Are you having a Hard Time over the Holiday's being a Vegetarian?

As the Holiday's Approach don't let the Meaty Meals Discourage You! Share your menu with us and/or get Suggestions from viewers.

VARIETY

Variety. You must have a variety to eat. This is very important because if you don't offer your body a variety of foods to choose from, you will quickly tire from eating the same items over and over. When I started I was still a meat eater, but my husband and I began to first "CUT BACK". I say this so boldly, because you will find that you will do better when you slowly stop consuming meats. Look at it like a person that is trying to stop smoking. They have to undergo steps to stop. They don't just wake up one morning and say I am finished smoking and will never smoke again.

EDUCATION

Education. Read material and consult a nutritionist on supplements. Make sure you research material online and check out some books at the library. I strongly recommend you consult your physician to have a physical before hand just to check your current health and your physician may also have some recommendations. Also, go to GoVeg.com where they offer you a Free Vegetarian Starter Kit. You will find it that you have more energy when you are living a healthy life.

GREENS
Greens. The body needs a sufficient amount of green vegetables so that the body receives enough minerals in the diet. Some greens you may consider are collard greens, varieties of lettuce, spinach, lima beans, split peas, green beans, etc. Make sure you also eat plenty of Fruits. There are a lot of products that that you can eat to substitute your meats. Some products brands that you should try are Boca Burger, Amy's Brand, Gardenburger, Lightlife, Morningstar Farms, and Yves.

GIVE UP MEAT

Give up MEAT. You will find it easier to become a vegetarian if you first start by giving up red meats. As you stop cutting meats off start to explore all of the things that you can eat that are veggie meals. Then cut out your chicken consumption along with any other meats and only eat turkey products (Turkey Burger Meat, Turkey Sausage, Turkey Sandwich Meat, Turkey every meat). Now remember you are trying to quit so back off of the meat as much as possible and eat more items that involve your veggie (Example: Veggie Lasagna, Broccoli Casserole, Pop Pies Minus the meat, Boca Burgers). Then if you are a seafood lover your last step may be only seafoods and veggies. If you eat a variety of veggie meals you will find yourself not wanting any meat.

INTEGRITY

Integrity. You have to have integrity. This is going to be your new lifestyle. Welcome your new body with a passion in creating these fantastic meals. Give it the same love that you use to give those meaty meals. You are a new person now so treat your body with love.

EFFORT

Effort. Becoming a vegetarian is well worth the effort. You will see how much of a change your body goes through and how much better you feel when you let go of these items that our bodies have become accustomed to over the years. I strongly encourage you to exercise, exercise, exercise. I don't think I can tell you how important it is for your body to receive an adequate amount of exercise. This is a lifestyle you will live to love and except. Give it a try, and remember that this diet will have a long term effect on your lifestyle. I challenge you to live healthy!

TIPS

* Drink Plenty of water and remember to exercise. If you are not a big gym person just go and take a walk at least 3 times a week. It is important that your body receives cardio exercise.

WARNINGS

* Please consult your physician if you start feeling weird, dizzy or have any abnormal side effects.* Have a physical to learn of your bodies current health.

What was or has been your biggest "CHALLENGE" in Becoming a Vegetarian?