start by replacing four lunches a week with your new dietary preference, continue a few meals on your old diet until you no longer crave them.
Important points: Choose recipes that suit your taste, that are nutritionally balanced and filling. Special emphasis on Vit. D, B 12, Calcium and protein because vegan diets are lacking or deficient in these essential nutrients. Fortified foods should be included in your daily meals. Keep an eye on your health parameters. Plan your meals according to your physical requirements, lifestyle, age, and exertion levels. Always consult a nutritionist/doctor to guide you in planning a balanced diet. Try not to rush into changing your diet, if you want a permanent change then go slow, plan well.
If you gradually change your habits, you are more likely to stick with them. Good luck!