i didn't find it hard, but it does take a bit of adjusting if you're used to only cooking meals with meat. you'll have to visit some recipe websites or get some cookbooks to build a recipe library.

like some of the other posters said, i strongly recommend buying some faux meats if you're used to eating meat all the time. if you don't like the first brand you try, go for another. don't write off being a vegetarian if you don't like the veggieburger. there are great chicken, beef, and bacon substitutes that are actually very good.

i also found it easy to keep some vegetarian convenience foods around the house. amy's products and some of the "thai kitchen" products are great if you just don't feel like being creative in the kitchen.

as far as filling meals go, here are some that i would recommend:

bean burritos with mexican rice
falafel sandwiches (falafel inside whole wheat pita bread)
vegetarian lasagna (we do this with alfredo sauce & spinach)
stir fry with veggies, cashews, and tofu (cashews are filling!)
eggplant parmesan
stuffed peppers
vegetarian chili

those are just a few examples of meat free dishes that will make you feel full and satisfied. try visiting a few veg cooking websites to get more ideas….there are plenty of resources out there. recipes that use beans, whole grains, and rice are going to be very filling as well as recipes using cheese and leafy greens.

it's always great to see another person go vegetarian…..congrats on your choice, and good luck!!!

If you want filling meals, make things with beans. Bean chili is quick and easy to make, or bean soup, beans and rice, bean enchiladas, etc. Vegetarian lasagna is also a good meal, or vegetable pot pies. I didn't have too hard of a time transitioning, because I made sure to figure out beforehand what I was going to eat. If you have a plan, it makes it a lot easier.

i had no trouble what so ever! ive been a vegetarian for a lil over 2 months now. i eat alot of rice, veggies and fruits. also..chickpeas are awesome, there are some good recipes froe chickpea burgers on recipezaar.com, also try vegetarian stuffed peppers. i love boca burgers, chik'n nuggets and the chik'n patties are the best!

I'm not going to lie to you… Going from eating a lot of meat all the time to none is a bit of a transition. There were times I missed it, at least initially, but after awhile, I don't even miss it. There are many meat analogues out there that can satisfy your need for something "meaty" if you ever find yourself with a craving, but I try to limit these.

You should also take into consideration the health implications of eating meat all the time. Large intake of protein is hard on your kidneys and can cause osteoporosis. The large amount of saturated fat in meat can cause heart disease. Food borne illnesses tend to be spread through contaminated meat most frequently.

Second, animal suffering. It's not necessary to eat meat, and animals suffer when you do. Why have them suffer unnecessarily?

As far as filling meals are concerned, I enjoy bean burritos on a regular basis. They are very filling. Vegetarian chili, veggie tacos with guacamole, spaghetti with marinara sauce (and a ground veggie "meat" if you like) are all filling.

Fruits and veggies also tend to be composed of large amounts of water, which makes them filling as well, without adding a lot of extra calories.

Do realize that there are actually ADDICTIVE compounds in animal products, so give yourself a few days to let the effects of this "addiction" subside. If you do decide that the vegetarian lifestyle isn't for you, you could always try to eat vegetarian several meals a week.

I am in love with Morning Star vegetarian bacon. I practically live off it. its also healthy and does taste like regular bacon.

I never enjoyed meat too much, so I'm sorry i can't help you about the transition.