More and more people across the world are now turning into vegetarians and even vegans. There has a huge hue and cry over the same with celebrities taking up the social media and announcing the end of their relationships with non-vegetarian foods. Eliminating non-vegetarian foods from your diet and going the veggie way is not a daunting task as it seems to be. Plus, it does have loads of lucrative benefits associated with it. Before going deep into how you can become a vegetarian successfully, here is a brief on why you should really do this.
So, Why Become Vegetarian?
1. Cuts Down The Fat Intake
While meat provides a lot of protein, it also provides loads of fat (especially the saturated ones). So, cutting out meat helps in lowering the risk of you becoming susceptible to cardiovascular conditions.
2. Lesser Food Poisoning Incidents
Many people suffer from food poisoning from meat every year, which is a good breeding ground for bacteria, especially if not stored or cooked right. Cut out meat and lower food poisoning risk!
3. Helps You Lose Weight
Lean meats are definitely good for weight loss, but very less when compared to the benefits vegetarian diet renders. Go the veggie way, shed the excess pounds, and look fit and fabulous!
4. Longer Lifespan
People who are vegetarians are known to have lower risks of cancers and other major health conditions. Studies suggest that people who go the vegetarian way have an average lifespan that is about 12% more than the meat eaters.
There are evidences that support the facts that a vegetarian diet lowers the risk of chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain types of cancer including breast, lung, prostate, stomach, and oesophageal cancer.
Now that you are aware of the luscious benefits of being a vegetarian, take a look at how you can also become a vegetarian!
Becoming A Vegetarian Successfully
1. Motivation Is The Key
So what exactly is the reason behind you wanting to become a vegetarian? Do you want to do it just because your favourite celebrity did it? Or is it your weight that is triggering this transformation? Whatever the reason be, ensure that it has the right ingredients to keep you stick to your decision.
2. Understand The Concept Completely
This is a thumb rule that is applicable for any change. Try to gather as much knowledge as possible before you start your journey. Internet is the best friend you can rely on for this right now. There are countless websites that offer you information on the pluses and minuses of going the veggies way. So dig deep and boost up your knowledge and lie a strong foundation before you move ahead.
3. Keep The Transition Slow And Smooth
Ensure that you are keeping your transition a smooth process. Do not just give up on your meat all at once. This will only worsen your craving for the meat products later on. Eliminate the non-vegetarian foods from your diet, one at a time, starting with red meat. Once you feel comfortable, you can move to the next level. Patience is the key. Remember it takes time to change the already written rules.
4. Cook The Vegetarian Versions Of Your Favourite Recipes
Vegetables are versatile. And, this gives you a wonderful opportunity to play around with them. You can still retain the base recipe of your favourite non-vegetarian recipe and use veggies in the place of meat. If you love meatballs, then a medley of assorted veggies including sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas would serve as the best substitute.
5. Use Visualization To Let Go Off Your Attachments
Letting go off something that you are attached to takes time and patience. You can take the help of visualizations or guided imagery to help you release the attachments towards the meat. Create a visualization or imagine something that would create an aversion towards non-vegetarian foods that would help you move slowly into the world of veggies. You can also take the help of affirmations such as “I now willingly release and let go off the need for eating non-vegetarian foods and meat. I eat plentiful of vegetarian healthy foods that make me healthier and fitter”.
The thumb rule – take it easy! Do not stress and freak out! Keep yourself calm and patient. They said it takes 21 days to form a habit. So keep practicing and success will be yours.
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