Eliminating meat, red or white, from your diet is not an easy task whatsoever. Whether you choose to turn to vegetarian food for health reasons or you simply want a lifestyle change, the chicken and meat cravings will haunt you every now and then. But if you have really decided on making the switch, here are a few things you need to know in order to make it last.
- Switching over to vegetarian food is sure to disrupt your budget. It is common knowledge that healthier foods cost more, so make sure you are willing and able to splash the cash.
- Your goals will not be accomplished overnight. It is a long and tedious task. You will have to give up one thing at a time in order to ensure that your body gets used to your new eating habits.
- Weight-loss is not mandatory. Yes, you are on a healthy path but that does not necessarily mean you will lose weight as that is also dependent on several other factors such as yours genes and overall lifestyle.
- You might need extra supplements. When you quit animal products you also end up giving up a lot of essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Vitamin D, Iron, Zinc, Vitamin B12 and Omega-3 fatty acids are examples of supplements which you may require.
- You need to know about all non-meat protein sources. Since you will not be eating any protein-rich meat, you will have to make sure you include other alternatives. Some examples include tofu, miso, edamame and legumes.
- Your social life will take a hit. You might not be able to accompany your friends or colleagues everywhere they go and you might need to find yourself a ‘vegan buddy’.
- This change will impact more people than you think. Your family members will also be affected by your decision and they might actually resent it.
Contributed by: Team Kluchit.
