I have tried to give up meat numerous times in my life, but I've always done something wrong. Now I ask in all sincerity, how do you make it work? Tufo burgers make me sick and I love dairy. What hope is there for me?
Information for getting started: http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vsk/vsk.pdf http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/vsk/4foodgroups.pdf You don't have to eat tofu or soy if you don't want to. Eat dairy if you really want to do so. Just take things as they seem right for you at the moment. Vegetarianism can be more like a work in progress than reaching a destination.
here's what we've compiled so far: http://www.hipforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199543 http://www.hipforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122068 http://www.hipforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234630 I am no great fan of tofu, I just have a couple dishes that I figured out to do well (and I'd say those were acquired tastes). So I rethought what made a plate. in an omni meal you have protein, carb, vegetables/fruits. in a veg meal you have protein, carb, vegetables/fruits. where my sweetie (omni) might have chicken, rice, steamed green beans and carrots; I'll have lentil soup with greens (still officially acquiring that taste) , rice, steamed green beans and carrots. I'll probably have larger portions of the green beans, and since I'm no fan of cooked carrots, mine might be raw or barely steamed. I do notice my protein portions are smaller, even given the original portion size difference between us. (a 3:1 ratio). To start on the veg path, you need to eat your veggies (you'd think that was a no brainer, but it seems to miss a lot of folks) start by upping veggies, carb/energy and fiber portions. that should automatically reduce meat portions. Start working on a couple days where you eat meatless. Work in more meatless days (which are also veggie-full days, you are not depriving yourself). eventually the days will be veggie days across the week. eat that alfredo, if you love it. Skip the cheese because you "always do it." Make the cheese you eat special.
I used to be the same way. I think I switched from vegetarian 3 or 4 times. If you want to do it you can its only a matter of will power. After a while you wont be able to stomach the thought of meat. If you dont like soy burgers there are "chicken" nuggets that you can buy they taste like chicken, but they aren't very tasty I might add. Good Luck
And to transition there are so many kinds of veggie burgers if you're looking for meat substitutes. Amy's and Morningstar usually have good meat substitute stuff.
I usually recommend this method for people who are having trouble... 1st week eat vegetarian 1 day, 2nd week eat vegetarian 2 days, 3rd week eat vegetarian 3 days, and on and on until you're done. If you still feel like you can't do it then just do what you can. Every little bit helps.
