Making the Switch |
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Whether you do it to help animals, the environment, or yourself, transitioning to vegetarian eating can take as little as a day or as long as you need. Some people become overwhelmed at the thought of changing their dietary habits, so it may surprise you to know that becoming vegetarian can be as easy as 1-2-3.
Step One: Swap This for That
If you take a quick look at your weekly menus, you'll probably see the same dishes popping up a few times. So, for two days a week, take your comfort foods and tweak them a bit to make vegetarian versions of those favorites. Swap the chicken in your wraps or burritos for black beans or grilled vegetables. Instead of sour cream, spoon on some guacamole or salsa. Replace the meat sauce on your pasta with spicy marinara. Trade burgers and dogs for any one of the many meatless versions on the market. After two weeks, you'll be well on your way!
Step Two: Flexi-What?
Now that you've moved through step one, consider yourself a full-fledged flexitarian—a part-time vegetarian. Congratulations! Take the next two weeks to incorporate new foods, recipes, or products into your menu. Stroll through your local grocery store's "natural foods" aisle, or pop into your community health food store to fill your cart with some of the fantastic vegetarian items on the market. See our glossary of ingredients and a list of products that may be new to you, and try some of our recipes. Have fun in the kitchen and bon appétit!
Step Three: Whole (Veggie) Hog
Add just a few more days of vegetarian eating to your week and you've done it! At every meal, you're helping to make the world a better place, simply by enjoying vegetarian fare.
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Simple Menu Suggestions
If you’re scratching your head for some ideas on what to eat, here are some easy and delicious suggestions. |
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Breakfast |
Lunch |
Dinner |
- Fruit smoothie
- Oatmeal with cinnamon, raisins, and maple syrup
- Cereal with soy or rice milk
- Toast with jam or peanut butter (or both!)
- Soy yogurt with fresh fruit
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- Veggie burger and fries
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
- Black bean and grilled
- Vegetable wrap
- Lentil soup with sourdough bread
- Pasta spirals with sautéed vegetables and hearty marinara
- Mock meat sandwich
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- Grilled vegetable and marinated Tofu fajitas
- Pasta with marinara sauce and vegetables
- Tacos with veggie burger crumbles and fresh vegetables
- Vegetable stir-fry over rice or pasta
- Eggplant manicotti
- Veggie chili with Italian bread
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