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Baby steps - You may find it easier to aim for one vegetarian meal per day or one vegetarian day per week and work up to being fully meat-free.

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Be prepared - Prepare snacks and simple foods ahead of time so you won't be tempted to grab something with meat in it when you're hungry.

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Snacks - Choose the right snacks. Grazing on nuts and seeds will provide protein and help keep you full for longer than simple carbohydrates.

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Snacks - Salty snacks like olives and dolmades make great alternatives to meat.

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Social media - Explore social media for new ideas. Instagram tags can inspire your next meal.

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Fast food - Vegetarian doesn't have to mean eating leaves! Swap your burger and chips for a veggie burger and chips to stay satisfied without compromising your morals.

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Dress it up - Spice up your salads with flavorful dressings. Whether homemade or pre-made, the right sauce or vinaigrette can make greens more exciting.

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Adapt old favorites - Consider meat-free adaptations of your favorite dishes. It may be easier to replace soy protein for minced beef than to think of a whole new recipe.

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Add yeast - Nutritional yeast, also known as brewer's yeast, adds a cheesy flavor to dishes that will make you forget about animal ingredients.

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Think outside the box - Explore new ingredients to keep your palate satisfied. Seaweed, tempeh, tofu, and kimchi are just some of the ingredients that can make dinner more exciting.

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Taste the world - Try a variety of cuisines from other countries. Lots of traditional dishes are vegetarian.

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Make your own sushi - Vegetarian sushi rolls are easy and delicious!

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Stock up - Buy lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. A variety will make sure you get a range of nutrients and will keep you from getting bored.

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Store cupboard - But also stock up on store cupboard essentials like tinned tomatoes. Having a variety of ingredients at hand will help you make something delicious and ethical.

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Keep it simple - Not every meal needs to be vegetable-packed and creative. Simple dishes like cheese on toast with salad or baked beans on toast are easy, meat-free meals.

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Make big batches - Rather than making soup for one meal, make a large pot and freeze individual portions. This way healthy lunches or simple dinners are always at hand.

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Ask for help - If you have vegetarian friends or family members, ask for their favorite tips or recipes. There are also innumerable online sources and recipe books out there.

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Have a pot luck - Invite your friends to each bring a vegetarian dish to a party. This will inspire you and provide an opportunity to share tips and recipes.

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Give quiche a chance - Use your weekend to prepare a large pie or quiche so you have easy lunches for the week without breaking the bank.

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Spice it up - Herbs and spices are your friends! Add garlic, chili, and paprika for flavor. Explore the spice aisle and try new ones to keep it interesting.

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Check labels - Check labels to see what contains animal products and to make more informed choices.

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Do some nutritional research - Do a bit of research to find out what nutritional value is in different foods. This will help you stay healthy and happy as a vegetarian!

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Cheat - It's not ideal to eat processed foods often, but having some pre-made vegetarian sausages or burgers in the freezer can help you out on a busy weeknight or lazy Sunday.

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Be inspired by restaurants - Try vegetarian restaurants and pick up some ideas for your own cooking.

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Make hummus - Make a batch of this nutrition-packed dish and use it as a dip, a sandwich filler, or a side dish. It is versatile and easily adapted to your taste with different herbs, spices, or vegetables.

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Consider the benefits - The Vegetarian Society states that research shows a vegetarian diet to be healthier than that of a typical meat eater. The organization says that a varied vegetarian diet contains less saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, and more folate, fiber, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and carotenoids. Reminding yourself of the benefits will stop you from reaching for the bacon.

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Enjoy yourself -

Don't forget to have fun! Food should be a pleasure.

See also: 60 yummy recipe ideas and serving suggestions using citrus fruits

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