There are several types of vegetarians:
(1) Lacto-ovo vegetarian - eats dairy and eggs but no other meat or animal products
(2) Lacto-vegetarian - eats dairy but no eggs, meat or other animal proudcts.
(3)Pesco-vegetarian- eats fish, but no other animal products
(4) Vegan - pure vegetarian - eats no dairy, meat or animal products.

(5) Pollo vegetarian- now this one is new to me. But it is a vegetarian who also eats chicken (baked or grilled breast). This is considered one who is in-between or on their way to a vegan diet. This one along with the pesco is supposed to be very good for you because it helps you eat less if you are a lacto-ovo vegetarian becase they tend to eat more fatty cheese, yogurt and milk to make up for not eating meat. It is easier to become a vegan in stages. First start by cutting pork (which is unclean) from your diet. Then red meat. Beef causes a severe strain on the digestive system. Not to mention that the health risk of e-coli are not even worth it. Just eliminating beef and pork from the diet can bring you a feeling of well being. Then gradually eliminate chicken/eggs and turkey. Try drinking soy milk as opposed to cow's milk. We (in the US) are the only country that preaches the drinking of cow's milk as a dietary need. Cow's milk is for the baby calf, not us!

Also, a vitamin/mineral supplement is essential. One from a health food store is best because they don't contain any synthetic substances.

Some other ways to live more holisticlly is to detox the body. Drink 1 - 3 gallons of water a day. At least a quart of that water should be the first thing you drink upon waking in the morning. It rids the body of toxins and mucus that build-up over night. A good guide is your body needs at leat half your weight in water to not become dehydrated. So if you are 100lbs you should drink at least 50oz of water a day. Most of us walk around in a semi-dehydrated state daily. If your urine is darker than lemonade your body needs more water. (source: 'African Holistic Health' by Llaila Afrika')

Eat less dairy and commit to more fresh friuts and veggies. Drink 100% juices instead of soda. Herbal teas instead of coffee.

A one day a week fast is a way to bring balance to your mind, body and soul. Fasting is not to be abused but to give your spirit a chance to regenerate and return to it's purest state.

Fasting is done by consuming only spring/distilled water, 100% juices and broths.

Also deep meditation is essential to a holistic lifestyle.

And of course before you start on any new plan you should consult your doctor(just gotta say that!).

VEGETARIAN AND FITNESS WEB LINKS

Vegetarian Kitchen
There are a lot of good and easy recipies on this site.

Vegetarian Times
Vegetarian Magazine

On-line Health Shop
Get a personal health profile from this site as well as answers to health and fitness questions. You can also buy health care products.

Real Age
This site is great. You answer some questions (takes about 30 min) pertaining to your health and fitness and from the information you give your real age is calculated. I took the realage test and my calendar age is 28 and my realage calculated to be 23. So I am a 28 yrs old in a 23 yrs old body. My goal is to be 18 in 6 months.

Tae-Bo
Billy Blanks is the BOMB! I love these tapes. Great workout.