So, How do you do it???

What do I eat?
Ummm.... Yes, I am 100% vegetarian.

Would I recommend that to anyone right away? No.
Unless they have a pronounced illness that needs immediate attention--because pain is a great motivator and a great reminder to identify when you "cheat." You could try going cold turkey, but if you're anything like me-- I just wouldn't have been able to do it with out the constant reminder.
These are the steps that I would recommend:
  1. Write down all your nutritional goals you'd like to achieve and why: For instance: "I would like to use all whole grain bread, pasta, and rice. Why? For the added nutrients, and fiber-- for cleansing and suppressing appetite, etc." If you don't know why you'd try to go without dairy, research the information--borrow books or find info to read online. After you read everything, if you aren't convinced, sometimes a "trial of faith" is necessary, but at least you can write down the evidence that is shown to achieve your goals.
  2. Highlight the goals that would be easiest for you. I drank glasses of milk with every meal before reading this book. That was one thing I could do that wasn't too painful: "Replace glasses of milk with water."
  3. Work on one or maybe two of these goals at a time depending on how hard they are for you. Gradually work yourself and your family into a "new-norm." So if your family is used to white rice and would freak if you made brown rice, make both and combine it. Increase the brown rice each time and reduce the white until no one notices anymore. (Including yourself.)
  4. Try making your favorite recipes and just omit the animal products. (For instance, eggs usually aren't necessary in recipes-- you can add a little applesauce to moisten. Or make a big veggy pizza with little or no cheese. Act like you would if you just ran out of those items and couldn't run to the store.

Hints: If you or a family member is hating the changes... Stop. Yes, I know you feel like you won't get anywhere if you do that... But I do believe you can find some healthy alternatives that your family enjoys. For instance, you can probably name 3 fruits and 2 veggies your family enjoys on a regular basis. We need to train your taste buds back to enjoying good natural foods-- so start with the ones you already like.. Serve more of those and add in new ones regularly. I believe the husbands are usually the hardest to please but if it's the kids-- making it exciting and fun usually helps them get off on the right foot.

-Pray, Pray, and Pray... 9 years ago... I was heavier than my husband, miserable, tired, and addicted to sugar. Now, I didn't know to avoid dairy (although that would have helped me immensely) but I did know that I needed to change something. I truly do believe that Heavenly Father will help you decipher what is good for you to eat and what is not.

(And it may be different than me and my body...)

But pay attention to how you feel before you bite into that ice cream (that was my big downfall) or whatever tempts you. He will give you the courage to choose something better for your body, mind, and spirit.

Recently, my favorite quote is by President Benson.

He said, "When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power."

I know that's true--I have seen it happen with me with nutrition as well as budgeting goals and mothering goals...Not at all that I'm perfect at any of those, but I know that once we make the decision to do it, it is amazing to see what He will do to help us achieve our goals.