For some people, completely giving up meat may seem like an impossible feat to accomplish. But if consuming meat never really appealed to you, or if you want to take advantage of the benefits of various fruits and veggies, then going vegetarian may be what’s right for you. Before you make the big leap, however, here are things to know before you say bye-bye to burgers and sayonara to sausages.

(First published as “Going Vegetarian” in the “Good Health” section of Good Housekeeping Philippines’ August 2011 issue. Adapted for use in Female Network. Photo by jules:stonesoup via Flickr Creative Commons.)