By Dina Gharib<\/p>\n
Switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet can be one of the most rewarding decisions humans can make. While the movement is still expanding, it\u2019s no secret that you\u2019ll be bombarded with questions and concerns about your lifestyle. I have compiled a list of the top ten tips I wish I knew as a new 16-year-old vegetarian, and the different ways to approach them.<\/p>\n
1. Everyone will have an opinion about your diet.<\/strong><\/p>\n Even if you haven\u2019t talked or seen them in years, random individuals will comment on your dietary lifestyle, asking the ever popular \u201cHow do you get your protein?\u201d The way to handle this is simply by educating them with pure facts. If you provide them with opinion, they will assume that you\u2019re following a trend. When you provide answers with factual research behind them, you\u2019ll be sure to educate them without coming off as confrontational. Remember that our lifestyle is very peaceful, so stick to the core beliefs.<\/p>\n Want more information about protein? Visit: http:\/\/www.vrg.org\/nutrition\/protein.php<\/a><\/p>\n 2. Individuals will argue that caring for animals means that you don\u2019t care about humans. <\/strong><\/p>\n This couldn\u2019t be further from the truth. If anything, vegetarians are compassionate about all living things. It shouldn\u2019t be insinuated that we have to only care for one or the other. It\u2019s extremely possible for vegetarians to care for humans AND animals. Provide a subtle response such as \u201cI am a vegetarian because I\u2019m interested in human rights.\u201d Next, direct the conversation towards the nutritional and environmental benefits of going vegetarian. We are changing the world for animals, people, and the entire planet.<\/p>\n 3. Someone will always bring up religion in your conversation.<\/strong><\/p>\n No matter what religion you are, someone will tell you that animals are on this earth solely for human consumption; a statement which is simply absurd. No matter what religion you observe, do your research so you can have a valid response. In my scenario as a Muslim female I was questioned with the religious aspect at every family gathering. My response has simply been, Islam is a religion of peace, and therefore God will not punish me for not slaughtering animals. He put all living things on this earth, so he should be the one who takes them off of it. Visit: http:\/\/www.vrg.org\/links\/Religion.htm<\/a> for a great resource as to why your religion is vegetarian friendly. <\/p>\n 4. There is a vegetarian option for EVERY meat product. <\/strong><\/p>\n Burgers, Check. Cheese steaks, Check. Orange chicken, Check. The amount of options that vegetarians have is endless. You can get a delicious, hearty meal, without sacrificing flavor, or animal life. Not to mention these substitutes are even more nutritious than their counterparts.<\/p>\n 5. Play around with new fruits, vegetables, and legumes you wouldn\u2019t ordinarily use.<\/strong><\/p>\n The world of fruits, veggies, and legumes is HUGE. There are so many combinations of these delicious foods so there is no reason to only be eating rice and beans every day. Foods such as lentils can take part in many different recipes. Your options are endless, ranging from a big bowl of southwestern chili, a hearty sloppy Joe, or an exotic Indian curry. Play around and you\u2019ll be sure to find amazing new recipes.<\/p>\n 6. Take advantage of the versatility of fruits and vegetables. <\/strong><\/p>\n There are so many things that you can do with individual vegetables, that meals should never be boring. Have a cauliflower? Make cauliflower crust pizza or pineapple fried rice. Have a zucchini? Make zucchini fritters or zoodles (Zucchini noodles). The versatility of vegetables is remarkable, so don\u2019t be afraid to get creative! <\/p>\n 7. The vegetarian movement is huge!<\/strong><\/p>\n If you ever find yourself feeling alone, due to the lack of support from relatives or friends, join a vegetarian club or volunteer at your local vegetarian organization. You\u2019ll meet so many people who share your interest. You\u2019ll be sure to make new friends, who will want to explore your local vegetarian hot spots. <\/p>\n To find a vegetarian organization in your area, visit:
\nhttp:\/\/www.vrg.org\/links\/local.htm<\/a><\/p>\n