How to become a vegetarian
How I did it: One day I decided that I couldn't eat meat in good conscience anymore. I had been aware of the conditions that animals are kept in, aware of cruelty and suffering, for many years and had always felt badly about eating the meat. One day I listened to my conscience and said, Not anymore. So first I cut out all pig and cow products and let myself still eat some chicken. I ate chicken every now and then for a couple of months and then cut that out as well (I weaned myself off meat, but some people can do it all in one go with no problems). I no longer eat meat and am interested in becoming a vegan now. I do not regret it and I never really crave meat either. I feel very good that I am finally acting according to what I know is right rather than what feels good. Although it does feel good to not be a hypocrite anymore.
Lessons & tips: If you want to do it, just do it. You will be amazed at how simple it is. If a food item has meat in it, you just don't eat it. Soy hot dogs, burgers, burrito mix, luncheon meats, etc. are all available if you crave the functionality, texture, taste (Not identical but similar) of meat. I personally am never tempted by looking at a meat product, I never crave meat really. You might expect to, but you probably won't. It's not that difficult to resist. It is important to find alternative sources of protein. A lot of fake meat products do have protein in them as well, which is helpful. It's really not that hard to go vegetarian, it's going vegan that is difficult. That is why I started with vegetarianism and will hopefully one day be vegan too. But don't be intimidated. You eat vegetarian meals all the time without thinking about the fact that its vegetarian.
Resources: Fake meat hot dogs. They taste so similar to the real thing.
