There are many reasons why people become a vegetarian, and if you have made the switch from eating meat, you probably relate to one reason or another. It might be because of the health benefits a plant-based diet can provide or it could be because you’re an animal lover and you no longer welcome the thought of eating them. Whatever the case, it’s possible to manage sticking to vegetarianism for the long term. Lots of people do, although according to a study from a few years back, there is an alarmingly high relapse rate for people new to the diet. To ensure success for you if your heart is set on being a vegetarian, here are some tips we hope you find useful.
Enhance the taste of your vegetables
Some people give up vegetarianism because they tire of the foods they are eating. This is partly because some vegetables can taste bland, despite their nutritional value. However, there are ways to make vegetables tastier. From pairing vegetables with cheese to experimenting with lemon juice and dippings, it is possible to add a bit of pizzazz to your vegetarian diet.
Look for vegetarian alternatives to meat-based foods
The lure of meat can be too much for some people, and this is partly why the relapse rate is so high. However, it is possible to find and cook vegetarian alternatives, from plant-based sausages to delicious veggie burgers. In some cases, you might notice little difference when eating such foods, and you might start to prefer the taste too. Shop around and try different foods, and stick with those you know you will enjoy.
Mix up your meal plan
A vegetarian meal plan doesn’t have to consist of a plate of celery on a Monday, a lettuce sandwich on a Tuesday, or a broccoli bun on a Wednesday. Of course, you probably already know this, but some people subscribe to the myth that a vegetarian diet is bland and boring. You can make your meal plan more exciting by looking for tasty recipes online. Going back to our previous point, this can also include meat-based recipes, as some, such as this chicken chop suey or even spaghetti and meatballs, can be adapted for a vegetarian diet. Look for food recipes online that will tantalize your taste buds.
Get other people on board
You are bound to stay more motivated if the people around you are also on a vegetarian diet, so try to get them on board. This could be the people in your family or it could be your friends or colleagues at work. To motivate them, you shouldn’t push a picture of a cow in their face to let them know what’s in the burger they are eating. Instead, let them know the benefits of a vegetarian diet, and perhaps whip up a few tasty meals so they can find out what they have been missing.
Iif you have any other pieces of advice, especially if you’re a vegetarian yourself, please leave a comment below.
