I am trying to become a vegetarian- any tips?

Don't be the kind of vegetarian that eats junk all the time. I hate when someone tells me they stop eating meat for their health, and their diet consists of processed, sugary crap.

And make sure you get your proteins. It's important.

firstly well done! i think that's very cool, but of course i am biased as i am a vegetarian! You should eductte yourself- look at cool vege websites so that you gain a deep understanding of what your reasons are so that you can stick to them. It might be for enviromental reasons, ethical reasons etc.

dont be a lazy vegetarian and eat bread and pizza and past. reserch protein alternatives like tofu, soya, nuts, beans, cottage cheese etc. Eat a varied diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegies and whole grains like rice, quinoa,etc, look at recipes for inspiration- every thing you need is on the net!

Eat vegetables.

I would slowly ease off of meat. Smaller portions. Then no red meat. Then narrow it down to pork, chicken, and so on. Do it gradually. You will feel much better if you do! :)

lol eggy.

But seriously - I stopped being a vegetariian because I could not get enough protein and was getting fatigued - I also lift weights to stay in shape so that was a factor. Now I know what vegetarians are going to say' You CAN get enough protein from veggies!" Maybe for some people....I actually did my research and it really wasn't good for me. Frankly, I think our bodies were designed to eat meet - and some of us (if not all) actually need meat to be our healthiest. I also think that no matter how many protein rich veggies I eat - it is not the same TYPE of protein. I don't blame the animals when they eat one of us humans & I hope they don't blame me for eating them..lol. Ok maybe not funny I DO care very much about the animals - it just really wasn't healthy for me.

That said - I suggest doing your research on all the daily nutrients your body needs and all the veggie sources you can get them from and make sure you get enough -- also take good vitamin supplements. If you do not get full on them - be careful of eating more carbs to satisfy hunger because you will gain fat. But good luck!! honest!

Staple foods....Beans and brown rice....never be without them. Great for energy, blood sugar, and protein...

One of my favorite lunches is

brown rice
black bean (add the juice)
green and red bell peppers cut up
onions

fix the brown rice in a pan, while sauteeing the onions and bell peppers....add black beans to veggies, when done....after just a few minutes, add finished rice to the veggies...stir and you're done....literally a 10 min prep lunch...and microwaves nicely.

It's very tasty and it sticks to your ribs for a long time. I actually tried this, while fasting on the Daniel Fast, which doesn't allow meat, or any animal products....and I lost 7 pounds in 2 weeks from it. Just another perk. ha

You need to research for sources of proteins, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and Omega 3 (fatty acid from fish oils) Fortified flaxseed, and walnuts are good for this.
Which type of vegetarian are you aiming for? Ovo-Lacto, or vegan?

I highly recommend these sites as you are beginning this diet:

Keep track of your Needs:
http://www.mypyramid.gov/?gclid=CM3Wv6Dcm5oCFQKaFQod0C7d8g

See what's in your food:
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/

Good luck and take good care of yourself!

Make sure you integrate beans, nuts, and tofu (or other soy products) into your diet. Although they don't sound tasty they can be really delicious and it makes sure you get a lot of healthy protein.
I also suggest going on a multivitamin as well.

I completely agree with Konrad. If you eat responsibly it can be a very healthy diet. But watch out for sugar cravings. That's usually what the body is begging for a protein fix.

Find a good grower's market. Their vegies are usually way tastier than supermarket ones, and the markets are more fun to shop at. It makes eating veg more enjoyable, and you don't have to walk past the butchery section to get to the checkout.

Have to differ with JimmO. If you eat poultry or fish, you are NOT a vegetarian. If it feels better starting that way, so that you don't eat red meat, then that's fine. (That's how it started for me). But you aren't a vegetarian until you don't eat any meat at all.

The most important thing is not to stress over it. I would say, just start becoming more conscious of what you are eating, and if that leads you in the vegetarian direction, that's great. It should feel right to go veg, otherwise you're likely to just drop it.

I saw the fireman on that Sunday morning show, they all looked so healthy. I want to get started too. Cheese and milk products would be the hardest to do away with. Chicken and meat no problem.

Try to cut down on dairy products completely. Also look for the vegetarian alternative to meat like meatless pork or veggie turkey. If you want you can make your own juice with lots of fruit in it especially pineapple. I am going to be vegan when I can afford it because meatless foods are more expensive than the common ground beef. In case you are interested, there is vegan style mayonaise that contains no eggs at all.

I transitioned gradually. First, stop eating red meat. When that feels natural and you can get enough protein, cut out white meat. Then fish, etc.. until you've gone completely vegetarian and it feels natural.

Some good replacements for meat in a meal are tempeh, tofu, and beans. Create interesting food combinations so you don't get bored. Message me if you want any ideas.