Many people would like to try a vegetarian lifestyle, but are afraid to make the transition. Because we have had it drilled into our heads for so many years by the meat and dairy industry that we cannot live without meat, it is understandable that many people worry about becoming ill on a vegetarian diet. First, consider that an estimated 97 million adults in the United States are overweight or obese (NHLBI-National heart, lung and blood institute, May 2006). This same study shows that 3% are morbidly obese. If nothing else, this is reason enough to make the transition to a vegetarian lifestyle. Becoming a vegetarian can be as easy or as hard as you make it. If you are concerned about being overweight and you have high blood pressure or heart disease, then a vegetarian lifestyle will definitely improve your health. This article focuses on making the transition to a healthy vegetarian lifestyle.
Changing the Mindset
Today, many companies produce meat substitutes. Such companies as Morningstar and Boca have been around for quite some time and many other companies are realizing that vegetarianism is here to stay. To make the transition easy for you, you can begin by eating meatless meals 3 times a week, and adding days to that schedule as you adapt. This "eases" you into the process. I have read many times that the average family only prepares 10 different meals a week. With vegetarianism, you have endless options. When you begin feeling better, you will discover that meat is not as important to you as it once was. The increase in energy you will get from being a vegetarian is worth effort of making the change. One caveat - if you make the transition immediately without easing into it, you may experience lethargy and headaches. This is caused by the cleansing process your body begins when you stop eating meat.
Swapping Out Meat
Almost any dish you make can be made vegetarian. Technology has come so far in recent years that it is next to impossible to tell the difference between some meat products and their vegetarian counterparts. You can make entree dishes such as lasagna or spaghetti by using either Morningstar beef or sausage crumbles, and adding vegetables such as spinach to lasagna or make a marinara sauce for spaghetti by using tomatoes, garlic and onions. Use your own taste to combine beef or sausage crumbles. Tofu is a very good meat substitute. Many people complain that tofu is bland and tasteless. On its own, it is. By sautéing tofu with garlic, ginger, soy sauce and a sweet chili, the taste becomes wonderful. Tofu has the ability to take on the taste of anything it is seasoned or marinated with, taking away the bland taste. Spices do wonders for tofu. The secret is in preparation. Tempeh, a chewy cake made from soybeans, is another example. On its own, it is not very palatable, but when prepared properly, it is delicious.
What about Athletes?
Athletes such as marathon runners or sprinters practice what they like to call "carb loading" before big races and events. A vegetarian diet provides the best way to car load. Although there have not been many studies done to prove that a vegetarian lifestyle is ideal for athletes, the fact remains that many athletes use vegetarian diets to improve their performance. Vegetarianism also helps you control your weight. Studies conclude that a vegetarian diet contains sufficient protein and is high in carbs and low in fat, making it ideal for athletic performance. One of the top considerations for any athlete that starts a vegetarian lifestyle is to be cognizant of vitamins and minerals, especially B12. The lacto-ovo vegetarian diet is considered to be the top choice for athletes, because essential vitamins, especially B12, are present in milk. If you are an athlete considering a strictly vegan diet, you should take B12 supplements.
Replacing Meat and Dairy
Replacing meat and dairy sounds like an insurmountable task. Not so. The internet is crammed with vegetarian sites, and there is a substitute for everything from beef and pork to dairy and seafood. A good list of substitutes can be found at VegCooking.com. They also have a good tutorial on making the transition to vegetarianism. On the web, there is also a myriad of vegetarian recipes. It is amazing that in a short period of time you can educate yourself about every aspect of vegetarianism.
Making the transition is simple. Armed with this article and access to the internet, you can find virtually all the information you need, including articles on vitamin supplementation, recipes, and sources of protein. Start the transition today. You will enjoy better health and tons of energy.
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