We’ve all heard the dieting buzzword before, and whether you’re looking to lose weight or just eat healthy, it’s probably something you want to take part in. The problem? Sticking to diets can be difficult at times – especially when it comes to vegetarian diets that cut out meat and animal products entirely. Here are some tips on how you can survive your vegetarian diet

​
1) It’s OK to fail

A vegetarian diet takes some effort. There are many things you’ll need to learn, like where to find quality vegetarian protein and how to deal with dining out. It can be stressful, but it’s worth it in the end. Don’t get discouraged if you slip up now and then – just keep on trying! If you think of your vegetarian diet as a phase, you may find that slipping becomes more common than succeeding because subconsciously you feel like it will all be temporary anyway so there is no point in taking it seriously.

2) Eating healthy saves money

Eating healthy on a budget is easier than you might think. There are plenty of ways to keep your spending under control when you’re on a vegetarian diet: buy frozen instead of fresh (frozen veggies are just as good, if not better), grow your own food and make use of whole foods like beans, nuts and avocado. Vegan meals are slightly more expensive because they rely more heavily on soy products—but veganism is also much healthier! To avoid spending too much, it’s important to know where to shop. Read labels carefully and watch out for vegetarian style dishes that actually contain meat or animal byproducts.

3) Making small changes has a big impact

It’s hard to imagine drastically changing your diet overnight. One of the best things about vegetarian diets is that you can make small changes that have a big impact over time. For example, start eating smaller portions, and try replacing red meat with healthier sources of protein like beans or legumes. After all, vegetarians are much healthier than their carnivorous counterparts! When you remove meat from your diet, you eat more fruit and vegetables; they provide important vitamins and minerals not found in animal products. The same goes for carbohydrates: You need grains to survive—and they’re often not your enemy when it comes to losing weight. In fact, according to some research , those who eat rice instead of other carbohydrates are less likely to be overweight or obese.
​

4) You feel the changes immediately

You’re hungrier than you were before, and even though you went light on calories, your stomach feels unsatisfied. The two basic tips here are to stop eating when you feel full and eat more when your body is asking for it. If you haven’t been taking time to notice your body’s signs, start paying attention and use those as cues to stop eating. For example, if you usually finish every scrap of food on your plate but suddenly find yourself picking at it, know that means your body is getting all its nutrients and doesn’t need any more right now. Fill up on high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables instead of grains and processed carbohydrates to satisfy hunger naturally.

​

5) Healthy diets include adding not just subtracting

The most common mistake people make when dieting is thinking that they should reduce portions, count calories, and eliminate certain food groups altogether. While reducing excess calories and getting more exercise are important parts of weight loss, eliminating entire food groups from your diet isn’t a good idea because it limits your intake of healthy nutrients. If you choose to follow a vegetarian diet (no meat), be sure to include enough protein-rich foods like lentils, tofu, nuts, and whole grains in your meals. Additionally, don’t fall into portion creep by increasing serving sizes without considering whether or not those extra calories are healthy additions to your daily intake.

6) Food is fuel

Eat healthy, vegetarian foods that are low in carbs, because they’re hard to digest and can be more calorie-dense. Fruit and vegetables should make up most of your diet. The same applies to meat; you’ll want lean cuts (i.e., poultry breast) that are high in protein but relatively low in fat. Remember, if you eat too much protein, your body will break it down into amino acids and either store it or convert it into glucose—and that’s not what you want. Eat enough fiber-rich carbohydrates so that your body maintains steady blood sugar levels and does not overcompensate by producing too much insulin.

​
7) Pay attention to emotional changes

The main thing to watch out for when you’re starting a vegetarian diet is your mood. If you start feeling very lethargic, cranky or grumpy, then take a step back and check whether there is something wrong with your diet. Even if it’s as simple as not getting enough protein in your diet, that can make you feel tired, sad and grumpy. Similarly, pay attention to whether or not you are craving food—is it because of what you are eating? Chances are that if you aren’t getting enough nutrients from your vegetarian diet, then those cravings will build up until you change things up!

​

8) Healthy food is actually tasty

Some people assume that if they give up meat, cheese, or other delicious foods in favor of vegetarian fare, they’ll have to settle for bland, tasteless dishes. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious options out there that will leave you saying Pass me another serving! when it comes to food that is both healthy and tasty. Try substituting vegetarian options into your favorite recipes (it’s easy!) or following some simple rules such as pick one carb-based food and two vegetable-based foods—vegetables are very low in calories but high in fiber and nutrients. If you keep health and taste in mind as you prepare meals, you should have no trouble sticking with a plant-based diet!