Skip to: site menu | section menu | main content
So You Want To Be Vegetarian
Different people have different reasons for becoming vegetarian. For some its for health, for others animal rights, for some it's for religious or political reasons. Whatever the reasons there are several steps you need to take before begining..
The first is to READ. I can't stress this enough. Go to your local library, go online, go to Amazon or your local bookshop and get the facts. Read, read lots and with most things in life knowledge is power.
When you are reading THINK. Think about the earth, its resources, how your decision will impact upon others. Consider animals, factory farming, animal testing for drugs-are you for or against? Think does your decision to go vegetarian make a difference to the world? Challenge your mind.
An old advertisement for the telephone went something like "It's good to TALK." That's another step you should take. Talk to vegetarians, personally, online, even through chat rooms. Your local health shop will be able to tell you if there is a vegetarian society in the area. Ask nicely and they might even introduce you to a few committed vegetarians. TALK, TALK, TALK. But don't be blinkered, talk to non-vegetarians or to people who were once vegetarians. Get both sides of the picture.
GOAL Setting. Don't decide I'm going to be a vegetarian and start the next day. Test the water. Set a goal for a week, then a month and see if you can meet the goal. You will grow in confidence.
COOK. If you are going to be vegetarian it is best to face the fact that you are going to have to learn to cook. Again visit the library, or your favourite book store. Try your local adult education facility see if they offer classes for adults in vegetarian cooking. If there is sufficient interest most centres will organise classes.
Finally EAT. That's the easy part!
That's really the main points. Be aware though of what your body is telling you; listen carefully to what those around you are saying and take advice. What are others telling you about yourself? Make sure you are getting enough vitamins, think of supplements especially in the early stages of turning vegetarian.
Becoming a vegetarian is a lifestyle decision for most people and it is often one that non-vegetarians cannot understand so be ready for the objections. At meal times try and be patience and remember you are asking others to adapt to how you want to live.
Whatever your reason for becoming a vegetarian you are entering into an exciting and beautiful world. Enjoy!