VEGETARIAN TIPS

1) If you sometimes crave meat, try one of the abundant meat alternative products that are pretty good substitutes. Or grill a portabella mushroom cap, and put BBQ sauce on it - works every time!

2) You CAN have all the flavors without the meat. Making the transition to a vegetarian diet does not mean food tasting like sawdust. Dive into exciting cookbooks and online recipe collections.

3) Explore and experiment! Remember, it is the herbs, spices and condiments that usually make a dish.

4) What do I do with my meat eating family? Don't make a big deal of not eating meat. There are enough delicious vegetarian food out there, and if you don't announce it as something "different" the transition will be smoother.

5) Going to friends for dinner, can be tricky if you don't know them well. Real friends who know you will make accommodations, and add a veggie dish or two. If you don't know the people you are going to, ask when you are invited. Try to find out if they are serving any vegetable side dishes. Or to be safe, eat before you go.

6) Spreading the word. Dealing with non-vegetarian friends might be taxing. It is tempting to try to convert people with facts and statistics. Resist the temptation unless you know them well. Your good intentions might do the opposite, making you seem odd or fanatic. If they seem interested, share your knowledge but don't push it onto strangers. You'll do more harm than good for the vegetarian community.

7) Vegetarian does not necessarily equal healthy. Just because you don't eat meat, doesn't mean you are automatically a healthy eater. Doughnuts, pizza, candy, and french fries are all vegetarian...you get the picture. You still have to make healthy choices even if you don't eat meat.

8) Cherish Variety. Not only will you be more likely to get all the nutrients you need. You will discover delicious ingredients and dishes you have never heard of. Indian, Italian, Mediterranean, and Asian foods all have a rich variety of vegetarian dishes.

9) Traveling Vegetarian is getting easier and easier. With 24 hours notice you can usually get a decent Vegan or vegetarian alternative at any commercial airline. Most urban hotels have vegetarian options, and restaurants are accommodating. However, watch out in France. Here your best bet is to flatter the waiter and challenge the chefs culinary skill, and they will usually whip up something tasty.