Training & Nutrition - Borderline Vegitarian question

I am presently overhauling my diet. I do not mean "Diet" as a word for losing 10 pounds for
a reunion. This is a long term solution. I have eliminated red meats and cheezes from my diet
with no adverse effects. Being in S America for long stretches, milk is generally out of the picture
(milk doesn't taste right in Argentina) but i really don't miss it.

I have been thinking of going vegitarian, or in that direction, by changing my diet over time.
Sudden drastic changes seem to be less sucessful.

What are the health risks? I keep hearing of problems of limited protein in the system on a
veggie or vegan diet. Are there good supplements?

Finally, a bit off topic, when hiking, a lady friend of mine gave me "soy nuts". They gave great
energy. I think they were simply roasted soy beans, but I'm not sure. Where can I buy these
things?

CE

Read "Eat to Live" by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. It is a really good book and has a lot of health information on eating less meat and dairy or eliminating it.

I am vegan and do triathlons. I don't have any protein problems. I just pay attention to how much protein I get. I make sure and eat cereal with a decent amount of protein, add beans on top of salads, eat tofu, etc.

Most people in the US get far more protien than is necessary for funtion even as an athlete. Even when you need the most protien in your life (as a child during tremendous growth) you still only need about %15. just eat alot of whole grains/beans/veggies and you'll be fine.

Soy nuts are available in basically any grocery store produce aisle in my area. If you can't find them where you normally shop, check a Whole Foods or a similar store. I think those stores are fairly widespread. Just get the largest size available - soy nuts make great snacks and a large package of them lasts forever for me.