Converting a MEAT-Eater

*Casie Here*

Since becoming a vegetarian/vegan I have had several conversations with mostly woman that have said, "I could definitely give up meat. That would be easy for me, but there is no way my husband ever would." or something similar to that. 

First of all, it's an excuse. I usually want to say: THEN DO IT!!! (as far as them giving up meat)

But I really totally get it. It's hard enough let alone when both parties aren't on board. It's usually not practical that two separate meals will be made for every meal. That would get exhausting super fast. So, I have come up with some practical tips you can try to convert your significant other over to being MEAT free. 

Here are my top tips in trying to convert someone to become a vegetarian:

1. Let the research speak for itself:. You can't argue with science. Watch videos together on why meat is not good for you and vegetables are really good, read books and articles. Find lots of information that support going meat-free. *We have recommended so many on this blog* Gather all the FACTS. It's not you nagging and harping at them, it's a neutral person  stating the facts. Talk to each other about why you both want to become healthier and how you can support each other. Never think of it as a diet. Diets are restrictive. This is a life long lifestyle. You are adding all these wonderful healthy foods that MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER!!! Again, hard to argue with that.

*This is how we converted. You can't hear that information and then pretend you didn't. It just makes sense. If you have a big enough motivation as to why you want to make the change, you will stick with it. Do you want to live longer for your kids? Do you want to be healthier, so you can do more things with your family? Do you just want to feel better and be happier? 

2. This is kind of a crazy one. Try associating meat in your head (or in your husbands head) with something disgusting. Pretend the meat fell into the garbage and has all kinds of gunk stuck to it like dog hair and dirt swept up from the floor, snotty tissues and poopy diapers smeared on it. Doesn't sound very appetizing now does it? Actually, I think this is part of the reason it was easy for me to not eat meat anymore. I kept getting grossed out by eating blood of another animal. 

3. Try substituting at first. DON'T tell them until they finish the meal that you substituted the ground beef with soy crumbles, seitan (wheat protein), tempeh, tofu or just use mushrooms or beans in replace of the 'meat'. They look exactly the same and in most meals you make with ground hamburger you will NOT be able to tell any difference. Try tacos, spaghetti or sheppards pie. They might realize they actually LIKE it. I will caution about having too much soy, though. We really try to limit it in our household. 

4. Negotiate. Start small (were talking baby steps here). See if they will agree to let you cook 2 vegetarian meals a week (Meatless Mondays and Meat-Free Fridays). Maybe after a while increase the days slowly until BAM, your household is completely meat free! 

5. You could save meat for only 'special occasions' (when you go out to eat, holidays, bbq's, parties, etc...). And at home not buy or cook any meat. Although, honestly I would definitely start trying vegetarian meals when you go out. For one it can give you more ideas on things to make at home and you can find things you really love. AND I have always said this. Restaurants know that some of their patrons are vegetarian and most places have limited options anyway. They are going to make sure that the few entrees they do offer that are vegetarian are delicious or they know they won't get those vegetarians through their doors again. 

6. You could start by youself for now and become a good role model for them. When they start noticing the positive effects you are exhibiting, that could be enough of a motivator for them to try it too and if you are already doing it, it should be easy to just make more of what you are already eating.

7. Have your husband sign up to follow this blog on his e-mail. When we post new things, it will get sent to his in-box and maybe he will start reading them and something might 'click' with him. We use practical, real-life suggestions that are easily incorporated into your life. Plus, look at all the yummy recipes he will want to try! It's worth a shot!

That is about all the ideas I have for now. I really think the BEST one is #1.