Are you thinking of making the switch to a vegetarian diet? What is holding you back from starting today? Making the switch to a vegetarian diet can have several health benefits such as lower cholesterol, reduced risk of heart disease, and a generally lower body fat.  With a well balanced diet, vegetarians are able to easily meet all of their nutritional requirements.

Make a Gradual Transition

Start by gradually transitioning to a meat-free diet. Spend a couple weeks completely cutting out red meat, and then another couple weeks additionally cutting out other forms of meat. Replace these parts of your meals with alternative protein sources such as veggie burgers, tofu, beans, tempeh, and eggs. When you do this, it won’t feel like anything is “missing” from your regular meals. With all of the vegetarian options now available, you have no excuse to go hungry!

Another transitional method you can try is two weeks vegetarian, two weeks non-vegetarian. This will help the diet transition feel less extreme, and give you the opportunity to see how you feel during each period.

Talk to Your Roommates and/or Family

When you have a support system, it will make your new diet much easier. This is true for anyone looking to start a healthy diet, regardless if that diet will include meat or not. Talk to the people closest to you and explain to them why you are starting this new meal plan. With their support, it will make turning down those unhealthy foods much easier – and allow you to reach your goals with much more success.

Take a Cooking Class

If cooking these new foods gets a little overwhelming, why not take a cooking class? Vegetarian cooking classes have been popping up in grocery stores and specialty shops everywhere. You will learn the basics to cooking your new protein sources, and it makes for a really fun date night!

Switch it up!

Use your newfound vegetarianism to try new veggies and foods you might have normally passed by. Sweet potatoes, asparagus, and kale are all packed with nutrients and will leave you absolutely satisfied. Talk to other vegetarians to get new recipes and tips.

Try a Meal Planning Service

If cooking isn’t, and never will be, your thing – you are in luck. New Vision Nutrition is one of the few meal services that offer specialty options such as vegetarian and gluten-free options. This is a great idea for someone looking to dip their toe into vegetarianism. Simply pick your meals from the vegetarian menu and they will arrive fresh to your door. Vegetarian options include meals like Buffalo Tofu, a Kale Veggie Burger, and a Veggie Scrambler.  This takes the guesswork out of deciding what to make for dinner, especially when embarking on a new diet. Get started developing the perfect vegetarian meal plan at New Vision Nutrition today!

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