I've made my decision...almost...

[TheAlmightyMiko]

Well, I have made the decision that it really is time to start cutting meat out of my diet and begin the process of becoming a vegetarian. I have spent too long using the excuse of family to avoid doing so--now that I work, I can afford to supplement my diet with vegetarian friendly alternatives to meat and stop worrying that my family won't or will resent accomodating me. However, I do have some questions about maintaining "proper" nutrition during the changeover and once I have become a full vegetarian.
I understand that there are issues with maintaining consistant levels of iron, B12, protein, etc. etc. when meat is cut from the diet. What are the best ways to supplement these things; would multivitamins work to supplement some? I am still open to dairy and eggs, so would the protein in these items help to supplement the protein from meat, along with lentils? What are my best options food wise to supplement these nutrients?
I just want to make sure that I don't end up depriving my body of these things because I don't understand how I can properly supplement them. Any and all imput is appreciated, I would like to know all the facts before I fully begin the process.
Also, any words of wisdom, encouragement, or "you should really know this before you become vegetarian--I wish I had!" would be great!

[mncavylover]

That's so incredibly awesome, TheAlmightyMiko! You won't regret your decision. I'm proud of you!

So far, I haven't had an issue with B12, iron, or potein even though I am a three-sport athlete. If anything, my performance has increased, so I think I'm right on track! Speaking of which, the sports that I do are cross country running, nordic skiing, and track. (A bit off-topic I know, sorry!)

Anyhow, there are so many food options available now that the only thing I really miss is pepperoni. That's the only food I haven't been able to find a good alternative to in soy form, although I haven't tried the Boca version of pepperoni yet (the best brand I've found taste-wise).

Protein is actually not much of a problem, as long as you aren't just eating junk food all day. Get a good multivitamin with 100% DV of iron and B12 if you can. A multivitamin with iron in it is much easier for most stomachs to handle than straight-up iron.

If you are in any sports, make sure that you eat a protein bar afterwards. That's what you should be doing anyhow, but now it is probably a bit more essential to your diet, if only slightly. Balance Bars are excellent, tasting almost like a candy bar, with 25% DV of iron, 30-35% DV of protein, and tons of vitamins. They come in many different flavors and are completely vegetarian.

About these alternatives to meat, soy products are in abundance now. Boca is the best brand I have encountered as far as taste goes--see www.bocaburger.com for their products. I don't like the GardenBurgers, but I do like GardenBurger brand frozen meals--see http://www.gardenburger.com/. Morningstar Farms also has plenty to offer (http://www.kelloggs.com/brand/msfarms/home.html). I did not think that Smart Dogs (like hot dogs) tasted very good, but that's just my opinion. As you eat more soy products, the taste becomes more natural to you. I know it tastes a bit different at first, but I've actually grown to like it.

Great links are www.vegetarianstarterkit.com and www.goveg.com. Best of luck to you!

[Slap Maxwell]

I have been a vegitarian now for two weeks. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I supplement myself with multi vitamins. Boca is a great brand for struggling vegitarians. I miss buffalo wings really badly.

[mncavylover]

They have buffalo wings! Well, "fake" ones anyway.