Talk to a Vegetarian!

How long have you been a vegetarian?
As of this writing about 5 years.

Why did you become a vegetarian?
I always had a conscience about eating animals. I knew vegetarians and a vegan but had never thought about it. One day in the library I found a vegetarian book that caught my eye, I started reading and decided it was time to change.

How did you become vegetarian?
I began reading everything I could on vegetarianism and stopped eating meat Having a vegan roommate, helped a lot. We would go grocery shopping together and discuss food, and I would raid the library for books to read.

Were your teachers, friends, relatives vegetarian?
My parents are omnivores, they like salads and steak. I had a vegan friend and roommate. I once had a vegetarian math teacher, I have only one vegetarian relative.

Do you eat fish or chicken?
No. Vegetarians do not eat fish, chickens or any other animals.

Do you ever have cravings for meat?
no.

Don't vegetarians only eat salad? What do you eat?
no, fruits, mushrooms (baked, tempeh, or steamed), pasta (spaghetti, Fettuccine Alfredo,mac and cheese), fruit smoothies, pizza, veggie burgers(many styles) and veggie dogs, grilled cheese, stuffing, bagels, couscous, falafel, oatmeal, waffles, pancakes, bean burritos, soups (ministone, vegetable, cheese and broccoli, chilli, tomato,potato, etc.), tofu, rice, baked potatoes, beans, sprouts, sandwiches, etc. -What do you eat?

What advice would you give to someone thinking about vegetarianism?

 Read about Vegetarianism
As with any change in lifestyle, do your homework. Being a vegetarian is more than not eating meat. It requires an understanding of nutrition, food, and culture. Read books on vegetarianism, food, and nutrition, visit web sites, newsgroups, chat with vegetarians.

 Read about nutrition.
Knowing what your body needs to stay healthy, and how to get it, is the key to benefiting from a vegetarian diet. (pay special attention to B12)

 Learn to cook.
Read vegetarian cookbooks. Try new things. Mark recipes you like. Experiment with blenders and juicers. Try making your own smoothies and shakes. Try soy milk and vegeburgers. Try recipes from other countries.

Take a look at my vegetarian resource page