How to be a vegetarian

It's not just for hippies anymore.

You Will Need:

* Vegetarian foods
* Multi-vitamins
* Omega-3 pills
* Milk substitutes with calcium
* And a little willpower

*Warning: Never change your diet without first consulting your physician.

Step 1: Examine your motives
Think about why you want to become a vegetarian. Are you doing it for health reasons? Or is it just that you can’t bear eating any “food with a face”? People will ask, and you’ll want your answer prepared.

Step 2: Pick a vegetarian type
Decide what kind of vegetarian you would like to be. A vegan gives up meat, poultry, fish, and all their by-products; lacto vegetarians eat dairy; and ovo-lacto vegetarians allow themselves dairy and eggs.

Step 3: Tell loved ones
Tell your family and friends why you decided to become a vegetarian and ask them to respect your decision.

Step 4: Do research
Start reading labels and asking questions at restaurants. That marinara sauce might have a base made with meat stock, and if you’re avoiding dairy, even potato chips, which contain whey, are off-limits.

Step 5: Be creative
Think about all the yummy things you can eat, like nuts and nut butters, fruits, veggies, legumes, pasta, grains, tofu—and yogurt and cheese if you’re not vegan. Plus there are all kinds of spices and probably even foods you’ve never tried before.

Step 6: Take vitamins
Buy a good multi-vitamin to supplement your diet and take omega-3 pills to replace the nutrients you would get from fish.
*Tip: If you're a vegan, drink milk substitutes enriched with calcium to maintain bone density.

Step 7: Get enough protein
Make sure you get enough protein by incorporating plenty of beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, and grains into your diet.

*Fact: Wine is not allowed on a vegan diet because animal by-products are used in the clarifying process.