Set aside one day a week at first to eat vegetarian. Meatless Mondays, perhaps? If a whole day is too much, start with one meal.

Think of vegetarian meals your family already enjoys, such as pasta primavera, spaghetti with tomato sauce, and vegetable soup. Keep these on the menu as you explore new ideas.

Serve new dishes alongside old family favorites. Try a vegetarian stew with garlic bread, salad, and ice cream.

Serve breakfast for dinner. This is a great way to enjoy special treats such as French toast and waffles that busy mornings rule out.

Instead of beef or chicken, try tofu. Tofu absorbs the flavor of other foods while it's cooking. Try it in dishes such as stir-fries, dishes with a sauce, or soups.

Go ethnic. Try Mexican bean burritos, Chinese fried rice, Middle East tabbouleh or hummus, and minestrone for an around-the-world vegetarian adventure.

Get to know beans. There are dozens of varieties that offer different tastes and textures. Try a different bean each time you make your favorite chili or soup. Or, mix varieties for another twist.

Trade pepperoni for a colorful mélange of your favorite vegetables on your next pizza. Top it with red onions; green, red, or yellow peppers; mushrooms; black olives; dried or fresh tomatoes; or artichoke hearts.

Expand your taste horizons. Instead of peanut butter, try a little almond, cashew, or other nut butters on rice cakes or fat-free whole wheat crackers.

More on Vegetarianism

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Types of Vegetarianism

Vegetarian Foods

Vegetarianism for Kids

Vegetarian Recipe