PETA's VegPledge

Through the foray of websites I found, I ended up deciding to take PETA's VegPledge. Unlike the other, trademarked VegPledge, this one is only for thirty days.

I really like the email I got from PETA after I signed their pledge, for various reasons. Partly I thought it was funny that one of the suggestions they make is to try tons of fake meat products...makes me laugh. There's a lot of useful stuff in the email too though, so I thought I'd share it:

Dear [insert name]

You have just taken the first step toward a healthier and more
compassionate life. Going vegetarian has never been easier, and
we're here to help! From our fantastic recipes and our list of
our favorite products to our vegetarian cookbooks and online
shopping guide and meal plans, PETA has all the information that
you need to get started.

Top Six Tips for Making the Switch

(1) Make vegetarian versions of your favorite meals. "Veg up"
your favorite recipes by simply replacing the meat with other
foods. For example, replace the beef in burritos with beans,
guacamole, and grilled veggies, or try vegetarian beef crumbles
from Morningstar Farms or Boca instead.

(2) Explore delicious vegetarian recipes. We have more than
1,500 kitchen-tested recipes
http://www.vegcooking.com/searchrecipes.asp to choose from! If
you'd rather thumb through a cookbook, check out some of our
favorites. http://www.vegcooking.com/cookbooks.asp

(3) Try tasty faux meats and dairy alternatives. Sample the
ever-growing lineup of mock meats and the vast array of tasty
alternatives to dairy products. Some of the most popular brands
include Boca, Gardenburger, Morningstar Farms, and Silk. Check
out our top picks. http://www.vegcooking.com/guide-favs.asp

(4) Sample microwaveable meals and convenience foods. Always on
the run? Check out the variety of vegan microwavable meals in
your local grocery store's freezer aisle or read about our
favorite products
herehttp://www.vegcooking.com/productArchive.asp. There are
also hundreds of "accidentally vegan" items at a grocery near
you. You can read our full list here.
http://www.peta.org/accidentallyVegan/default.asp

(5) Find vegetarian-friendly restaurants in your area. Whatever
your budget and wherever you live, you can enjoy great
vegetarian meals. Our "Dining Out" guide features reviews of
some of the hottest vegetarian-friendly restaurants in the
country plus links to all the best online restaurant guides.
http://www.vegcooking.com/diningOut.asp

(6) Explore meat-free foods from around the world. While you can
make vegetarian versions of all your favorite classic American
dishes, http://www.vegcooking.com/CuisineTypeAmerican.asp
delight your taste buds by sampling the many vegetarian foods
that have been popular in other countries for centuries.
Mexican, Thai, Indian, and Ethiopian cuisines all include tons
of tasty vegetarian options and you can try them at home, just
check out our Cuisine Type recipe search engine.
http://www.vegcooking.com/searchrecipes.asp

Thank you again for taking the Pledge to Be Veg for 30 Days, and
if you need additional resources to help you go vegetarian,
check out our guide to making the transition.
http://www.vegcooking.com/makingthetransition.asp

Join others who took the pledge on ExperienceProject.com, the
world's largest network of shared experiences!
http://www.experienceproject.com/mk/challenges.php You can
track your progress on eating vegetarian, get support from
others who took the pledge, and challenge your friends to get
involved too!

Sincerely,

PETA