How to Deal with Meat Cravings as a New Vegetarian

Struggling with those meat cravings as a vegetarian? Don’t worry—here’s how to overcome them without giving in to temptation!

Maybe it’s the sudden smell of barbecue or your husband’s pepperoni pizza.

Whatever the source, cravings aren’t a matter of IF they happen, they’re a matter of WHEN they happen. And you’ve got to be prepared when they hit.

In this post, I’ll share simple (and unexpected!) strategies to help you manage those cravings, stay focused on your goals, and feel confident in your choice to go vegetarian.

Let’s dive into how to handle those cravings like a pro!

Be Kind to Yourself: Cravings Are Normal!

Let’s start with something super important: be kind to yourself!

Transitioning to a vegetarian lifestyle isn’t always easy, and it’s okay to have moments where cravings hit harder than you expected. We’re all human, and sometimes the smell of barbecue can have you thinking about that old favorite burger.

But here’s the thing—you don’t have to be perfect.

The key is to give yourself grace and not beat yourself up if you have cravings or even slip up. Instead of focusing on the times you struggle, celebrate how far you’ve come. Whether it’s your first meatless meal or your first month without meat, every step matters. You’re building new habits, and that takes time.

So when you feel those cravings coming on, remember: it’s totally normal.

Acknowledge it, know your best strategy for overcoming the craving, and move forward with confidence that you’re doing the best you can.

Progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up and making intentional choices, even when it’s tough.

Know Your Strategy for Cravings-Prone Situations

Cravings are going to hit, and when they do your absolute best line of defense is to have a plan in place, AKA your strategy for dealing with the craving. You’ll never be caught off-guard if you have a plan to stay on-track from the get-go.

Be sure to know which strategies resonate best for you and always have them at the ready in your vegetarian toolbox for when you need them!

And now let’s learn what they are! Here are the best strategies for dealing with your meat cravings as a vegetarian:

Remember Your “Why”: Staying Motivated in Your Vegetarian Journey

One of the best ways to combat those pesky cravings is to keep your focus on your why. Why did you decide to go vegetarian in the first place? Was it for your health? For the animals? For the environment?

Whatever your reason is, remind yourself of it regularly. Write it down, put it somewhere you’ll see every day, or even make it the background on your phone.

Your why is what’s going to keep you going when the going gets tough. It’s what’ll push you through those moments of doubt when you’re really wanting to indulge in meat.

Having that clarity around your motivation makes it a whole lot easier to stick to your decision.

So when you’re tempted, just think back to your why. Remind yourself of the bigger picture and let that motivate you to stay the course.

Get Meaty Flavors Without the Meat: Mastering Umami

Who says you can’t enjoy the meaty flavors you crave as a vegetarian?

The truth is, those flavors you miss aren’t just about the meat—they’re often about umami, that rich, savory taste that hits all the right spots. And guess what? You can get that without breaking your vegetarian streak.

Start experimenting with umami-packed foods like mushrooms, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and miso. These are your secret weapons when it comes to making vegetarian meals just as satisfying as the meaty ones.

You can also try smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or grilled veggies for that smoky, charred flavor that mimics grilled meats.

And let’s not forget about plant-based meat substitutes! These days, there are so many amazing options that taste remarkably close to the real thing. Think about veggie burgers, soy sausages, or seitan. Incorporating these into your meals on occasion can help banish cravings and make the transition smoother.

Whenever those cravings creep up, try creating dishes with deep, savory flavors that satisfy your vegetarian meat craving.

Name Your Stomach: A Fun Trick to Disassociate

This is one of my favorite silly (yet super effective) strategies: give your stomach a name.

Seriously.

Giving your stomach a name is a trick to help your brain disassociate the feelings of cravings. They’re not your cravings, they’re Stomach Steve’s cravings.

This allows YOU – the conscious and logical you that decided to go vegetarian – feel more in control.

Stomach Steve is like a toddler – a whiney toddler who gives into temptation and only wants things he can’t have (meat). But YOU know what’s best for him and can make smart decisions in his best interest, even when he’s throwing a temper tantrum.

So when you feel a craving coming on, just kindly tell Stomach Steve that you understand he would like to eat this food, but you know that the best thing for both of you is to stay on-track with your diet.

It sounds really strange but it truly works!

Find an Accountability Partner to Stay on Track

Going vegetarian is way more fun when you’ve got someone in your corner and when those cravings hit, having someone to chat with can be a game-changer.

I call this having an accountability partner, and trust me—it makes a huge difference.

This person can be your go-to for advice, encouragement, or just someone to text when you’re craving meat.

For example, “Hey, I’m craving a cheeseburger. Tell me why I shouldn’t!” And boom—they swoop in with all the reasons you decided to go vegetarian in the first place. Maybe they’ll even remind you of that veggie burger recipe you’ve been meaning to try!

Your partner can be a friend, family member, or even a vegetarian lifestyle coach (wink wink).

