Cheese is a no-no for many vegetarians not because of the dairy content, but because it's curdled with rennet (usually from a bit of calf's stomach). However, you don't need to give up all cheese: there's a version made from corn that tastes just fine.

If you're invited to a dinner party, be sure to ask if there will be any vegetarian items available for you to eat. If this doesn't seem to be the case, politely ask if you can bring a vegetarian creation of your own to share. Most hosts won't mind at all.

In order to help keep yourself on track and not eat snack foods instead of items that are good for you, make up a list of your favorite easy vegetarian meals and post it somewhere in your kitchen. If you're ever at a loss as to what to eat, it'll be easy to consult your list.