I would like to be a vegetarian, how can I slowly implement this into my current junk-food diet?

Question

I mean junk food like burgers, fries, and I also said slowly because I'm not used to eating healthy.

Answer 1

You could try elimnating red meats and pork first.  Once you get comfortable with that, then eliminate poultry, and finally fish.

It would help if you had a friend to do this with or at least one that would offer you moral support.

Go to vegetarian websites and forums.  You will get lots of support, recipes, and tips.

Good luck!

Answer 2

There is good news! You can be a vegetarian and still eat tons of junk food.

I certainly wouldn't suggest it, but it can be done. Cheese pizza and French fries are both vegetarian but totally not good for you.

If you're going veggie for health reasons, you should focus on eating more whole foods before you worry too much about cutting the meat. (Seriously, grilled chicken is less vegetarian but more healthful than cheese pizza.)

Your best bet is to stop buying ready-to-eat foods. Deep frying is a huge pain in the butt, so you probably won't do it yourself. Stick with stuff you prepare yourself. It'll be a tough first few weeks, but your body will thank you.

Answer 3

When i started being a vegetarian all i did was stop eating meat and continued mainly with what i usually eat but it helps to eat meat alternatives such as quorn as it contains the protein which you would not be receiving from meat, you may need to eat a little healthier and gradually get used to eating vegetables high in iron. If you are a bit of a fast food junkie then every fast food place has a meat alternative, the vegetarian sandwich at MacDonald's is yummy. You should really go ahead with it, you'll feel a much better person for it.

Answer 4

Just take it one day at a time! Tell yourself that this junk food is not healthy, and remind yourself of all the animals who are tortured daily for their flesh. It's all about going one meal at a time. When you wake up in the morning, instead of going for that pop-tart, pick something healthy, like a granola bar, cereal with soy milk, or vegan pancakes (email me for a very easy and fun recipe). When you go for lunch, instead of thinking "fast food" think "last food" (that will keep your body lasting), such as fake meat, fruit, vegetables, rice, beans, pb&j sandwich, pb sandwich, nuts, tofurkey sandwich, or a granola bar if you're in a hurry. And when you're having dinner, remember that you're doing it a meal at a time and enjoy a delicious vegetable soup, or vegetable rice. Whatever strikes you as delicious.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

Answer 5

By replacing the c**p with the good stuff? Fruit and vegetables are your new best friend. Instead of reaching for a chocolate bar, eat a banana. Instead of using white bread, buy wholemeal.

Answer 6

You can still eat junk food as a vegetarian.  I eat swedish fish, dark chocolate, sour patch kids, soy ice cream sundaes, potato chips, and w lot of other stuff.

Answer 7

I've been a vegetarian for most of my life so maybe I can help.

First, don't concentrate on the foods you can't eat but rather those you can.  If you miss hamburgers and eat a boca burger, you're going to be disappointed that it's not the same.  

Lot's of Indian veggie options exist and Thai restaurants will always add tofu instead of meat.  There are a lot of great pasta dishes without meat from a cheesy baked pasta to a fresh primavera.  Risotto, gnocchi, quiches, veggie pizzas, veggie enchiladas, veggie burritos, soups, stews, white beans with sage...wow!  Now I'm hungry!

Do you cook?  Better if you do because packaged foods are no better veggie then they are with meat; they're still full of sodium and saturated fats.  Pick up a Moosewood cookbook.  Their recipes are easy to follow and have ingredients that can be found in most grocery store.  I've never made a recipe from their books that wasn't great!  New Recipes From Moosewood and Low-Fat Recipes from Moosewood are my two favorites from them.  Do you cook AND are a foodie (beyond you're junk-food diet)?  For the advanced veggie cook, pick up a Green's cookbook.

Experiment in the kitchen!  I make lasagna following the recipe on the box...but instead of sauteed beef I use a ton of sauteed vegetables.  Knocks the socks of even the most staunch meat eater and is a VERY satisfying dinner.

Lastly, talk to a registered dietitian if you are concerned about your health (and that's why you're switching).  If you eat a mostly junk-food diet that you already need help.  Don't get stuck being a potato chip vegetarian!  A dietitian can help you decide if a veggie diet is right for you and help you keep from becoming nutrient deficient (i.e. SICK!).

And Ms. The Great Leap: Swedish Fish and Sour Patch kids have gelatin (made from animal bones...) so they are not vegetarian.  Guess it depends on how militant you want to be about it.  Chocolate is vegetarian!  Yeah!

Good luck!