You can also join a community of fellow beginner vegetarians who will definitely support you through the cravings. Be sure to join us in Easy Beginner Vegetarian – my Facebook group community full of accountability partners waiting to help you on your journey.

Use a Mantra to Power Through Cravings

Now, let’s talk mantras.

I know, I know—mantras might sound a little woo-woo, but hear me out!

A mantra is just a short, powerful phrase you repeat to yourself to help you refocus when your mind starts drifting toward meat cravings. It’s like a mental reset button.

You can create your own mantra, something that resonates with you personally.

It could be something simple like, “I choose compassion,” or “I’m nourishing my body.” Maybe even, “Plants over patties,” if you want to keep it light!

The point is, when you’re craving meat, repeating this mantra helps remind you of your why. You’re not just resisting meat for the sake of it—you’re making choices that align with your values, your health, or whatever motivated you to go vegetarian in the first place.

The next time you’re tempted, take a deep breath, repeat your mantra, and remind yourself that this craving is just a moment. Your goals? They’re long-term. And those goals are way more important than a fleeting craving for chicken nuggets.

Have an Indulgent Back-Up Plan for When Cravings Get Intense

Let’s be real. Sometimes, no matter how many mantras you chant or how many accountability texts you send, you’re just craving something hearty.

This is when having an indulgent back-up plan comes in handy. The idea here is to have a go-to meal or snack that satisfies that craving without compromising your vegetarian goals.

Maybe it’s a ridiculously good veggie burger that’s stacked high with fried onion rings and all your favorite toppings, or maybe it’s giant bowl of boxed macaroni and cheese. The point is, when those cravings hit hard, you’ve got a back-up plan that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself without turning to meat.

This way, you’re not left staring longingly at your old favorites—you’ve got new favorites to turn to instead.

Stay Full on Nutrient-Dense Vegetarian Foods

One of the easiest ways to beat cravings is to simply stay full—like, really full.

And I’m not talking about just snacking on celery sticks all day (please, no one has time for that). I’m talking about eating nutrient-dense, satisfying meals that keep your stomach happy and your body energized.

When you’re switching to a vegetarian lifestyle, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough of the right nutrients—protein, fiber, healthy fats—so your body feels satisfied. If you’re constantly hungry, it’s no wonder you’re craving meat!

The solution? Load up on foods that keep you full and satisfied for longer.

Grain bowls with quinoa, beans, and roasted veggies are a great option. So are hearty salads with tons of texture (think avocado, nuts, seeds, roasted chickpeas).

Don’t skimp on the good stuff! The more nutrient-dense your meals are, the easier it’ll be to resist cravings.

And remember—eating enough is key. If you’re under-eating, your body’s going to crave anything and everything, so give yourself permission to eat generously.

Get Creative with New Vegetarian Recipes

One of the best ways to keep things exciting (and avoid boredom that can lead to cravings) is to get creative with your meals.

There’s a whole world of vegetarian recipes out there just waiting to be explored! Trying new foods and experimenting in the kitchen can make your vegetarian journey a lot more fun.

Think about it—there are so many global cuisines that are naturally plant-based or can easily be adapted to a vegetarian lifestyle. From Indian curries to Mediterranean mezze platters, there are endless options to explore.

The more you enjoy your meals, the less likely you’ll be to crave meat.

If you’re looking for tons of examples of diverse, beginner-friendly vegetarian meals, be sure to join us in The Club!

Stay Away from Meaty Temptations (When You Can)

Okay, real talk: if you’re hanging out at a barbecue or in front of a sizzling steakhouse, those cravings are going to come on strong. That’s just how it is when you’re surrounded by meaty temptations!

One of the best ways to stay on track is to simply avoid situations that trigger those cravings as much as possible—at least until you feel more confident in your new lifestyle.

If you know a restaurant has limited vegetarian options, suggest another spot or eat a filling meal before you go.

Going to a cookout? Offer to bring your own veggie burgers or skewers, so you don’t feel left out.

By creating environments that support your new diet, you can minimize those cravings and stay strong in your choices.

And hey, sometimes it’s okay to say no.

If you know you’re going to be too tempted, it’s better to skip certain situations altogether until you’re feeling more secure in your vegetarian habits. Don’t feel guilty about putting your health and goals first.

You’ve Got This—Cravings Are Just Part of the Journey

Cravings? Totally normal.

The key is learning how to deal with meat cravings as a vegetarian, which is something you can do with the right strategies.

Whether it’s giving your stomach a name, staying full on healthy foods, or indulging in a delicious veggie-packed back-up meal, you’ve now got plenty of tools in your toolkit.

Remember, you’re on this journey for a reason—whether it’s for your health, for the animals, or for the planet. You’re making choices that align with your values, and that’s huge. Cravings are just a small bump in the road, but they won’t derail you if you’re prepared.

So next time those cravings pop up, use these tips, stay focused on your goals, and keep moving forward. You’ve got this!

And if you ever need a little extra support, remember—I’m here to cheer you on!

XO – Bailee

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