More and more people are switching to a vegetarian diet. This is due to many reasons: unwillingness to eat animal food, desire to improve health, idealistic values.

If a person is used to diversity, it can be difficult to switch directly to vegetarianism. The body will have to adapt to new food.

There are various types of vegetarian diets - both a complete rejection of animal food, and the inclusion of dairy products and eggs in the diet.

What is important to know when switching to vegetarianism

For the health of the body, a balanced diet is important. A person needs not only carbohydrates and fats, but also proteins. In addition, the decision must be conscious, because changing the usual diet is not so simple.

The principles of nutrition:

• The body needs protein. Vegetarians get it from plant foods, mainly legumes. Protein is found in milk, cottage cheese, eggs.
• Vitamins If the food is varied, then problems with the intake of substances rarely occur. The problem of lack of vitamins is more relevant for vegans, that is, those who completely abandoned animal food. Most often, B12, D, A is lacking. The last two vitamins are found in plant products, and the deficiency in B12 will have to be replenished.
• Minerals. With an improper diet, there may be a lack of iron, calcium.

To stay healthy and active, vegetarian must carefully monitor the balance of his diet.

Where to start the transition to a vegetarian diet

First you need to decide which type of vegetarianism is more suitable for you. You should not sharply refuse all products of animal origin, it is better to make the transition smooth, so that the body experiences less stress.

You should consider how the deficiency of vitamins and minerals will be filled.

The best option is when eggs and dairy products remain in the diet.

• Learn how your body works. It is advisable to do tests to find out if there is a shortage of any substances.
• Think carefully about your diet. Food needs to be diversified as much as possible.
• At first, they refuse red meat, leaving chicken and fish in the diet. Then these species can be removed.
• Tune in to the fact that an organism that does not receive calories will more often signal a feeling of hunger.
• Do not try to kill hunger with sweets and pastries - there will be no benefit from such a diet, and you can gain weight.
• If you are actively involved in sports, pay attention to foods high in protein, learn in more detail which foods are most useful. This is especially important for those who seek to build or maintain muscle mass.

The transition may take from several weeks to several months. You have to learn how to cook a variety of dishes. A vegetarian diet can be interesting and tasty, if you choose and combine products correctly.

The most wholesome food is boiled and baked, there should be a minimum amount of fried foods.

You will find more information in this article - https://vegatlas.ru/food/kak-stanovyatsya-vegetariantsami-i-s-chego-nachat