How To Start

Becoming vegetarian may seem overwhelming. It's a lot of work to read labels, keep up to date on company policies, actually find the products you want, have to pay more when you just want to save. The cravings, giving up the food you love. However, when you're thinking about that burger or sushi, you'll learn to remember why you decided to be veg in the first place. Plus, you'll find it's a lot easier and cheaper than you think. Here are some tips to help.

-Pledge veg. Make a written pledge, or submit one online and print a copy, to be vegetarian for a set amount of time. 30 days? 6 months? 1 year? Setting a goal - a short, simple one at that - will help you to focus. Tell friends, family, and other people in your life about your transition. Trying out vegetarianism for one month will give you a basic idea of what it's like. You've thought about it already and you've done some research. Now it's time to try it out. If you truly want to be veg, you will be successful.

-Why veg? Make a list of all of your reasons to be vegetarian. You can incorporate others' reason, as well (friends, family, internet/book sources). Some ideas: ethical/animal rights beliefs, health, economy, conservation, increase overall awareness of our planet.

-Make a list of all of your favorite foods you'll be giving up. Make sure there are no surprises! Don't let holidays, parties, or seasonal treats sneak up on you. If you became veg in the winter, did you remember those summer cook outs? Do you have a girls' night out at a sushi joint? That favorite meal that your mother always makes for you on special occasions? There are so many alternatives out there, so don't let this list get you down. Just be prepared and know exactly what you're giving up and when it might tempt you so the temptation won't pull you in.

-A veg journal - write about weak moments, cravings, recipes, collage/images to remind you why you chose to be veg (cute kittens, animal abuse, quotes) - whatever does it for you. Include your pledge and "why veg?" reasons.

-Make a shopping list ahead of time. Find some veg cookbooks, recipe books/mags, and online recipes and use them as guides to make a shopping list so you don't get overwhelmed. It will also prevent you from walking aimlessly through the store and spotting a tempting old meaty favorite. Mix it up, too. Don't eat the same thing all the time. Variety will keep your stomach and taste buds in prime shape!

-Make a veg reminder. A bracelet, ring, keychain or other item that you can wear or carry to remind you to be veg-aware during your transition. It will be a reminder and help you get into good habits.

-Make a list of items you own from companies that don't test on animals. Some beginner vegetarians may be extremely overwhelmed by this one, but take it one step at a time. Diving in too deep at first can be a lot and cause frustration and regret.As a start, divide the items into two categories - those which test on animals and those which don't. Place a little red sticker on the ones that do and remember to look for alternatives before shopping again. Throwing out your whole stash and buying all new things at the same time can be costly. You already purchased the item - the company got your money and your approval. Use the product, but don't buy it again. Some people may decide to do a thorough clean-out and re-buy. Even better! A few letters and petitions to your favorite companies that do test might mean being able to buy those products again in the future. Stay up to date on campaign activities and news about updates like these.

Here is a list of some products that don't test: Caring Consumer.com - Companies That Don't Test on Animals

What if I slip up?
Some people do slip up and have meat, whether it is giving in to a craving or unknowingly eating something with a meat ingredient. The best thing to do is simply say "It's over and done with", and move on. Maybe the craving got you. Maybe you felt bad about turning down mom/grandma's food. Maybe you didn't read the ingredients carefully, or there were no ingredients. You can avoid these situations by having veg snacks with you if you'll be away from your kitchen for a while, always keep a good stock of food around so you can curb a craving for an old favorite with something better, and read read read ingredients. If the item doesn't have ingredients, or if you're unsure, why not just skip it? Vegetarianism is a lifestyle, not just giving up food. If you can remember why you made the choice, skipping one item will seem trivial.