A Guide to a Vegetarian Future

Let your body adjust to meatless meals

People become vegetarians for different reasons. Some want to cut out meat from their diet to lower the risk of a heart attack, stroke, or cancer. Others may want to do so simply because they love animals. They may have seen or read about the inhumane ways these creatures are raised and slaughtered, and no longer want any part of that practice. Whatever the reason, the following addresses some concerns regarding a vegetarian future.

Becoming a vegetarian

If you have eaten meat all your life, it would be unwise, and quite a shock to your body, to switch to a vegetarian diet from one day to another. Not only will easing into a vegetarian diet gradually be better for your digestive system, but you also will have a better chance of success.

A lot of people already respect the meat-free Monday. Join in, and after a while, add one or two other days and in the meantime, learn more about a vegetarian diet by speaking to your doctor, picking up a couple of books on the subject, or by making vegetarian friends. The vegetarian society is a great place to start.

Sources of protein

You don’t need meat to provide your body with an adequate amount of protein. Protein can be found in tofu, beans, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, snow peas, nuts, and dairy products. If you have concerns, keep in mind that not enough protein is better than too much protein, as too much protein has been linked to cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and kidney disease.

Sources of iron

If you are concerned about your intake of iron as a vegetarian, you should concentrate on eating dark-green vegetables, legumes, dried fruit, potatoes in their skin, whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, seeds, and nuts.

A sure way to make sure your body absorbs the iron is to add fruits and vegetables with a high content of vitamin C such as baby spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, bell peppers, potatoes in their skin, citrus fruits, and breakfast cereals.

Sources of calcium

Your calcium intake as a vegetarian comes from broccoli, which is also packed with vitamin C, and other green leafy vegetables. In addition, you should eat tofu, almonds, sesame seeds, seaweed, and unrefined molasses.

Sources of zinc

To get your daily dose of zinc, it is recommended to eat whole grains which can be found in bread, rice, and pasta, along with legumes, tofu, nuts, seeds, eggs, and cheese products.

Vitamin supplements

If you don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables you may have to supplement your diet with pills or powders to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. It may be wise to have your doctor advise you on what’s right for you or talk to someone who has experience with vegetarians.

Having the support of others will be of tremendous help in a vegetarian future. Not only can they advise you on nutrition, but they can also provide you with recipes and let you know where to find what you need.

If you’re thinking of becoming a vegetarian, taking the dramatic route and cutting meat out of your diet without letting your body get used to this new way of eating might be a shock to your system. Better to take it easy and let your body adjust to meatless meals. Not only will you stand a better chance at success, but your body will also have a chance to adjust to this new way of eating.