4. Get educated.
Visit the library, and read some books on vegetarianism. Go online – there are many vegetarian and vegan websites, with recipes, information, and advice (check out the sidebar at the end of the article for some recommendations). Talk to vegetarian friends. Explore health and natural food stores. Be aware that foods can contain ingredients you wouldn't suspect. For example, pasta sauces, rice dishes, and vegetable soups can contain beef broth. Some cheeses contain rennet, an enzyme scraped from the stomach lining of calves. And pizza places often use beef stock in their pizza sauce, as well as whey or lard in their crusts.

5. Experiment.
Going vegetarian doesn’t have to mean eating the same old boring onions, peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes every day. Try new foods and flavors; experiment with herbs and spices. Read new cookbooks. Be adventurous and try unfamiliar mushrooms, greens, and root vegetables. Take a cooking class, host potlucks. Have fun with it.

6. Go international.
Many Thai, Indian, Asian, Mexican, and Italian dishes are vegetarian – and delicious! Try spaghetti with marinara sauce instead of meat sauce. Get vegetable lo mein the next time you order take out (instead of chicken). Order a bean burrito instead of a beef burrito at your favorite Mexican restaurant.

7. Don't be afraid to dine out.
Be polite, but don’t be afraid to ask! Most restaurants now have at least a couple of veggie entrées. If not, they will usually let you order a few side dishes as a meal, or might make you a meatless pasta or vegetable dish. If you’re anxious about irking the chef, just say you’re allergic – it’s guaranteed to get compliance! If attending a catered event, talk to the server before dinner and ask him or her to remove the meat from your plate and slip on some extra potatoes. Airlines offer vegetarian meals if you request them in advance - ask your travel agent to order you one, or call the airline’s reservations. When traveling, pack vegetarian snacks like raw vegetables, fresh fruit, granola bars, trail mix, and homemade cookies. Fill a cooler with sandwiches, juice, and soymilk.

8. Deal with others.
You may get resistance from friends and family. Be ready for it. Remember, too, that vegetarianism means something different to everyone - you will hear things like, "But you still eat chicken, right?", "How can you survive without meat?", "Why are you a vegetarian?" Don’t get defensive. Answer in a non-judgmental manner and be honest. Whether you made the change for the sake of animals, the environment, or your own health, discuss your reasons. Most likely, people will respect your concerns.