In ancient history, recommendations for a vegetarian diet can be found as far back as the sixth century BC, from Pythagoras and the major religious currents in India.
Motivations for choosing a meat-free diet are varied: People may choose vegetarianism for their ethical stance toward animal suffering, out of respect to animals themselves, for spiritual considerations or religious doctrine, for nutritional and health preferences or requirements, because they refuse to support factory farming, etc.... For some, vegetarianism is a philosophy of life based on giving health and vitality to the body and spirit. In fact, those who coined the term (in England in 1847) derived it from the Latin vegetus, which means lively, vibrant, full of life, vigorous (and is also the root of the word vegetable).
In the modern world, the desirability of a vegetarian diet for health reasons is being questioned, particularly the strict version (a vegan diet, without eggs or dairy). Many insist that vegetarian diets are very healthy, compatible with any lifestyle or stage in life. Many ancient vegetarian cultures, such as the India's Sikhs, have very low rates of some diseases.
Whether or not you are interested in adopting a vegetarian diet, learning more about vegetarian cuisine and culture may help you balance your diet and expand your knowledge of cooking. The abundant literature on vegetarian cuisine can help prepare a multitude of delicious meals: vegetable pies and empanadas (turnovers), spinach or chard croquettes and cannellonis, breaded eggplant and zucchini slices, Spanish omelettes, falafel, stuffed peppers and eggplant, au gratin potatoes (or vegetables), pizzas, vegetable lasagnas, fried eggs, deviled eggs, and more...