Tips on Transitioning to Vegetarianism

Maybe you've heard all the hype about vegetarians being healthier than their omnivorous counterparts. Perhaps you haven't been eating enough vegetables, and you figure that a vegetarian diet can help you get the nutrients you've been missing. Or maybe you just watched the movie Fast Food Nation and have opened your eyes to the horrors of the animal farming industry. Whatever your reasons, transitioning to vegetarianism can be a thrilling, fascinating and fun experience. But you can't just plow right into the grocery store and start buying out the produce section. There are some tips on preparing before you begin:

1) Do your research. There is no question that people who don't learn all they can about an endeavor are likely to fail as soon as they hit their first wall. You do not want that to happen this time, so do yourself a favor and just type the word "Vegetarian" into your favorite search engine and start clicking away at the results. You'll find that there are a lot of different people in the world who abstain from consuming animal flesh, and who can offer different tips, recipes, and even arguments for defending your decision. A good place to start would be www.goveg.com, where you can order your Free Vegetarian Starter Kit, available via mail or as a PDF download. This booklet has a veritable wealth of information for you, including answers to some common questions like "Where do I get my protein?" and "What about calcium?"

Another good resource is www.compassionatecooks.com and its accompanying podcast, "Vegetarian Food for Thought" by the formidably sweet Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, a Californian vegetarian whose compassion and enthusiasm are nothing if not extremely contagious. Her podcast covers a huge variety of topics, and I am of the opinion that she is one of the most knowledgeable and easily understood voices for animal rights and the vegetarian movement.

If you're looking for a more one-on-one experience, definitely check out www.veggieboards.com, a huge community of vegetarians and vegans who discuss everything from vegan cupcake recipes to religion to their favorite books and movies. Veggie Boards is a tight-knit, kind group of people, and no matter what your question is, someone there is bound to have an answer for you. Plus, in the darkest of your early vegetarian nights, when it feels like nobody else understands your choice, having a support group that numbers in the thousands is extremely helpful and inspirational.

2) Tell everybody. That's right, everybody. Your spouse, your kids, your parents, your siblings, your friends, your church buddies, your coworkers. It's just like any other commitment - you'll need people around you to keep you honest and hold you accountable for your choice. Also, it's always a good idea to let people know as soon as possible if they're likely to be providing you with something to eat in the near future.

There's a chance your friends and family won't understand. Depending on their background (or yours) they might be offended, upset, or even angry about your decision. Do not let their emotional reaction deter you from your path. This choice is all about you, no matter how many people seem to take it personally. Reassure them that you have done your research (see Step 1) and that you will be proceeding with your brain in your head and your head on your shoulders. Do not meet them at their emotional level, because that will only give the impression that this is not a practical, intellectually-guided decision.

Finally, if you are having extreme difficulties telling someone about your transition to vegetarianism, take some time to consider what is holding you back. Are you afraid of their reaction? Are you afraid that they'll talk you out of it? Are you afraid that they'll lose respect for you? Pinpoint what is keeping you silent, then try to focus on that problem.

3) Determine if you want to quit "cold turkey." There are two basic schools of thought when it comes to transitioning to vegetarianism: quitting meat "cold turkey" and gradually easing your way into it. There is no right or wrong way to do this, other than what works best for you. Some people make quick, rash decisions and immediately throw out all of their animal products. This can be too aggressive for some people, but for others it might be exactly right. Those who prefer to ease their way into it should experiment with different patterns of meat reduction until they settle on one that is comfortable for them. Be sure you have figured out what you will do before you do it to ensure that it "sticks."

4) Figure out your "why." It's inevitable: people are going to ask you why you've done it, especially if it turns out to be a sudden lifestyle change that nobody is expecting. Make sure you have thoroughly researched your reasons and that you can give a quick, succinct, non-offensive explanation for your actions. It is extremely important that you are able to defend your own position as a vegetarian as adequately and fervently as your nay-sayers will try to tear you down. You may be shocked by how upset people can become when someone they know or care about goes veg, but it is important not to judge them any more than you would like to be judged yourself. Stay calm at all times, and know what you will say. Pay attention to the most common questions, and learn the correct answers to them. Vegetarianism may not be for everyone, but it is not evil or wrong. In your mind, it could be the only way.

5) Remember that you cannot change the world. We can all do our part, and all together we can instigate some change, but it is neither your responsibility nor your right to insist that anyone else conform to your decisions. It is extremely easy to slip into the empowering suit of righteousness when you're a fledgling vegetarian, but remember that it is that attitude that steers people away from the idea altogether! Be respectful of other people's choices, speak your piece, then let them make up their own mind about it. If someone is clearly wrong, feel free to gently correct them, but do not swagger around bragging about being "clean" and making gagging noises over your friend's hamburger. That is a very fast way to lose friends and to turn people off of vegetarianism. Know in your heart that you are doing the right thing, but let other people's hearts speak to them, no matter how tempting it might be to bite their heads off about it (no pun intended).

Congratulations! You are on your way to becoming a model vegetarian.