Perhaps misled by stereotype and myth, there are still those who have some very strange ideas about vegetarianism. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions answered.

Q: Isn't it difficult being a vegetarian? A: Not at all. Vegetarian food is now available in almost every supermarket, shop, restaurant and hotel -- it's everywhere. It costs no more and, in a lot of cases, far less. It is easy to prepare and chances are you are eating many vegetarian foods already, without giving it much thought. Q: Will I have to change where I shop or eat? A: Not necessarily. There has been a major growth in the amount of vegetarian ready-made meals and ingredients available in shops and supermarkets. If you don't mind the taste of meat but hate the thought of the cruelty that accompanies it, there is now an authentic array of meat substitutes or analogues, such as burgers, sausages, even 'fake bacon' and 'meat-type' fillets. You can also find frozen soya-based proteins which you can add to your favourite dishes and most would find it difficult to notice much difference in taste, texture or appearance. To add to this, vegetables, pulses, nuts and grains are very under-utilised in traditional, western, meat and fish-focussed meals. Adopting a vegetarian diet opens up a whole new and exciting range of flavours. Vegetarian meals tend to be a lot more imaginative and diverse, so why limit yourself? If you are eating out, you will also find a wide selection of veggie meals available, even in fast food outlets. Eating good veggie food has never been easier. Q: Vegetarians are all pale, thin, weak, unhealthy and weird, aren't they? A: Of course not, this tired, old stereotype is completely false. Vegetarians come in all shapes and sizes and from every walk of life. In fact, some of the world's leading sporting champions are vegetarian, so veggie food is certainly good for muscles. Going veggie will not necessarily change the person you are or how you live your life, just the food on your plate for the better. People who follow a varied, well-balanced vegetarian diet are eating in line with current nutritional recommendations for healthy eating, as most vegetarian meals tend to be low in fat and high in fibre. Medical studies have shown that vegetarians are less likely to suffer from heart disease, cancer, diet-related diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure, so a vegetarian diet is very good for your health. Q: What will I say to family and friends? A: Most people now tend to be very interested in and open-minded about vegetarianism, it certainly makes for many an interesting topic of conversation. It is definitely nothing to be embarrassed or secretive about as a vegetarian diet is now just another dietary option and a hugely popular one at that. There are also many non-vegetarians who regularly eat vegetarian meals. Most people do now see the sense in, or at least are conscious of, the advantages to be had from eating a diet that not only tastes fantastic, but is healthy and gives a far better deal to animals and the environment. It is wrong to believe that you will constantly get caught up in mealtime arguments with friends and family, or that you will be the butt of all the jokes. Slabs of meat or fish aside, what types of meals can't you eat that meat-eaters can? Best of all, why not get others to give vegetarian food a try? Q: Will I get enough of the vital nutrients such as iron and protein? A: A well-balanced vegetarian diet provides all the nutrients you need for good health. Protein is not only found in meat and fish, it's present in dairy produce, eggs, soya products, nuts, seeds, pulses and grains. Vegetarians eating a well-balanced diet do not necessarily have to use vitamin supplements. You will find more information concerning health and diet further on in this book. Q: Aren't vegetarians hypocrtitical because some still wear leather or exploit cows for dairy products and consume eggs, even free-range? A: The argument for becoming vegan is a very powerful one indeed -- that is to give up dairy products and eggs. Some hold the view that veganism is the only logical progression for vegetarians. As a vegetarian you should not feel guilty. Realistically speaking, few make the step from meat-eater to vegan overnight. In many ways, vegetariarnsm is a very important 'halfway house' for some. Going veggie is all about personal choice -- you choose how far you want to take it. If everyone was to adopt a vegetarian diet just think how much needless slaughter and misery would be prevented. Far from being hypocritical, even if you never make the transition to veganism, you will still be making a very valid and considerable contribution to reducing animal cruelty and safeguarding the environment.   next page: cookery tips   DID YOU KNOW? Famous vegetarian actors include Brad Pitt, Kim Bassinger, Richard Gere, Alicia Silverstone, Alec Baldwin, Drew Barrymore, Paul Newman, Liv Tyler, William Shatner, David Duchovny, Daryl Hannah and Dustin Hoffman.

www.vegsoc.org/21cv : 21st Century Vegetarian