Odds are you can, my friend. So, work toward that slimmer body and (often) better health as gradually or as quickly as you like. And then maintain your "gains" over the longer term with vegetarian eating.

Well, hey—that part could be cool. But can the day-to-day You actually manage such a diet? There's the biggie, isn't it? And, while my money says you probably can, it's you who plays. So why not play to win?

And here's a great way to do it: tackle your vegetarian diet by degrees. Sure, buddy right up to those veggies, but don't try to change your dietary orientation in a single day! For example, start with just a couple of simple modifications: eating one or two additional vegetables (and fruits) every day, perhaps, and/or gradually cutting down on meat. You could do that; we both know you could.

Noooooo!
What's that? You think vegetarian cuisine might be boring and wimpy, plus maybe complicated besides? You’re not that crazy about vegetables in the first place? Hated 'em as a kid, maybe? You don’t want to give up meat "cold-turkey"?

So, how about a compromise? One that still gets you to a vegetarian diet, or at least somewhat closer, and also does it without a lot of uproar. After all, who says vegetarianism has to be an all-or-nothing deal? You or anyone can "do" vegetarian as gradually as you want, one little shift at a time. In fact, you may not even feel deprived.

And How Does That Work?
The easy way. For example, you want meat for dinner tonight? Fine: just eat a smaller portion—maybe half your usual amount. As in the chicken salad just below (with possibly less chicken than shown).

Hold the line for a while, and then make another little change. Such as not eating any meat before 6 o'clock in the evening, perhaps—a ploy one of my colleagues has adopted. Or test the waters with meat-free days now and then.

As you cut down on meat, add some more veggies and a greater variety (as in this list of vegetables). No drama, no big speeches, no blanket No's—just a step-by-step progression toward a way of eating that might be healthier for you. And possibly make you feel better in other ways, as well...

Protein? Which you may be wondering nervously about as we speak. No worries: you will have So Many tasty ways to build plenty of protein into your diet. Click here for vegetarian protein sources. (Even if you've been eating vegetarian for a while, you might pick up a few tips on that page.)

Bottom line? A step-by-step approach to a vegetarian diet does work and can probably do so for you as well. Largely on your own terms, too. So why not go for it? Just do it. Then start enjoying the ways your body and head find to thank you.