Becoming vegetarian: 25 easy tips for easily transition
Without being a full-time vegetarian, I started several years ago to reduce my daily meat intake. Being a big fan of Meatless Mondays, I have slowly stretched the vegetarian menu to multiple courses per week. What pleases me the most? The HUGE variety of vegetables that I consume daily and especially the original recipes that focus on spices and flavors offered by the piles of vegetarian cookbooks that I have at home.
As in everything, both with sugar and with meat, I believe that the secret to being healthy will always be balanced. That being said, why not include a little more plant protein and vegetables in your diet?
1. Go hunting…vegetarians
The easiest way to get tons of information and recipes? Surround yourself with vegetarians!
2. Eat Fresh
I'm still amazed at how much a dish can win overall, or lose miserably, depending on the freshness of the ingredients.
3. Know your deficiencies
Before embarking on an often vegetarian diet, I went for a little health check that showed my deficiencies, or my risks of making deficiencies. You can never be too careful!
4. Look for new favorites
Replacing meat often means moving away from our favorite dishes, those that fill us with joy. Before crying in a ball at the memory of a big, juicy burger, I advise you to find new dishes that will be the stars, from your plate to your taste buds!
5. Add color to his plate
The rule to follow a healthy and delicious vegetarian plate is that it is filled with several colors. In addition to making it beautiful, it guarantees a dish full of vitamins.
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7. Forget the formulas
It's too easy to turn to ready-made dishes or alternatives to meat stuffed with soy... and that will never replace the good taste of a homemade recipe, with love!
8. Keep specific foods in stock
In my cupboards and my fridge, I always have my essentials to concoct good little veggie dishes on the go. Nuts, beans, fresh vegetables, colorful fruits… that way, no last-minute disappointment!
9. Cook with what's in the fridge
When I think about it, my fridge is very often full of vegetarian foods that I can easily cook without breaking my head. It's a great challenge to improvise at dinner time, but over time, we become champions!
10. Take it easy
Whether you're taking the leap all of a sudden, or just want to include a few vegetarian meals in your daily routine, there's no need to be scared off either and cut everything out right away. Moderation tastes much better here. Go slowly, little by little.
11. Combine proteins
The biggest fear of vegetarians? Running out of protein! That's why I always try to have at least two vegetable protein sources in all the vegetarian dishes I prepare. That way, no stress in sight.
12. Cook more often
It's no secret that when you try to change something in your diet, it's always more difficult to do it in a restaurant... the temptation is so strong! Instead, do like me and multiply the opportunities to cook for you, your family, and your friends!
13. Take the time to learn
Even if the decision is simply to eat vegetarian more often, it's definitely worth asking your doctor and a nutritionist. Make sure you have all the info on hand to know everything about your new choice of life!
14. Add a little extra
Who says a vegetarian dish does not necessarily say flat! Find the perfect wine that goes with your recipe, gratinate your favorite cheese, and cook a dessert that will end the meal perfectly. In short, keep your passion for good food from start to finish!
15. Find equivalents
We always have “convenience” dishes that we cook when the inspiration is not there, or when we are simply on autopilot. My best trick for turning these dishes into veggie dishes? Find at least 5 good recipes, without meat, that we love. Believe me, researching this project wouldn't be boring.
16. Cook leftovers
My fridge and freezer are full of leftovers of my favorite vegetarian dishes; soups, chilis, burritos, salads, smoothies… I always make sure to cook a little more than I need to then have portions that will be excellent convenience stores!
17. Buy local and seasonal
In addition to doing good for the planet and your wallet, buying local ensures that you always have beautiful berries, excellent vegetables, and nice surprises throughout the year. Of course, summer and fall are the two key seasons, but with a little inspiration, there is always a way to cook winter vegetables!
18. Know the perfect formula
On my plate, I always try to have one (or two!) vegetable proteins, a good portion of fiber, and a fruit or vegetable, depending on the meal. It's not hard to remember and it makes sure I eat well.
19. Adapt your current meals
Another easy way to include vegetarian dishes on your menu: cook your current meals in vegetarian mode. Find out for yourself how to replace animal protein with an equally delicious equivalent and let this new version of your favorite recipe win you over!
20. Test spices
Vegetarian cuisine would be nothing without spices! Spicy, sweet, salty, punchy, different: we put it everywhere, and we love it! Rather than always cooking with the same 4 sachets, let yourself be charmed by the spice aisle at the grocery store and test, test, test!
21. Let your desires do the talking
Vegetarian cooking is not just healthy. There are tons of meatless junk food recipes worth cooking and tasting. Real gourmet food just the way we like it!
22. Be open-minded
It's cliché to death, but it's true. Vegetarian cuisine is not like traditional cuisine, but you won't be disappointed to try it. It's good to keep an open mind and make sure that every discovery has its chance and doesn't leave with one less catch!
23. Avoid depriving yourself
That is the death warrant of your first step toward vegetarianism. To deprive yourself is like telling your body that you are punishing it for an indefinite period. Once again, we are going gently and everything except in the extremes. And we do not deprive ourselves: we discover new recipes to eat even better and even more varied!
24. Share dishes
I like to bring a big salad, a dip or even a side dish, all vegetarian when I go to eat with friends or family. In addition to cooking something for the people I love, it also allows me to share my enthusiasm for a recipe that I simply love!
25. Have answers to people's famous questions
The questions people ask when making a dietary change… it can sometimes get annoying and hurtful. Whether you're a full-time or part-time vegetarian, learn to respond gently, give your reasons (which are all very good, I'm sure!), and bring the conversation in a more constructive direction. No need to make a big fuss about it.
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