How to go vegetarian?

So you’ve decided to go vegetarian or vegan. But now what? If you're trying to figure out what your next step should be, these quick tips will help you make the transition.

• Transform dishes that you already know and enjoy. For example, omit meatballs from your favorite spaghetti recipe, or replace with a vegetarian substitute, such as GimmeLean. Chances are, much of what you already eat could easily be made vegetarian.

• Explore new foods! One of my favorite things to do is to try one new product every time I go to the grocery store. As a result, I eat a much more varied diet as a vegan than I ever did before. Although most large grocery stores stock soy milk and veggie burgers, try browsing in your local health food stores to see what new foods you can find.

• Try it twice. If you hated a particular food the first time, such as veggie burgers, try it again later, using a different product brand or prepared differently or with different seasonings and spices. Not all products are the same, and you may prefer one product or style of preparation. For example, if you microwaved your veggie burger the first time, try grilling it next time.

• Browse health food stores. There's always something new to try, and the staff can help you find what you're looking for or give advice on which products are best.

• Give yourself a break! Don’t throw in the towel if you can’t resist that burger. Just take a breath and resolve to do better at the next meal. Another idea is to allow yourself one day a week to eat meat. If you’re finding it difficult to stick to a vegetarian diet, you’re much more likely to pass something up, knowing you can indulge on Saturday or Sunday.

• Be patient! You may find it easy to go vegan overnight, while others struggle just omitting red meat. Everyone really is different, but rest assured that with time, your cravings will subside. Remembering your goals and reasons for going vegetarian or vegan will help you when you are tempted to give in.

• Learn, read and talk. Learn and read as much as possible about vegetarian health and foods. Knowledge is power! If you know any other vegetarians or vegans, ask them for their tips or advice. Everyone will have something different to share, but most people are more than willing to provide a bit of advice and will likely be flattered that you asked.

• Browse your local bookstore for a great vegetarian cookbook. Look for one that not only appeals to you, but has a variety of recipes that are simple enough for everyday use.

• If you’re the only one in your family transitioning to a vegetarian diet, you don’t have to cook two separate meals! Simply cook the meat for dishes like stir-fries and pasta dishes in a separate pan and add to a separated portion just before serving.

• Try new restaurants. Seek out Chinese, Indian, Middle Eastern and Thai restaurants and taste the many dishes and foods they have to offer.

• Be sure to replace meat with healthy foods and eat a balanced diet. If you are eating nothing but French fries and chips, your health will suffer, and you will want to resort to your former eating habits. Eat a variety of whole grains, vegetables and proteins, such as tofu or veggie burgers to stay full and healthy.