As we are creatures of habit and resistant to change, many diets fail. This is because we make drastic changes to obtain dramatic results, quickly. When you decide on a vegetarian lifestyle, it is a change you want to make for a lifetime. The best way to facilitate this change is to make it gradually and naturally so that you can look forward to eating in a healthy manner for the rest of your life as opposed to being a victim of the 'yo yo' diet syndrome.

Initially you should think of this change as adding to your dietary habits rather than a complete immediate change of your eating habits. If your diet has included red meat, perhaps you can substitute other foods for the red meat. You should also look to eliminating the most processed and high-fat meats first, such as bacon and hamburgers.

Try to eliminate from day one all fast food burgers, which have a high fat and sodium content. You can try a vegetable based bacon substitute that may not taste the same but it means you won't be giving up the foods you're used to all at once.

You will find you will have a much greater chance of long-term success if you take it slow. You could start by reducing the amount of meat you eat on a weekly basis with a view to eventually cutting out meat from your diet altogether. Start reversing the proportions of meat and vegetables and look to substituting pasta with marinara sauce for meat one night a week.Your new vegetarian lifestyle must include more fresh fruit and vegetables as well as legumes, and whole grains.

Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a health scare for a person feel the need to change his or her eating habits. This scare may take the form of a recent diabetes diagnosis, a heart condition, joint problems due to excess weight or many other conditions that are associated with unhealthy eating habits.

You might have some anxiety attached to this change, and this is understandable. However, if you wish to live a long and healthy life you must be prepared to accept you need to take the necessary steps to introduce your body to this new way of life -'the vegetarian way.'

You will need to make the effort to find the host of vegetarian recipes available, to assist you in the transition. You will be amazed at the variety of delicious meals that you can prepare for yourself and all other members of the family who are interested in living a healthier lifestyle. Here's to a new, fitter and more energetic you and yours!