Non vegeterian fitness model turns veg.. now worried about protein intake ?

Continue with the cardio. The muscle loss is temporary, your body is getting adjusted to the decreased protein intake. BUT YOU MUST INCREASE YOUR PROTEIN!!! Drink milk, soy milk, low fat cottage cheese, peanut er on apples, fat-free yogurt, etc. You don't have to compromise your vegetarian status to prevent muscle-wasting...but you've got to be smart! Also, you must take a good multivitamin with extra protein &/or calcium.