Thanks for the extra long post...very interesting.
How did you cut out the dairy? That is definitly the most difficult for me. I can do without all of it...except...CHEESE! I just love it! However, I don't eat it every day, but I can't imagine never having it again. What exactly are the "dangers" of dairy (beside extra fat and hormones from the cattle)? Anything I don't already know about?
I also am having a difficult time with the protein issue. As an athlete, I think being purely vegetarian is very difficult. Besides now allowing yourself meat, any other tips in that area?