I’m thinking of becoming one. [I Am a Vegetarian]

I mean I’ve been like doing some research and to be honest, I wanted to become one for a while but I didn’t know how people or my family would like react. I mean I feel bad for animals and not only that but to become healthier and don’t eat meat so much. Don’t judge me! Animals deserve to live.

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hartfire

I recommend Frances Moore Lappé's [i]Diet for a Small Planet[/i] and [i]Recipes for a Small Planet[/i].
The first explains the reasons for vegetarianism, and the options for different kinds - including economics, ecology, ethics, health and nutrition. It explains the basic kinds of food combinations that guarantee a well-balanced, delicious and easy diet. The second book offers a wide variety of recipes from all over the world, and helps one get started.

I became vegetarian at 21. My mother and her friends were dubious that I'd get enough protein - but they soon accepted it when they saw that I remained healthy.
I mostly prefer to cook and eat at home - but do love to eat out as a treat.
In the early days, some restaurants and cafés lacked a vegetarian option on the menu, or the offering was some ghastly mass-produced pattie out a frozen package. But even then, one could always get by with a salad.
These days, every place has at least one yummy and healthy vegetarian dish.

Veganism is possible, but much harder to ensure enough calcium and Vit B12. Be very careful to do the research and don't just buy into vegan magazines. Osteoporosis and nerve problems are quite common for older vegans. The calcium in nuts passes through the digestion because it's not bio-available. The B12 in mushrooms is too small in amount to meet the body's needs. Supplements are the only real answer, and they have to be synthesised from non-animal sources.