chibichick27
Hello Gaians!
I am going to be graduating from college tomorrow, and moving back in with my parents for a few months before heading to New York sometime in September.
In the meantime, I'll be working as a waitress, saving money so I can move without too much trouble.
I've decided that I want to go vegetarian for the summer, just to try it out. My parents aren't particularly healthy eaters, and I've always been sick of the amount of meat we eat and the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables we have around. However, I don't really know how to go about being a vegetarian, because I'm a picky eater, and I don't want to be!
If any of you have websites to point me to that will help me out with recipes or the lifestyle in general, I'd love your help! I'm doing this for a health choice, not a moral choice, so I'd prefer it if I didn't get any websites about the meat industry, or articles like that. Just healthy living and eating would be great!
Thank you!
~Chibi
yum_strawberry
Well, let's see now!
Well, if you don't have any moral complaints about eating meat, consider eggs and dairy, as these can be allowed in a vegetarian diet (lacto-ovo). Even a healthy omnivore should, by volume, consider eating more plants and fruit anyway.
I really suggest that anyone looking into adding more plant matter should consider growing some of their own food. Just be sure to check with your local government to see if that's even allowed in your area.
If you're looking for the healthiest options, stick to local food, if at all possible. If this isn't an option, then you should be just fine with grocery produce, but become adept at picking out what is the best. Ensure that you can individually choose things and bag them. Especially with fruits and veggies, they can be rotten / slimy / wilting while in the store. Make sure to soak and thoroughly wash / rinse your food before preparing it to limit pesticide / wax. Peeling is also an option, if you're into that. But definitely make sure to soak leafy vegetables, and things like broccoli.
While it may be something that not everyone agrees on, I personally try to limit my intake of most vegetable oils. Try butter over margarine, if possible.
If you like to cook, you may also look into traditional methods of preparing foods such as grains and beans.
Really make sure you watch your nutrient intake. Many newcomers end up getting in over their heads by not paying attention, and end up malnourished, especially in protein, iron, calcium and b12. If you go the lacto-ovo route, you may be much better off.
All stuff to keep in mind. G'luck with your trial.
Congratulations on graduating college, by the way!