13 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Going Vegetarian

Before you give up the meat for good, check out these 12 insider tips for what you can expect when you switch to a vegetarian diet!

Deciding to go vegetarian is a big deal! It’s exciting, inspiring, and, let’s be real, maybe a little intimidating.

When I first started my vegetarian journey, I had no idea what I was getting into. Some things surprised me, others caught me completely off guard, and a few turned out to be way easier than I’d expected.

That’s why I’m here—to share what I’ve learned in 13 years as a vegetarian you can feel confident, prepared, and ready to embrace this new lifestyle. Knowing what to expect before going vegetarian makes all the difference. It helps you avoid frustration, tackle challenges with ease, and actually enjoy the process.

Let’s dive into the 13 things I wish someone had told me before I took the plunge!

1. Getting Protein Is Easier Than You Think

One of the first things people worry about when they go vegetarian is protein. I get it—everyone suddenly seems obsessed with asking, “Where will you get your protein?” Here’s the truth: getting enough protein on a vegetarian diet is not hard.

There are so many plant-based options that are packed with protein. Beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, nuts, seeds, and even some grains like quinoa are amazing sources. Not to mention, there are tons of fortified foods and plant-based protein powders if you want an extra boost.

You don’t need to meticulously count every gram of protein unless you have specific fitness goals. For most people, eating a balanced vegetarian diet naturally provides all the protein you need.

Learn more about getting protein easily as a new vegetarian.

2. Multivitamins: Your Secret Weapon

When you switch to a vegetarian lifestyle, you might need to keep an eye on a few key nutrients—things like vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3s. Here’s the good news: a daily multivitamin can have you covered while you get the hang of things.

Vitamin B12 is especially important because it’s mostly found in animal products, so it’s worth taking a supplement or eating fortified foods like plant-based milk and cereals. Iron is abundant in plant foods like spinach and lentils, but pairing it with vitamin C (hello, orange juice!) makes it easier for your body to absorb.

Multivitamins are like a safety net. They help fill in any gaps while you figure out what works best for your diet.

Find the best multivitamin for you on your vegetarian diet.

3. Don’t Rely on Willpower—Build Habits

Let me tell you a secret: willpower is overrated!!! When you’re hungry, tired, or just having a bad day, willpower won’t always save you. That’s why building sustainable habits is key.

You have to make the effort to learn and create habits that will sustain you even when willpower gives out. These habits could include meal planning, meal prepping, goal-setting, celebrating your wins at every meal. These seemingly small things that you do every day are what is going to make you successful.

One way to build these habits without getting overwhelmed is to focus on quick and easy meals in the beginning. Don’t get too fancy cooking Pinterest-worthy recipes. Learn some simple and tasty dishes that don’t even require recipes so you can focus more of your energy on creating other habits slowly – like writing down your daily goals and taking a minute to to think about your WHY.

Build up a repertoire of quick and easy vegetarian meals that will make it easy to sustain your habit long-term.

4. Dealing with Criticism from Vegans and Meat-Eaters

Here’s something I didn’t expect: criticism from both sides. Some vegans might call you “not committed enough” for not cutting out eggs or cheese, while some meat-eaters might get weirdly offended by your choices.

The truth? Your diet is your business. Not everyone will understand or agree with your choices, and that’s okay. Focus on what feels right for you, and don’t feel like you have to justify your lifestyle to anyone.

If someone starts grilling you (pun intended), a good response is: “I’m doing what works for me right now.” Short, sweet, and end of conversation.

On the fence between starting a vegetarian or a vegan diet? You can learn more about the pros and cons of vegan and vegetarian diets here.

5. Don’t Try to Do It Overnight

When I first decided to go vegetarian, I thought I could quit meat cold turkey (ironic, right?). Spoiler alert: it didn’t work. Changing habits takes time, and there’s no shame in transitioning slowly.

Start by cutting out one type of meat at a time. Maybe red meat goes first, then poultry, then seafood. Or try easing in with Meatless Mondays and gradually increase your vegetarian meals from there. Taking it step by step helps you adjust and build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.

Learn more about the best transition strategy for going vegetarian.

6. Rethink the Classic “Meat and Sides” Meal Structure

If you’re used to building meals around a piece of meat with a couple of sides, it’s time to shake things up. Vegetarian meals don’t usually follow the “meat and sides” formula, and that’s a good thing!

