Review of Becoming Vegetarian: The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Vegetarian Diet (Paperback)

If you're considering vegetarianism but are wondering how or where to start (or even if it's a good idea) look no further than this excellent book by Canadian dietitians Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis.This is a wonderful primer on nutrition (and would even be good for anyone who's simply looking to improve one's diet).
Published in 2003, this is a revised and extensively updated version of the 1994 original, and it is definitely the edition to get.The book is 454 pages and contains an absolute wealth of current research that has taken place over the past decade.As the authors state, "Much of what was considered mere speculation 10 years ago is now accepted fact.We...provide more thorough guidance for readers.Several issues that were not dealt with in the original book are addressed" and the recipes are refined.The chapter headings are:
1.Why Be Vegetarian.They cover the gamut of reasons people cite for making the switch--from concerns over health and disease to concerns for the environment, economy, and rights of animals.The latter issues are briefly but powerfully addressed, but it's very tactfully done--they're not at all judgemental or abrasive.

2.Maximizing the Vegetarian Advantage.A very powerful chapter dealing with the health of vegetarians and the impact of diet on diseases, including cancer, gall stones, diabetes (type 2), arthritis, and diseases of the heart, kidneys, and the GI system.Includes nutritional recommendations for good health & prevention of disease.
3.Power from Plants...legumes, nuts, and seeds.All you need to know about protein, iron and zinc in the veg diet. (One tip: Vitamin C greatly increases absorption of iron.)
4.Bone Boosters...milk, greens, and other calcium champions.How to maximize our bodies absorption and use of calcium.(Sodium & excess protein actually rob us of calcium).
5.Energy Plus...goodness from grains.A wealth of info about grains, fibre, and how to maximize nutrient absorption from grains.(One tip:Soak whole grains, legumes, nuts & seeds overnight in lots of cold water (discard soaking water)).
6.Perfect Protectors...vegetables and fuits.Vitamin and mineral content is the focus.
7.Fat Feuds...who's winning?All you need to know about types/amounts of fat--including essential fatty acids and how to ensure we're getting them.
8.Fine-tuning the Vegetarian Diet...vitamin B12
9.Designing the Diet...the vegetarian food guide.Covers food groups, recommended number of servings, serving sizes, number of calories per serving,and how to keep a diet log (important initially to determine areas where one may be having problems).
10.Vegetarian for Life.Deals with special situations (pregnancy/lactation, infancy, childhood, teen years, and those aged 50 and over).
11.Vegetarian Victory Over Weight
12.Vegetarian Diplomacy
13.From Markets to Meals.Tips on where to shop, what to buy, food storage, how to make the transition to vegetarianism, and travel.Includes substitutions for chicken broth, ground beef, gelatin, or egg for those who want to adapt non-veg recipes.
14.Recipes...simple treasures.You'll eventually want a proper veg cookbook or two, but included are a good variety of recipes to get one started plus tips on cooking grains and legumes.The few recipes I've tried so far have been super (My favourite is Hot Tofu and Cool Greens--who'd have thought tofu could taste so yummy!).(Tip: When cooking dry (pre-soaked) beans, do not add salt, tomato, or other highly acidic ingredients until after the beans have become tender or they'll be hard to digest!)
In conclusion, this is a comprehensive, incredibly informative (not to mention interesting) guide for the person interested in learning how to become a healthy vegetarian.Whatever your motivation--be it a desire to improve your health & nutrition, to lower your risk for many diseases, to lose weight, to be more environmentally-responsible, or something else, you won't find a better (or at the time of writing a more current) resource than this fantastic book.It's the perfect place to start.In short, I simply cannot praise highly enough, and I recommend it unconditionally!

Product Description
The evidence is in- millions of people are moving toward a vegetarian diet because it offers a healthful and environmentally sound alternative to the standard diet. Becoming Vegetarian is the ultimate source for making this valuable and beneficial life change. Packed with authoritative vegetarian and vegan nutrition information from established and savvy experts, this powerful book takes the worry out of making an important, healthy transition.
Here' what's inside:

• Vegetarian food guide for optimal nutrition and easy meal planning
• Delicious, easy recipes
• Helpful guidelines for those who are just starting out
• Cutting edge scientific information for experienced vegetarians
• Nutrition essentials from infancy through our senior years
• Practical tips for weight control
• Much, much more

This comprehensive update of an international bestseller is the one resource that contains everything you need to know about becoming a vegetarian or fine-tuning a vegetarian diet. From dealing with awkward social situations to making sure you're getting all the necessary nutrients, let Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis give you the information you need to achieve a healthful vegetarian life with ease. Change the way you look at food and your health forever- start following the dynamic, easy-to-implement advice in Becoming Vegetarian today.

