Thinking about becoming a vegetarian
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Thinking About Becoming a Vegetarian? Here’s How to Start

January 2, 2026 /

If you’ve been thinking about giving up meat, or even just cutting back a bit, you’re not alone. More and more people are choosing a vegetarian plant based lifestyle. Becoming a vegetarian doesn’t have to be an overnight change. It’s a process. Perfection is not expected or required on this journey.

Why Go Vegetarian?

People choose vegetarianism for many different reasons. For some it’s about health wanting to eat cleaner and feel better. For others it’s about compassion for animals or caring for the environment. And for many it’s a little bit of everything.

I became a vegetarian in 2010. After a long weekend of unhealthy eating I remember making the decision to change my life. I wanted to feel better and to reduce my risk of cancer, which runs in my family. I had always been interested in environmental issues and I had experimented in college (with plant based cooking) but this time was different. This time was different because I made the decision to change my lifestyle.

Whatever your reason, choosing a vegetarian lifestyle means putting more plants on your plate and discovering how delicious and satisfying they can be.

Start Slow and Keep It Simple

You don’t have to change everything all at once. You are more likely to stick with it if you make changes to your lifestyle slowly. Begin by swapping one or two meals a week for vegetarian options. Maybe just start with Meatless Monday dinners. Think about meals you already know and love. Many may already be vegetarian or a simple swap away. Once you see how easy it is to make your favorite dishes meat-free, you’ll start building habits that stick.

Try These Easy Vegetarian Meal Ideas:

  • Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce, and a Side Salad.
  • Veggie Lovers Pizza
  • Macaroni and Cheese on a Southern style Veggie Plate
  • Black Bean or Pinto Bean Tacos
  • Lasagna made without meat. Try adding veggies like spinach or shreaded carrots.
  • Vegetarian Soup
  • Fried Rice and Vegetable Spring Rolls
  • Baked Potatoes with a Big Ranch Salad
  • Three Bean Chili
  • Breakfast for Dinner with a Veggie Omelet and Hashbrowns

Find Your Favorite Substitutes

Love burgers? Try a black bean or plant based meat version. Craving comfort food? Make a veggie pot pie or a cheesy baked pasta loaded with greens. There’s a plant-based version of just about everything these days, and half the fun is finding the ones you love.

  • Replace ground beef → with Black Beans, Pinto Beans, TVP, or Plant Based products like Impossible or Beyond. Perfect for Taco Tuesday, Chili, and Soups.
  • Omit meat → Just leave it out of the recipe or replace with additional veggies to fill you up.
  • Chicken or Beef Broth → Vegetable Broth
  • Replace Chicken → with Chickpeas, Tofu, Soy Curls, or Seitan

You might be surprised how satisfying it can be to make those swaps especially when the flavors are on point.

becoming a vegetarian

Focus on What You’re Adding, Not What You’re Losing

Going vegetarian isn’t about restriction. It’s about discovery. You’ll open the door to new grains, spices, and cuisines you may not have tried before. From Jackfruit BBQ Sandwiches to Indian Paneer recipes and Creamy Coconut Tofu Thai Curries, there’s so much to explore.

Give Yourself Grace When Becoming a Vegetarian

No one’s perfect, and that’s okay. If you slip up or have a craving, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Vegetarianism isn’t an all-or-nothing rule. It’s a lifestyle that grows with you. Do what feels right and keep moving forward at your own pace. It takes time to build habits and it’s okay if you mess up. Becoming a vegetarian is a learning process so relax and have fun exploring new foods.

Ready to Get Started?

Start with small changes. Keep your pantry stocked with staples like canned beans, rice, and potatoes. Find a few go-to recipes that make you excited to cook. Before long, you’ll see that becoming a vegetarian isn’t a trend. It’s a way of life that feels good in every way. Many new vegetarians notice they have more energy, better digestion, and a lighter feeling overall after a few weeks of eating plant-forward meals. When you nourish your body with whole foods, your body thanks you right back.

Becoming a vegetarian doesn’t mean giving up the Southern comfort foods you love it just means cooking them a little differently. Think slow cooked green beans simmered in veggie broth, biscuits and gravy with plant based sausage, and creamy mac and cheese that already happens to be meat-free.

It’s all about keeping the flavors and recipes you love just with more plants on your plate.

Resources for Becoming a Vegetarian

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