There are many different motivators for someone to look at switching to becoming a vegetarian or vegan. Some of us struggle with the important moral and ethical quandaries about eating meat, while others understand the impact the meat industry has on our planet. Whatever your motivations, if you are thinking about switching to a meatless diet, being prepared is essential. Here are some tips for switching to a plant-based diet.
Know the Benefits
Psychologically, if we know the benefit of the change to meat-free, we are more likely to have a high motivation for it. Research has in many cases consistently shown us the benefits of switching to a plant-based diet. The reduction in risks of diabetes type 2, heart disease and hypertension and obesity could be motivation enough all on their own, but it is a good idea to do some reading and understand the health benefits you are getting from the switch. Click here read more information about calories per day.
Don’t Go Cold Turkey
That was a bit on the nose, but it is very important. Don’t wake up one day and decide to go meat free suddenly. You should prepare yourself for the change by researching, reading, preparing meal plans and recipes but most importantly, cutting yourself a little slack. Start with a meat-free day or do a few days a week without meat to transition. Take as long as you need to take to make the change and don’t rush yourself or you will be demotivated and resentful – and therefore doomed to fail. The most important part of making the switch to meat-free diet is to do it your way and at your pace. There is no right way to do it.
Use Meat Alternatives
There are plenty of products and brands that offer familiar foods and styles without the meat, and even the most institutional of meat dishes can be made without meat. Native Foods, for example, offer a selection of the best veggie burger styles you’re ever likely to eat without any meat at all. Using products made from soya or other proprietary plant-based meat alternatives will feel familiar and make the transition easier on you. Products like meat-free mince and burgers can help with your switch and should not be forgotten about. It is important that you know that although you are giving up meat, you never have to give up those hot wings – there is a meat-free alternative.
Eat More Food
Being meat-free often means you have the freedom to eat more without feeling guilty. Plant-based meals in general offer us lower calorie foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals and thus we can eat more volume when we are eating meat-free. Eat as much as you need to feel satisfied.
No matter how much you prepare and how motivated you are, cutting meat from your diet is going to be tough, so using some of these tips and understanding that it is okay to fail occasionally will go a long way to long-term success. Good luck on your journey!
