There are many reasons to be a vegetarian health, activist, religion, whatever the reason many people come into the vegetarian lifestyle in their adult lives.  About 10% of the adult population considers themselves a vegetarian even though they may occasionally eat fish or chicken.  This according to the Vegetarian Research Group.

With the growing resources available for vegetarians, now is a better time than ever to discover for yourself the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle.  Some of the common myths of a vegetarian lifestyle are:

Vegetarians are tree hugging activist.
While some vegetarians may be environmentally sensitive it does not describe the culture as a whole.  There are all types of vegetarians, some just receive more press than others.

Vegetarians are skinny.
Contrary to popular belief it is possible to be an overweight vegetarian.  Just because one is not eating meat does not mean they are not eating.  If you sit and snack on corn chips all day...you will still gain weight.

It costs more to be a vegetarian.
This is no longer the case.  Depending on how well stocked your supermarket is, you may not even need to change locations.  Unless you like to, there is no reason to go to grocery stores specifically marketed toward a healthier lifestyle.  You can make those decisions in your regular shopping place.

Vegetarians are mal-nourished.
Dietitians and nutritionist once believed this was the case.  However, after research, today's medical professionals know the value of being a vegetarian.  A vegetarian is no more at risk for not absorbing enough protein and calcium as anyone else.  There are countless vegetables which provide calcium.