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Review of The New Becoming Vegetarian: The Essential Guide To A Healthy Vegetarian Diet (Paperback)

This is book is absolutely necessary for anyone transitioning into a vegetarian or vegan diet and a great reference for those of us already there. It goes through all of the nutrients that vegetarians and vegans might have trouble getting enough of and explain why it's important and the best ways to incorporate that nutrient into your diet. It also gives dietary advice for prenanct women, children, and the elderly. There is so much information, I find myself constantly referring to this book as a reference guide.

Many other reviwers have noted that this book is objective and not "preachy." I agree. It points out honestly what's wrong with and what's good about omnivorous, vegetarian, and vegan diets and then shows how to improve in each case. It does address reasons for veganism, but this book is in no way dogmatic. There's also an entire section on "diplomacy," that is how to resolve issues between ominvores and vegetarians.

One of my favorite parts of this book is the latter half, in which advice is given on transitioning to vegetarianism or veganism. To often the changes that need to be made in lifestyle aren't addressed, in favor of reasons for going vegan or recipes. Here, however, they provide advice on mundane but necesary topics like meal planning and grocery shopping.

This is definitly not a recipe book by nature, by several recipes are provided in the back. These are not gourmet or experimental recipes. Rather they are recipes that the authors themselves eat on a regular basis and which new vegetarians can realisticly incorporate into their menus. The recipes were also all chosen with nutrition as well as taste in mind, so they contribute to learning how to plan well-rounded vegan meals. My favorite, for instance, is a traditional marinara pasta with lentils dissolved in the sauce to make it creamier and add protein. In addition, instead of meatballs, a variety of vegetables are added to make it chunky. I've tried several of the other recipes as well, and have been pleased with them all.

I really can't stress how amazing and necessary this book is. I find myself returning to it over and over again, so it was definitly worth buying.

Product Description
Comprehensive and well-researched, this new edition provides everything you need to know about making a healthy transition to a vegetarian diet or maximizing its benefits if already a vegetarian.
Updated with the latest recommendations for intakes of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats, the authors show how to achieve optimal nutrition for all stages of life. Easy-to-read tables, figures, menus, and food guides help you determine how to meet your nutritional requirements. You'll also learn what plant-based dietary components and factors play active roles in both the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses.
And for practical application, over 50 new and easy recipes show how to incorporate highly nutritious ingredients - some of which may be unfamiliar. These delicious meals include contributions from chefs Joseph Forest, Ron Pickarski, Joanne Stepaniak, and Yves Potvin (Yves Veggie Cuisine) as well as favorites of the authors.

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Review of The Raw Food Revolution Diet (Paperback)

Cherie Soria has lived this lifestyle for decades.As the reviewer above noted, she looks at least twenty years younger than her 60-something age.
Coming from a person like her, you can rest assured that this is not a fad, unbalanced diet. She is a vibrant, healthy, energetic person.

What I particularly like is that she has a great deal of sympathy and understanding of the challenges facing a person who is struggling with their weight and their health, and understands how intimidating it is to make that huge transition from a Standard American Diet to mostly raw vegan.

The best thing about the book is that each day's eating is completely laid out, so you don't have to fill your head with planning and making decisions.Just do what she says, and you'll very quickly 'get it' - because in the end, it's all very very simple.And you will feel so much healthier and cleaner (not to mention thinner!) very quickly.Within days.Once you 'get it', it's easy to use the book as a guide for taking over and planning for yourself.

There are lots of great raw cookbooks out there, but this explains the basics of what to eat, how much and when.So it's great for beginners.

She doesn't insist that you eat 100% raw, and has great suggestions for common concerns like cold weather, travelling, and eating out.

The book is very well-researched, and has a great deal of scientific information if you want it. There are easy to use charts. And she explains the big 'protein question' that always comes up - ie how do you get enough.

There are recipes for nutrient-packed and yet simple to prepare foods, with great sympathy for those of us who don't have a lot of time in the day.Nothing is very difficult to put together, and they are appealing to non-raw diners as well (who, if you didn't tell them what you were serving, probably wouldn't notice, and might even congratulate you on the quality of your hummus and hungrily devour the nut creams and desserts).

She goes on to explore and recommend special equipment like juicers and dehydrators, which might be useful additions to your kitchen if you continue to eat in this vein.

Overall, an excellent introduction to the new healthy you.My criticisms are minor, but I did find it a little hard to navigate without reading from cover to cover.And I would have preferred color photographs, to enhance the recipe pages. I'd recommend this book if your current food-style isn't creating the health and life you want to have.

Product Description
Discover how a raw foods diet will balance your weight naturally. This collection of recipes for imaginative, delectable, accessible and enticing cuisine is a far cry from a discipline limited to salads and sprouts. You'll be able to enjoy delicious, easy-to-prepare meals without feeling deprived. And you'll experience how raw foods can improve your health and make you feel more alive. Practical tips make it easy to choose the raw diet plan that's right for you with handy menus to get you started. A "How To" section on putting together a raw food diet that is nutritionally sound ensures that you receive the nutrients you need as you achieve your natural weight.

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