Think pastas, casseroles, grain bowls, soups, salads, and stir fries – mixed up meals as I like to call them. Vegetarian meals tend to incorporate grains, proteins, veggies, and fats all together, which can be DELICIOUS!

Once you break free from the meat-and-sides mindset, your meals become way more creative and exciting.

7. Skip the Fake Meats—At Least for Now

Plant-based meats like burgers and sausages can be tempting, but they’re not always the best option, especially for beginners. They can be expensive, highly processed, and honestly, they may make your journey even harder if you find yourself comparing the taste and texture to your meat favorites.

Instead, focus on whole foods like beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh. These are versatile, nutrient-dense, and way more affordable. You can always explore plant-based meats later once you’ve gotten comfortable with your new diet and you no longer miss the taste of meat as much.

8. Smoothies Are a Game-Changer

Don’t underestimate the power of a smoothie in your diet! It’s a great way to pack in protein, veggies, and fruits in a quick and convenient way so you know you’re getting a dose of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients to power you through the day.

Ingredients like Greek yogurt, ground seeds, and protein powder are easy to incorporate to get protein. Kale and spinach are great adds to get the benefits of leafy greens, and their taste can be masked by the fruits that you add. Even if you’re a picky eater, you can find a combi that works for you!

9. Slip-Ups Are OK, and So Is Flexibility

Guess what? It’s okay to mess up. Maybe you accidentally eat something with chicken broth in it, or you just can’t resist a slice of pepperoni pizza at a party. Slip-ups happen, and they don’t mean you’ve failed.

Instead of beating yourself up, learn from the experience. Was it a planning issue? Did you not realize what was in the food? Use it as a chance to improve for next time. Remember you’re human and it’s OK.

Once you feel confident in your vegetarian habits, it’s also okay to allow some flexibility if it aligns with your values. Maybe you occasionally eat seafood at family gatherings or enjoy a traditional dish on vacation. There’s no vegetarian police checking labels—your diet should work for you.

10. Always Be Prepared to Bring Your Own Food

Social events can be tricky when you’re vegetarian. Not every party, picnic, or potluck will have options for you, and that’s okay. The key is to be prepared.

Bring a dish to share, pack a snack, or eat something beforehand. Not only does this ensure you’ll have something to eat, but it’s also a great way to introduce others to delicious vegetarian food.

A good way to find out if vegetarian food will be served is to ask ahead of time if you can bring a dish – your host will appreciate the gesture and if they’re already planning on making something you can eat, it will save you the trouble!

Learn more about managing social situations as a new vegetarian.

11. Be Mindful of Weight Gain

One unexpected thing I learned? It’s possible to gain weight on a vegetarian diet. It’s really easy if you aren’t careful to rely too much on processed foods or carb-heavy meals. When this happens, the calories start to add up and you might find that the pounds are too.

The solution? Focus on balance. Combine protein, healthy fats, and fiber in your meals to keep you satisfied and energized. Don’t neglect carbs or fats (you need them!) but make sure to balance them out with lots of veggies.

Learn more about how to eat a balanced and healthy vegetarian diet.

12. Joining a Community Makes It Easier

You don’t have to (and shouldn’t!) do this alone. Joining a community of like-minded people can make your vegetarian journey so much easier and way more fun.

Having a community gives you the support, accountability, and solidarity you need to enjoy your new diet and stick with it.

I’d love for you to join my Easy Beginner Vegetarian Facebook group, where we share tips, recipes, and encouragement. It’s a safe space to ask questions and get support from others who are on the same path.

13. The Rewards Make It All Worthwhile

At the end of the day, going vegetarian is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. You’ll feel good about supporting your health, helping the planet, and aligning your diet with your values.

It’s not always easy in the beginning, but trust me—it gets to be second-nature over time and it’s soooo worth it. Each step you take brings you closer to a lifestyle that feels fulfilling and meaningful.

Imagine having a purpose and making a difference at every meal for the rest of your life!

What’s Next?

Making the switch to vegetarianism is a journey, but with the right tools and mindset, it can be a fun and rewarding one. Knowing what to expect before going vegetarian helps you feel prepared, confident, and ready to tackle any challenges that come your way.

I hope that sharing the lessons I’ve learned along the way have given you the insight you’ve needed to say “I can do this!” and that you’re ready to take the plunge to get started!

If you’re ready to take the next step, join us inside The Veggie Vault my monthly membership program with a library of filterable plant-based recipes and easy weekly meal plans. It makes going (and staying) vegetarian a breeze.

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