Student Wants Successful Veg Transition

Question For Savvy Vegetarian

Hello! I am a college student living with 2 vegetarian roommates. After being around them for the past month or so, I've had the ability to "sample" some of the vegetarian foods that they use and pick up a few pointers. Being a vegetarian is new to me because I always assumed that vegetarian food would be tasteless, bland and boring.

I'm researching "vegetarianism" now and I feel like it is something that I am interested in being that I already consume a lot of fruits and vegetables, and since I go to a large university, I can find food to eat easily.

I am really unsure of how to begin transitioning into being a vegetarian. I plan to write out a "plan" and allow myself 3-6 weeks to get into the full swing of things. What are some pointers for a successful and gradual transition experience? - K.J.

SV Advice

Dear K.J.,

It's great that you already live with two vegetarians - that'll be good support for you. It's harder to go veg on your own, or living with meat eaters.

I think of the typical American meat & potatoes diet as tasteless, bland & boring! I think you'll find that veggie food can be anything you want it to be - the possibilities are endless.

The Ten Tips and Veg Nutrition Reports will give you a good start on the transition, and some resources for future reference. A couple of things I'd like to add:

First, I feel that your time frame of 3 - 6 weeks to make the transition is unrealistic. Think 3 - 6 months, or even years. It's a major physical, mental, emotional change, requiring more adjustments than you might think. It's also natural to go back and forth between veg & non-veg for a while until you get the big picture in focus.

Second, you don't need a very elaborate schedule or plan, other than trying out new foods. Relax! Be flexible. Have fun with it. That's the best way to have a successful vegetarian transition.

Thanks for writing, and good luck following this new path - let me know if you have more questions later on.

All the best, Judy Kingsbury, Savvy Vegetarian

Health Disclaimer:

Savvy Vegetarian provides education and support to individuals who want to become vegetarian, or improve their diet. We don't advocate any particular vegetarian diet. We don't claim to be health care professionals, or nutritionists, nor do we treat any illness. Any changes that you make to your diet, or results of those changes, are your decision and responsibility. For your protection, we ask you to be completely open with us about your health, and we may recommend a medical exam before changing your diet. We reserve the right to refuse or to end a client relationship if we believe the client's actions may endanger his or her health.

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