So, it’s been a solid week of becoming a vegetarian and I’m proud to say I’ve stuck with it. I went as far as growing my own scallions! 😂

All scallions aside, I’ve experienced the benefits, the inevitable gas and bloating. (Not to be too TMI but that’s the indubitable reality of switching to a diet that’s higher in fiber.)

I told my brother at Mother’s Day Dinner that I was on a “trial period” and being the contrarian that he is, he said it’s super unhealthy and that we were meant to eat meat since the beginning of time.

I’m not going to get into the history of vegetarianism just to merely counteract my sibling’s ostensible point. However, I will tell you this: having grown up in a half-Italian-half-all-American household, eating meat was my source of daily protein for 28 years. I can officially say that I’m entering my 28th year as a vegetarian. I knew at least the men in my family wouldn’t understand. My mom, however, has been an undeniable supporter of me going plant-based. Thanks, mom! 💗

I’m going to start with some basic tips that I used to start my journey in vegetarianism.

• Educate Yourself: Learn about vegetarianism, including nutrition requirements, common sources of protein, iron, calcium, and other essential nutrients. Understanding what your body needs will help you make informed food choices.
• Start Gradually: If you’re accustomed to eating meat regularly, consider transitioning gradually. Start by reducing your meat intake and incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet. You can gradually eliminate different types of meat over time.
• Experiment with Plant-Based Foods: Explore a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains to discover new flavors and textures. Experiment with different cooking methods and recipes to find what you enjoy.
• Find Vegetarian Alternatives: Look for vegetarian alternatives to your favorite meat-based dishes. There are many plant-based substitutes available for burgers, sausages, deli slices, and more. These can help ease the transition by providing familiar tastes and textures.
• Plan Balanced Meals: Ensure your vegetarian meals are balanced and nutritionally complete. Include a variety of foods to meet your protein, iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acid needs. Aim for a diverse diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
• Read Labels: Pay attention to food labels to identify hidden animal ingredients. Some products may contain gelatin, rennet, or other animal-derived additives. Familiarize yourself with common non-vegetarian ingredients to make informed choices.
• Seek Support: Connect with other vegetarians for support and advice. Join online forums, social media groups, or local vegetarian meetups to share experiences, swap recipes, and get tips from seasoned vegetarians.
• Communicate Your Dietary Needs: Inform friends, family, and restaurants about your dietary preferences. This can help avoid awkward situations and ensure you have suitable options available when dining out or attending social gatherings.
• Be Patient and Flexible: Give yourself time to adjust to your new eating habits. It’s okay to make mistakes or occasionally indulge in your favorite non-vegetarian foods. Focus on progress rather than perfection, and be open to adapting your diet as needed.
• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body responds to your vegetarian diet. If you experience any negative symptoms or deficiencies, consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice and guidance.

Adding probiotics to your vegetarian diet can offer additional health benefits, especially if you’re transitioning from a diet that included meat and dairy. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote gut health and digestion. Here’s how you can incorporate them into your vegetarian lifestyle, which brings me to tip number 11:

• Include Probiotic-Rich Foods: Incorporate natural sources of probiotics into your diet, such as yogurt (look for dairy-free options like coconut or almond yogurt), kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, and kombucha. These fermented foods contain live cultures of beneficial bacteria that can help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora.

Adding probiotic-rich foods to your meals or enjoying them as snacks can support your digestive system and overall well-being. Experiment with different probiotic foods to find ones that you enjoy and that complement your vegetarian diet.

A few more things to mention are that you start to get less of a craving for certain foods (in my case, drinks). For example, I can no longer drink espresso without wanting to gag and I don’t have as much of a craving for alcoholic beverages as they don’t ~necessarily~ align with my lifestyle anymore. As we speak, I’m starting to become a little sensitive to dairy products.

Thank you for coming to my week in Vegetarianism.

xoxo,

April💕