Since the 2000s began, the vegetarian diet has become increasingly popular. On the internet, “veggie” nutritional guides, animal rights leaflets, and health studies proliferate. However, few documents focus on a program that helps keep prospective vegetarians committed. This guide outlines the more practical ways to start a vegetarian diet.

Relax! The nutritional research has already been done for you. Even if you haven’t chosen vegetarianism for ethical reasons, don’t be afraid to use the nutrition resources of animal rights groups. Organizations like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) have written comprehensive guides that explain every step of the healthy conversion process. This information is valuable – don’t let it rot on some distant corner of the internet! While riots in front of Outback Steakhouse may not be your style, animal liberationists have gone to great lengths to make the diet accessible. Other strong resources to investigate include the guides of PETA and Mercy for Animals.

Debunk the “being vegetarian is hard” myth. Thousands of people mistakenly equate vegetarianism with tasteless food, limited menu options, and not being able to dine at restaurants. Nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, almost every fast food chain in America has vegetarian menu choices – especially Taco Bell and Burger King. Just about every sit-down restaurant offers pancakes, salads, veggie burgers, tofu dishes, or other meatless options. At the very least, experiment with vegetarianism before dismissing it as something that is “too hard”.

Learn the new options at fast food chains. Can’t kick your daily Dunkin’ Donuts run? Then just take the bacon off that bacon egg and cheese. If Starbucks is more your taste, try their “protein power plates” that cater specifically to the herbivorous crowd. Learning to navigate on-the-go eating in a way that is healthier and more animal-friendly is key to making a successful transition.

Learn the new options at restaurants you frequent. Vegetarianism rarely, if ever, forces someone to abandon a well-loved restaurant. Almost all local establishments have non-meat dishes available. If you are a regular, chefs may even be willing to take the meat out of an order specifically for you.

Remember your motivations. The increased lifespan, an exploration into Buddhism, a moral opposition to slaughterhouse cruelty…all of these are legitimate reasons that people choose vegetarianism. What was it that motivated you? As you make the transition, be sure to keep your ethical, religious, or health-related goals in mind. If you are struggling, join a message board for people with the same dietary plan. Communication and interactions with other “veggies” can assist in keeping you committed.

Will you choose a vegetarian diet or a vegetarian lifestyle? When making this life-changing decision, it is important to determine what type of vegetarian you will be. Remember that there is a fundamental difference between a vegetarian diet and a vegetarian lifestyle. The former describes someone who abstains from the consumption of meat, but may continue to wear leather shoes. They may also use soaps, cosmetics, or other hygiene items that are tested on animals. Someone who lives a vegetarian lifestyle, however, does not consume meat, wear wool, buy leather, or use animal tested toiletries. Most of these people are vegans, meaning they do not consume anything with animal byproducts. Quite obviously, lifestyling requires more commitment. But it also makes a more dramatic contribution to the worldwide boycotts run by the animal rights movement. Additionally, it improves health by lessening a person’s exposure to dangerous chemicals. Prospective vegetarians should examine both options to determine what level of commitment best matches them.

Vegetarianism is not the mythical, “impossible to achieve” diet that the media often portrays it to be. If these practical elements are remembered, it can be a stress-free and purely positive choice.