Vegetarianism and veganism are becoming the “in thing” nowadays. “Meatless Monday,” one-month cleanses of meat, and the “meat on the side” diets are becoming increasingly popular as new facts about shocking animal cruelty and the benefits of a plant-based diet are surfacing. Now, I’m not writing this to convert anyone. I believe that you should eat what best suits your body. With that being said, for those who are trying to cut back on their meat intake or are struggling to make the commitment to become vegetarian, these tips may help.

• Don’t be afraid of the grocery store. I can remember my first time visiting Kroger after becoming vegetarian. I was deathly afraid that the meat section was going to be too overbearing, and it was the first time. My tip for you is if you know you are going grocery shopping, make a list beforehand. Go in with a plan, and follow it through. Also visit any local farmer’s markets for your fresh, garden-grown vegetables, so you can avoid the meat section if you’re concerned.

• Visit a farm or animal shelter. If you find yourself absolutely craving meat, visit a farm. Fall in love with the little piglets or the baby calves. See how they interact with you. If you fall in love with your new friend, you may have a hard time eating it.

• Don’t feel guilty about your cravings. This is probably the biggest mistake I made. Because I quit cold turkey, I had the most insane cravings (I still do). Just understand that you’re not going to be kicked out of the community if you’re hardcore craving a hamburger. Just find the distraction that works best for you, and wait for it to pass.

• Don’t expect everyone to embrace, or even understand, your diet.  I haven’t had meat in over two months, and my family still cracks the vegetarian jokes on a daily basis. The biggest mistake you could ever make as a non-meat eater is to take the jokes too seriously. Just take it, move on, and enjoy life. Also, don’t hold it against your family or friends. People judge what they don’t understand.

• Don’t expect a veggie burger to taste like a meat burger. It’s wishful thinking. No matter how much you try, they don’t taste the same. Take the time to appreciate the new flavors and textures. Don’t constantly compare everything to meat.

• Don’t be afraid to eat out.  I remember being so afraid to eat out, again with the temptations. I’ve since rejoiced in dining in. I love looking for new options and trying new foods. Plus, for most of the restaurants I’ve been to, everyone is super willing and able to help you decipher what is vegetarian versus what isn’t.

• Appreciate the health benefits of giving up meat.  Get your cholesterol checked when you give up meat, and then again 6 months later. Appreciate how clear your skin will look, and how shiny your hair will be. Enjoy feeling like you’re walking on clouds, it’s the best feeling in the world.

• Don’t feel guilty about being offended. 90,000 cows and calves are slaughtered every day just in the U.S, along with 14,000 chickens every minute.   

• Pinterest recipes. Pinterest has become my new best friend. I have more than a thousand different vegetarian recipes pinned. Being able to see all the different options can really make this new world feel a whole lot less daunting

• Grow your own. Plant a few herbs or tomatoes in your yard. You’ll be amazed at how good it feels to be able to throw on your floppy hat, get your basket, and go pick your basil leaves. Also, fresh grown food tastes so much better than store bought.

• Embrace the freezer section. Ah, the glory of meatless meats. I currently have in my possession beef tips, grilled chicken, black bean burgers, and ribs, all meatless of course. Trust me, if you’re new to the vegetarian lifestyle, you’ll have so much fun grocery shopping.

• Don’t be a junk food vegetarian.  Just because potato chips are vegan, doesn’t mean they need to be the staple of your new diet.

• Know that your feelings in the beginning won’t last forever. Those insane cravings for chicken that make you so crazy that you could probably scoop someone’s eyeballs out with a spoon won’t last forever. I can remember the days where I would lock myself in my bedroom while my parents were cooking because the smell was too overwhelming. Now, I can cook veggie stir fry side-by-side with my mom while she cooks hamburgers. The smells used to be overwhelming, now it makes me feel sick to my stomach. Your cravings will pass, I promise.

In this day and age, it’s easier than ever to break away from the norm. So, if you decide one day that the truth behind the slaughterhouse doors is too much to bear, don’t be afraid to show some compassion.

“If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian.” –Paul McCartney