Vesanto Melina | Brenda Davis
1 A necessary guide for vegetarians and vegans
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.
2 information, not judgement
if your interested in a healthy diet, of any type, this book is a MUST. for those already or considering vegetarianism, i have not yet found anything that compares.
this book focuses on the "How to be healthy" and leaves preaching (in things one may or may not agree with) aside, so it is an awesome source for everyone. omnivores and veggie/vegans (health, AR, environmentalist or any mix) will feel comfortable reading and reaping the benefits from this book.
in depth but easy to understand explanations of basic dietary needs, info from many studies, and how to make the most of this info in one's everyday eating habits.
it takes time to explain the macronutrients (to include protein requirements and essential amino acid intake), individual minerals and vitamins, essential fatty acids and more.
a book that i'm extremely pleased to have come across and to have in my library.
3 Excellent resource
I have purchased a few books on vegetarianism, and this is the most informative. As a new vegetarian who is still learning, I feel that the authors are not snobs about the subject. They clearly feel that the lifestyle is the healthiest, but I think they make an effort to be objective and accepting of those who do not adopt a strictly vegan menu. Additionally, their book so far is the most informative. I am learning so much about nutrients and how they affect each other. Even if you do not ultimately choose a vegetarian lifestyle, the book is an excellent choice if you just want to learn how to eat better.
4 The New Becoming Vegetarian
This book was brilliant! Easy to read and very informative. Cheers to anyone who reads this book and makes the change to becoming vegetarian.
5 A healthy, helpful, recommended guide
Collaboratively written by Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis, The New Becoming Vegetarian: The Essential Guide To A Healthy Vegetarian Diet is a straightforward guide for those new to vegetarian diets. Individual chapters deftly cover reasons for becoming a vegetarian; the wide varieties of foods available; the fine-tuning a personal diet for proper nutrition; healthy diet choices throughout all stages of life, and more. A special section devoted to diplomacy and dealing social situations, Thanksgiving dinners, etc. in which the vegetarian is being pressured to eat meat is what clearly distinguishes this healthy, helpful, recommended guide.
