When Elizabeth Brewster gave up meat almost 15 years ago, vegetarianism was little understood. Today, she says, research shows that more than 12.4 million Americans consider themselves vegetarian, and health concerns are the main motivation.

Now Ms. Brewster has started a bimonthly, eight-page newsletter, The Practical Vegetarian. A year's subscription is $16.95; sample copy, $1. Send your name and address to The Practical Vegetarian, P.O. Box 6253, Evanston, Ill. 60204.