I've been a vegetarian for 23 years. I never had meat in my diet prior to that, but did have fish. Salmon was the last thing I gave up. I remember missing it for a bit, but now the smell of fish is very unappealing.

My family is also veg and we are all athletes and have no problems getting the nutrients we need to participate in endurance sports. I keep sports bars with me though because I think I bonk a little earlier and more suddenly as a veg so eat at the first signs.

Vegetarian Times has gotten thinner over the years, but can be a good resource. Finding recipes, items on menus and such isn't usually difficult, but you may find yourself feeling awkward when invited to someone's home for dinner and trying to figure out how to tactfully say you're a vegetarian. I hear this issue most often from new vegetarians. I usually suggest saying something like, I so look forward to enjoying your company and getting together. I do need to mention I'm a vegetarian now, but don't want you to go to any extra work so would you mind if I brought xx food item.

If you're doing it for health, you may not be overly concerned about the "hidden" animal products in many foods. If it's for other reasons, be sure to check labels for gelatin in yogurt, Pop Tarts, marshmallows. Oddly, the large Altoids aren't veg, but the minis are.

For some support with your decision, rent the movie "Forks Over Knives." It's quite good and the knives are a reference to the medical kind.

Lastly, since this is FlyerTalk, I'll mention my blog for veg-friendly restaurants around the world. I've been terribly remiss and haven't updated it in a while though. http://avegetariangourmand.blogspot.com/?m=1

All the best!