Q. I recently decided to become a vegetarian to help with my weight and some other issues. How do I communicate this to other people, especially if they invite me to dinner?

A. Simply say I would love to come to dinner, but I recently became a vegetarian. That way your host won't feel like he or she should have known this about you. Then you can add: "I hope that won't be a problem for you. I eat just about anything but meat, but please don't go to any trouble." Some hosts will double up on the potatoes, but a good host will provide a delicious alternative. The prepared foods department of most grocery stores offer easy, single servings of vegetable lasagna, pasta and other dishes. As the guest, you may even volunteer to bring your own tofu for the grill. And if you don't eat fish, make sure to mention that as well.