Life is full of excuses - we all use them, every day. I often hear from people, who are tentatively thinking about becoming vegetarian, that they either don't have the time (?), or don't know where to start. And of course it could be argued that if you really have a strong enough desire to do something - especially something as emotive as making the decision to no longer eat meat and use animal products - that you will find a way; excuses won't stop you.
But there still seems to be a perception 'out there' that veggie food is all bland nut roasts, tofu and lentils. This coupled with the fact that people fear nutrient deficiency as a result of ditching meat and fish is compelling enough for them to worry that becoming veggie is all too complicated and risky.
I only have my personal experience to go on - but I just wanted to offer my advice on how best to get started. Make the decision and then leap in, because its easy to learn as you go along.
I promise that you'll be glad you did.
Best start for general veggie info:
Check out the Vegetarian Society web pages.
Subscribe to a magazine such as 'Vegetarian Living' - I found this magazine really does do what it says in the title and it's packed with relevant info (rare for a magazine these days) about all aspects of vegetarian living, as well as delicious recipes to suit all budgets and occasions.
Best start for eating:
Check out the veggie section in your local supermarket (frozen and chilled). Pre-prepared veggie products have really moved on and there's plenty of delicious choices that can get you started with little or no hassle at all. You can enjoy cooking new dishes from scratch later if you wish - but, like I say, to help you take that first leap more easily then some of these products are really great.
A few of my favourite food products are:
Great for over 100 meat-a-like products such as sausages, mince, 'chicken' pieces, snacks and ready meals.
I'm loving their mozzarella and pesto escalopes and their new best of British Banger that they've done - its delish for brunches, casseroles and with good old mash and beans!
They have some great pies, tarts and quiches in their range - I'm loving the sweet potato, feta and pumpkin seed pie.
A lovely range of tasty sausages, snacks, kievs and tofu products. Favourites include their Moroccan Kiev and their falafels.
These are super for lunches and for suppers. Several creative flavours to chose from and so far my money's with the Caribbean one.
Waitrose own brand
As usual this slightly more ethical supermarket has made more effort than most to provide great ranges of clearly labelled foods that are suitable and that offer variety beyond the norm.
Some of my favourites so far have included:
Vegetable moussaka, nut roast wellington, chestnut mushroom pizza and pumpkin and pine nut piorelli.
A lot of these foods / brands provide a main meal base and then you can pile mixed salads and vegetables on the side to your hearts desire. Yum.
You should also look out for food labelling that either clearly states 'suitable for vegetarians' or that sports the Vegetarian Society Approved symbol.
Tip: Don't assume that a food product without meat is suitable, as many contain other animal ingredients that you may not have realised. If I'm ever in doubt I look for an alternative product instead.
Note: You may be familiar with Linda McCartney as a main vegetarian brand and indeed it was one of the pioneering brands. I've tried many of the products in their range but its such a shame to say that I feel other brands have superseded this one in terms of quality and flavour. The range has expanded now and you may like it - but I'm unable to recommended it here.
Best start for ethical living:
Animal derivatives in products and animal testing is so prevalent that this can be extremely difficult to avoid these days. I found that the best starting point was to review and change the household products I commonly use (chemical cleaners and toiletries in particular) and to avoid any further purchase of either leather or feather products in favour of material and man-made alternatives.
Research soon lead me to realise that leather and feathers are not by-products of the meat industry, but are an industry in themselves - the treatment of cows being reared for leather is simply horrific and feathers are ripped from live birds bred purely for this purpose.
As with the food - further learning about products can be done as you go - its easy to start getting into the habit of checking labels.
Look for the bunny symbols as proof that a product hasn't been tested on animals.
Some of my favourite products so far include:
- Attitude and Ecoleaf for household cleaning [available from Goodness Direct]
- Green People and Organic Surge for skin care and hair care
- Urban Decay [available at Debenhams] and Beauty Without Cruelty for makeup and amazing nail varnishes!
So there you have it! Easy ways to learn more, eat veggie and live more ethically - simple pimple as we used to say - what are you waiting for?!
Questions? Please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Chantal
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