For whatever reason (health, allergies, love of animals or the environment) you want to go vegetarian / vegan, it is a difficult task to change your dietary habits, especially if you have been following a meat-based diet your entire life. But it is not impossible and it is worth a try! Try these tips to help your transition:

Make a Recipe List – Compile a list of 20 recipes you’ll be comfortable with – cooking and eating. You can get a large number of recipes through friends, cookbooks, or the Internet. Make a short list of 20 vegetarian / vegan dishes from various cuisines. Choose the ones that don’t involve elaborate cooking because you don’t want to get discouraged before you even start. Choose dishes that use ingredients that you are familiar with and are readily available. Start testing each one, one by one. You will most likely be left with only half the number you started with. Changing your diet should be satisfying to your taste buds only then will it continue. Sometimes it is also an acquired taste. Be patient and keep looking for more. You will have a list of perfect recipes only with trial and error.

Swap out one meal at a time – Once you have a list of delicious recipes, it’s time to make a meal fully vegetarian / vegan. Start with dinner. Even if you are eating out, be sure to order vegetarian / vegan dinner only. You have to use your willpower. You will start to notice a difference in just a few weeks. Your digestion will improve, you will sleep better, you will have more energy the next morning, and of course you will see weight loss. These motivating factors will influence you to shift your focus to the next meal: breakfast. There are a number of nutritionally balanced, easy-to-make breakfast recipes. Do a good research. Gradually, as you have adjusted to the change from breakfast and dinner, you may not even want your usual diet at lunch. When it’s time to turn your attention to lunch, start by replacing four lunches a week with your new dietary preference, continuing a few meals with your old diet until you don’t crave them.

Highlights: Choose recipes that suit your taste, are nutritionally balanced, and filling. Special emphasis on Vit. D, B 12, calcium, and protein because vegan diets lack or are deficient in these essential nutrients. Fortified foods should be included in your daily meals. Monitor your health parameters. Plan your meals according to your physical requirements, lifestyle, age, and effort levels. Always consult a nutritionist / doctor for guidance in planning a balanced diet. Try not to jump at once to change your diet, if you want a permanent change, then go slowly, plan well.

If you gradually change your clothes, you are more likely to stick with them. Good luck!