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You’ve decided: That succulent prime rib you ate last night will be your last. You’re going to become a vegetarian. There was a time when being a vegetarian was considered radical or eccentric. Today, quite a large percentage of people call themselves vegetarians, and nutrition experts say a plant–based diet has some powerful health benefits. But a vegetarian diet isn’t automatically healthier. You need to arm yourself with the facts to get the most from your new lifestyle. As you start out you may have to put a little more effort into meeting your nutritional needs.

What kind of vegetarian do you want to be?
Most vegetarians don’t eat meat, poultry or fish. Their diets consist of plant–based foods such as vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes (peas and beans), nuts and seeds. Eggs, dairy vegetarian diet products or both may also be included. Vegetarians known as vegans (VEE–guns) don’t eat any animal products, including eggs, dairy foods, gelatin or even honey. Others who occasionally eat meat–usually chicken and fish–may also call themselves vegetarians. Although they’re only part–time vegetarians, they may still reap many of the same health benefits enjoyed by their meatless counterparts.

Read more: Going Vegetarian - The healthy way