Whether you're a dyed-in-the-wool vegetarian or just want to up your intake of vegetables, legumes and grains, there is a world of meat-free recipes to choose from.Vegetarianism has existed for thousands of years in many cultures, for religious, ethical and economic reasons. Today, with more food choices available than ever, many people have opted to become vegetarians or vegans. What's the difference between the two? A vegetarian diet excludes all forms of meat, poultry and fish, but does include some animal-produced fare such as dairy products and eggs. A vegan diet excludes all meat and all animal products: vegans do not eat eggs, dairy or honey.In America, land of cowboys and cattle, people once thought that a meatless diet required careful planning as well as complicated calculations. The days of combining proteins--always eating beans with rice--and consuming multiple vitamin supplements are over.The key to a healthy vegetarian or vegan diet, as with any other diet, is to eat a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, plenty of leafy greens, whole grain products, nuts, seeds and legumes.