DECATUR - Kate Shields of Decatur said her vegetarian life choice has not kept her from serving a vegetarian meal to guests in her home.

"I've served a (vegetarian) meal and haven't told them ahead of time," said Shields at a meeting of the Decatur Vegetarian Society.

And her guests did not know it because a vegetarian meal can be as good and satisfying as any other.

The society was organized by Amanda Young and John Wylder just more than a year ago. Members meet on the third Thursday of the month in Decatur Public Library, with participants frequently sharing food and recipes.

"John Wylder and I started the group because we wanted to meet other vegetarians in the area and help educate those who were interested in vegetarianism.

"The group provides opportunities for people to try new vegan and vegetarian food," Young said.

At an age when many young people are raising questions, Young became vegetarian. It was nearly 13 years ago, starting when she was a sophomore in high school.

"When I first made the decision, my parents were concerned that I would not get enough nutrients as a vegetarian."

But Young and her parents approached the decision with study and research and discovered someone can be healthy and elect to be a vegetarian.

Wylder said he chose the vegetarian lifestyle deliberately.

"I realized one day that I didn't have to kill animals in order to eat, so I stopped.

"My grandmother used to try to get my wife to change my mind," he continued.

"I was introduced to vegetarianism in the late '70s but did not adopt the lifestyle on a permanent basis until around 1993," said Mel Weinstein, a member of the organization.

Sometimes, it's not easy to make the vegetarian or vegan choice when family members and friends have not made the same decision.

"Vegetarianism is not a diet; it's a way of life," said Young, who has faced occasional opposition to her decision.

"The opposition I faced made me even more determined to follow what I personally believed.

"Everyone in my family respects my decision now. At family dinners, my family makes special dishes for me, and I also take my own recipes to share vegetarianism with them."

Though friends sometimes joke with her about how good meat is, overall, they are very supportive of her choice, Young said, even sometimes opting for vegetarian entrees when they eat out.

"I have noticed that restaurants have many more options for vegetarians and are more willing to make substitutions since the time I became vegetarian."

"About a decade ago, I heard of variety of negative and mocking comments from relatives and co-workers about being a vegetarian," Weinstein said.

"But most people these days are very respectful and more knowledgeable about vegetarianism, and people are not just more tolerant but often interested in finding out more about it."

Besides the obvious of sharing similar ideas, the group also provides practical advice for those new to the lifestyle, Young said. It's a chance to talk with others and share information about shopping and eating places, Wylder agreed. And the group invites speakers and takes field trips to vegetarian restaurants.

Weinstein also produces a monthly newsletter for members and others who are interested. It has information about meetings and events, along with other topics and recipes.

"We know that there surely are more vegetarians in the area, and we'd like to reach them, too," Young said.

Arlene Mannlein can be reached at amannlein@herald-review.com or 421-6976.

If you go

WHAT: Decatur Vegetarian Society

MEETINGS: 7 p.m., third Thursdays, Decatur Public Library

CONTACT: ayoung@decatur.lib.il.us