advice for the new vegan? Options

[-DressYourEyelid...]

i have been a practicing vegetarian for about three years now, and though i buy free range eggs and organic milk i realize these animals are still being exploited. i have recently made the decision to ease myself into veganism. i was wondering if their were any practicing vegans out there with advice or recipes for the newbie.

also, is it necessary to start purchasing and taking supplements [b12, calcium, iron, etc] or can i still get those nutrients from a carefully planned, nutritious diet?

thanks :)

[schizo]

My friend's a vegan and she doesn't take any supplements. She just eats a lot of fruit and nut bars (I think they're Kashi?) and protein bars. I don't know if she's technically healthy or not, but she doesn't look emaciated or anything. I say just try a certain diet first and if it doesn't work out, take supplements.