If you're ready to stop eating meat, it's time to start figuring out your new menu that includes all of the necessary nutrients.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers this advice:

  • Take inventory of the favorite meals in your meat-filled diet, and incorporate any veggie favorites into your new rotation.
  • Include plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fruits in your new meal plan.
  • Add vegetables to your favorite pasta or rice dishes.
  • Get ideas from vegetarian cookbooks or from websites that feature vegetarian recipes.
  • Watch your waistline. Even vegetarians can eat foods that contain too many fats, sugars and empty calories.
Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, of Bay Shore, was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His mother has made it her mission to aid active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and Gold Star families. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credit: Cathy Heighter

'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.

Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, of Bay Shore, was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His mother has made it her mission to aid active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and Gold Star families. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credit: Cathy Heighter

'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.

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