You sound like you're eating the typical American diet. This usually consists of fast foods, fried foods, excessive protein, too many sweets and ice cream, and a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables. These are comfort foods that fill you up, make you fat, and in combination with a lack of exercise eventually lead to ill health.

The best way to start is to begin replacing red meat dishes with substitutes. They don't even have to be vegetarian at first. More fish and chicken grilled or baked, without adding any fat. No deep fried foods, cook them another way. No gravies or heavy sauces. Between meals snack on fruits and veggies. These will help fill you up so you don't eat as much food at mealtime. Always have a salad course with dinner.

Whole grains and legumes are the start to a vegetarian diet. Don't forget tofu and TVP (texturized Vegetable Protein) - a soybean product that looks and has the texture of meat. You can substitute these things for meat in your recipes. They take some getting used to, but you feel SO GOOD when you eat them. Stop drinking sodas! Make your own ice teas (black or herbal) and get used to drinking them with little or no sugar, tastes great! - this will save you big bucks too. And no more FAST FOOD, OK?

Getting others to accept these dietary changes is more difficult. That's why you must do a little at a time, not all at once. The place to begin is the supermarket. Start reading those labels and see what's inside those prepackaged food. Once you start, you become slightly obsessed since everything packaged has lots of additives. If you don't know what you're eating - DON'T EAT IT! Yes, packaged products and fast food save time, but so what? Cooking should be a joyful experience and it's the only way to know just what your getting! Once you've reached the limits of supermarket food, find the Health Food Store nearest you and discover all the wonderful vegetarian products available. Organic produce and bulk items are their specialties. For more info about vegetarianism and recipes visit Hippyland's Vegetarian Page.

Once you get used to making minor changes here and there, you'll notice major changes in how you feel. Once the weather starts getting nicer get that exercise you need outdoors.