There are many reasons why people choose to become
vegetarian. These reasons are often a factor in what type of vegetarian
diet a person chooses to adopt.
The
different types of vegetarians
Lacto-ovo-vegetarian:
When most people think of vegetarians, they think of lacto-ovo-vegetarians.
People who do not eat animal flesh of any kind, including beef,
pork, poultry, fish, shellfish, but do eat eggs and dairy products
are lacto-ovo vegetarians (“lacto” comes from the Latin
for milk, and “ovo” for egg).
Lacto-vegetarian:
is used to describe a vegetarian who does not eat eggs, but does
eat dairy products.
Ovo-vegetarian: refers to people who do not eat
meat or dairy products but do eat eggs.
Vegan:
refers to people that do not eat meat of any kind and also do not
eat eggs, dairy products, or processed foods containing these or
other animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin. Ethically,
this is the most humane type of vegetarian diet.
Some
people can cut meat out of there lives overnight and never miss
it. Other people gradually make the transition. A gradual and informed
transition is usually the easiest method for success. However you
choose to go vegetarian, know that you are making a difference by
reducing or eliminating animal products from your diet whenever
possible.
Strategies
for adopting a new vegetarian lifestyle
1.
Convert dishes that you already are familiar with and enjoy.
• Sloppy Joes with Morningstar crumbles instead of ground
beef.
• Spaghetti with “meatballs” made from Gimme
Lean.
• Tacos with Morningstar crumbles or vegetarian refried
beans instead of ground beef.
• Instead of chicken or beef in fajitas, use Morningstar
Chicken or Steak Strips. These strips can also be used in stir-fry,
salads, or most other places chicken or beef are used.
• Instead of scrambled eggs and bacon with breakfast try
Fantastic Foods Tofu Scrambler and Lightlife Smart Bacon
• Add sliced veggie hotdogs to baked beans for beans and
franks.
• Ditch the meatballs from spaghetti and add a salad with
beans.
• Make a bean chili without meat.
2.
Gradually change your meals.
• Most people eat about 21 meals a week. Adopt a vegetarian
diet for a few meals a week. Try 7 all vegetarian meals a week
for a few weeks.
• Continue working up to 14 meals a week for a few weeks.
• You’re almost vegetarian! Continue adjusting your
meals until you are completely vegetarian. Congratulations, you
have made a great step and a positive transformation for yourself,
the environment, and the animals.
3.
Explore new foods and recipes.
• Check out vegetarian cookbooks from the library and search
the internet for new recipes. (Check our recipes section too!)
• Explore ethnic markets. Asian markets usually have a large
variety of vegetarian foods and mock meats.
• Try a new food each week. You will probably end up with
a far more varied diet than you used to eat as a meat eater.
4. Tips
• Try not to focus on the foods you don’t eat anymore.
Focus on the amazing foods that you are now discovering.
• Remember, being vegetarian is not about trying to fit
into a strict label or definition. Some people do not do well
with a stringent approach to vegetarianism. Others feel that they
have failed if they cannot totally eliminate all animal products
and then they abandon a vegetarian diet entirely. Ultimately,
the goal should be working towards a long-term lifestyle change
that reduces harm done to the animals and the earth. Think in
terms of the meals you can change and keep in mind that every
vegetarian meal makes an impact!
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