| Once you've made the commitment to change your | | | | As soon as you are feeling comfortable about the |
| eating habits to 'the vegetarian way' you will find it is | | | | vegetarian changes try to commit to five days per |
| not easy initially to make the transition. Here are some | | | | week for the next two weeks. Make the effort to |
| suggestions that may help in the early stages of your | | | | learn about the myriad of vegetarian products and |
| switch to a vegetarian lifestyle. | | | | recipes available. Be creative in planning your meals. |
| Start by easing into the change by committing to a | | | | That's five weeks taken care of, all you have to now |
| vegetarian meal three days per week for the first | | | | is make the complete change by adding two days on |
| couple of weeks. It is desirable to start substituting | | | | your week and 'bingo' you are a healthy vegetarian |
| ingredients in your favorite dishes so that the meal is | | | | with extra energy and more than likely can look |
| meatless. Your goal, of course, is to eventually cut out | | | | forward to a prolonged life by supplying your body |
| all red meats from your diet. | | | | with the necessary foods to make it run like a |
| Don't be afraid to try new foods. If you are unsure | | | | well-oiled machine. |
| how to include a new food into your vegetarian diet, | | | | You can now take pride in the fact that you have not |
| ask your local grocer or health food store for ideas on | | | | only changed your eating habits but you have |
| how to prepare it. If this information is not available you | | | | contributed to the environment and animal welfare as |
| can find excellent resources on the internet to assist | | | | well. |
| you with preparation ideas. | | | | Congratulations on taking the steps to vegetarianism |
| Throw in mushrooms to your marinara sauce to | | | | and a vegetarian lifestyle. Once you are familiar with |
| replace meatballs, or try some textured vegetable | | | | the myriad of vegetarian recipes available you will find |
| protein (TVP) in that lasagna recipe. Be adventurous in | | | | it interesting and fun to prepare each healthy, delicious |
| making replacements in your tried and true recipes. | | | | meal for all members of the family to enjoy. Go for it - |
| Once you realize how delicious your meals are you will | | | | your extended life may depend on it! |
| be inspired to try other ingredients. | | | | |