Becoming vegetarian

Are you considering becoming vegetarian or helping someone else make a diet change?

There are many reasons that people choose a vegetarian diet. Key benefits include it being good for you heart health and can help to lower blood pressure. 

 

We have you sorted with some tips on making the transition.

 

Start slowly

We recommend starting slowly as easing into the vegetarian lifestyle will make you more likely to stick with your new food choices and create healthier habits. Making significant changes to your diet quickly will make it more challenging and you may fall back into old habits.

 

Get protein from other foods

Protein is a very important part of our diets. It is responsible for helping us put on healthy weight and muscle, as well as making anything from your blood to your connective tissue. Many people think of meat as the main source of protein, however as a vegetarian it is important to source this protein from other foods like:

• Cooked lentils
• Nuts (especially almonds)
• Whole grain food
• Quinoa
• Plain Greek yogurt

 

Begin with foods you already eat

It can make the transition smoother if you begin by primarily eating familiar vegetarian dishes. Switch the meat for vegetables in your favourite recipes before rushing to try complicated recipes. 

 

For more tips and recipes we recommend reading our Lifestyle-Hopewood’s Recipe for Wellbeing book.