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" Thinking of switching meat for vegetarian delights? If you find yourself leaving meat off the menu time and time again, why not go the whole hog and cut it from your diet altogether? There are heaps of health benefits to reap, not to mention the moral feel-good factor of adopting a meat-free vegetarian diet.\u00A0And Meat Free May is as good a time as any to make the change! If your weekly meal plan already consists of mostly meat-free dishes, it won&amp;#039;t be too hard to take the plunge. Many meat eaters who switch from meat to veg without doing the research often fall at the first hurdle, especially if they&amp;#039;re going cold turkey! It&amp;#039;s best to research around what types of food you like and create substitutes for your favourite dishes. Swap beef burgers for bean burgers or try meat alternatives like quorn. You can take as big or as little a leap as you like to make the transition a swift, smooth one. Health benefits of a vegetarian diet Although meat in moderation provides healthy vitamins and nutrients to our daily diets, the millions of vegetarians out there will proclaim how easy it is to get all the essential nutrients, without munching on a succulent pork chop! There are some brilliant benefits to becoming a veggie. Here are just a few (if you&amp;#039;re looking for a little push to sway your decision!):  Fatty red meats and processed meats contain high levels of saturated fats, which can increase the risk of heart-related illness. Cutting red meat from your diet could reduce the risk of breast cancer. Research has shown that women who eat mainly red meat can increase the chances of breast cancer by 22%. Studies have also shown that vegetarians following a well-balanced diet consisting of low-fat and high-fibre foods reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, hypertension and obesity. Eating less fatty meats will automatically cut down on cholesterol, as well as helping to lose weight and shift unwanted pounds. Ditching meat and fish is also great for the environment. The demand for livestock farming and fishing is so high. Over-fishing for example, has led to a decline in marine species, with some extremely close to extinction. Livestock farming is responsible for 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions, so abstaining from eating meat will help to significantly reduce the carbon footprint. Billions of livestock are slaughtered each year. Going veggie is a small step in helping to conserve animals, and will keep your mind conscience-free every time you tuck into a meal!  Top tips for becoming vegetarian Have we managed to sway you? Are you all set for a veggie lifestyle? Here are some top tips on how to make the switch to a healthy vegetarian diet. 1. Start the transition slowly. Start by making veggie versions of your favourite dishes. Good ones to start with are vegetarian lasagnes, bean burgers, hearty bean chillies, halloumi salads, vegetable-laden pizzas \u2013 the choices are endless! 2. Try your hand at some inventive vegetarian recipes. Veggie food doesn&amp;#039;t have to be boring, it&amp;#039;s up to you to throw some creativity into your culinary masterpieces! Browse through our selection of delicious vegetarian recipes to whet your appetite. 3. Try fake meats and meat-free alternatives. Tofu and quorn are high contenders and easy to cook with. There are also some convincing veggie sausages to devilishly devour, including chorizo and sizzling British bangers. There&amp;#039;s even mock turkey flying around, if that takes your fancy. If you&amp;#039;re firing up the barbecue, halloumi is a great meat alternative to chargrilled chicken and chunky veg. 4. Eat out at a veggie-friendly restaurant. There are some brilliant options around. We adore Terra Terre in Brighton \u2013 it&amp;#039;s full of elaborately prepared, mouthwatering dishes that are packed full of flavour \u2013 even the mightiest of meat eaters will be suitably impressed with the vast\u00A0menu choice at this trendy eatery. 5. Try different cuisines. Many Middle Eastern and Asian foods like Lebanese, Moroccan or Indian boast a sumptuous selection of vegetarian dishes. Tabbouleh, tagine, curry, falafel are all delicious and super-easy to make.\u00A0Mix up your midweek meals with a touch of exotic spice, and your vegetarian menu need never be boring. Our favourite vegetarian recipes to try: Quick and easy falafels Energy-boosting lentil, chickpea and orange salad Butternut squash vegetarian lasagne Ditch the dough: get creative with cauliflower! Get your fix of all things Prima with our twice-weekly newsletter \u2014 sign up below! "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.prima.co.uk/diet-and-health/diet-plans/a30825/vegetarian-diet/>