A Vegetarian Diet —
Going for It the Easy Way

Want the benefits of a vegetarian diet (or even a sort of vegetarian diet) without a lot of hassle and pain? And without giving up everything that tastes good to you?

If so, you can find some tools here, regardless of whether you simply want a slimmer body and/or better health or whether vegetarianism is a conscious philosophical choice.

You can also find ways to sustain your gains with mindful but uncomplicated vegetarian eating.

Sounding good so far? Then, a quick question: can the "day-to-day" you actually handle such a diet/lifestyle?

That's the biggie, isn't it? Because, ultimately, your success will correspond to your commitment. And while my own money says you can probably ace this vegetarian gig, you're the one who plays. So, why not play to win?

Here's One Way
If you don't observe a vegetarian diet already, tackle your transition by degrees. In other words, do it in baby steps. Sure, buddy right up to those veggies, but don't try to change your entire dietary orientation in a single day.

Instead, start with a simple modification like eating another veggie (and/or fruit) every day. Then gradually begin cutting back on meat, moving as quickly or as slowly as feels right to you. You could do that; we both know you could. But will you actually take those steps...and then keep going?

Maybe—if you make friends with flexibility and compromise. For example, let's say you have this huge letch for meat today, up to and including your own arm if it comes to that. So, fine: make some kind of "faux" meat the foundation of your meal...or eat only half the meat you'd ordinarily put on your plate. Perhaps make yourself a chicken salad, but with somewhat less chicken than shown below.

Hold the line at half-portions of meat for a couple of days, and then make another little change—such as not eating any meat at all until dinner, perhaps. Or you might test the waters with meat-free days now and then.

As you cut down on meat, add more veggies and a greater variety. (See this list of vegetables for ideas.) No drama, no big speeches, no blanket No's: you're just working step by simple step toward a way of eating that might be healthier for you...and that might make you feel better in some other ways, as well.

Getting Enough Protein
Wondering about that, perhaps? Again, no worries: you will have So Many tasty ways to build plenty of protein into your diet. Vegetarians can choose among not only faux meats, but also umpteen grains and legumes. Moreover, if you're not vegan, you've got the whole spectrum of dairy as well. And don't forget that vegetables themselves contain some protein.

[Click the link at the end of this paragraph for a discussion of other vegetarian protein sources. Even if you've been eating vegetarian for a while, you might pick up a few tips on that page: vegetarian protein sources.]

A Few Final Words...
In my experience, successful lifestyle changes rarely take place within a framework of absolutes and/or finger wagging. Any healthful change in your eating habits is cause for celebration, so don't beat yourself up (or allow anyone else to do so) when you backslide. Just remind yourself that if you genuinely want to adopt a vegetarian (or semi-vegetarian) diet, a step-by-step approach will probably work as well for you as for anyone—and largely on your own terms.

So why not go for it? Just do it. Then start enjoying the ways your body and head find to thank you.