Reply #11: Book list must have: "Laurel's Kitchen", and anything by Molly Katzen.

[HopeHoops]

"Laurel's Kitchen" has a wealth of nutrition tables in addition to wonderful recipes. We went vegetarian in 89 and my three daughters (15, 17, 19) are lifelong vegetarians who always checked out as healthy as could be.

It can be a little frustrating at first, especially when trying to eat out. Beware of cream sauces - they are often made with a chicken broth base. Start with the simpler recipes and experiment with foods you never really ate before. With time, the recipe books become less of a "how to" and more of a quick reference, if needed at all.

If you experience "the urge", MorningStar has some excellent products out there that zap up in a flash in the microwave. Cookouts are less of a problem now with Gardenburger (and MorningStar, but we like Gardenburger better). Personally, I find Boca to be rather disgusting. MorningStar used to make "hot dogs" that were great for cooking on a stick over an open fire. They grilled nicely, too. They disappeared from around here about a year ago. SmartDogs are similar, but don't hold up as well.

And most importantly, revisit foods you've hated since you were a kid - beets, brussels sprouts, asparagus, squash, etc. I grew up in the late 60's/early 70's when pretty much every vegetable had to be boiled until it was mush. No WONDER I didn't like some things. Then there were the women's magazine recipes EVERYONE used - like filling the cavity of acorn squash with butter and adding about two tablespoons of brown sugar to each. :puke:

Finally, if you have the space even for a small herb garden, start one. Begin with the herbs you know you like and experiment with others over time. You can use window boxes if need be. The yield is far less and they won't winter over (except for chives), but maintenance is much easier and it takes less space.

Good luck, and please report back on your progress! I'm always open to private messages on this subject.