The New Becoming Vegetarian: The Essential Guide To A Healthy Vegetarian Diet [Paperback]

Vesanto Melina (Author), Brenda Davis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2003

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 373 pages
• Publisher: Book Pub Co; 2nd edition (August 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570671443
• ISBN-13: 978-1570671449
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,019 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

308 of 310 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A necessary guide for vegetarians and vegans, April 27, 2005

By 

Sara G. (Mamou, LA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 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.

114 of 116 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, well-researched, the only book you need!, August 8, 2006

By 

Patrick D. Goonan "see profile for URL" (Livermore, CA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The New Becoming Vegetarian: The Essential Guide To A Healthy Vegetarian Diet (Paperback)

I can't praise this book enough in terms of its accuracy, density of valuable information and practicality. It says everything that needs to be said concisely and addresses the "gotchas" of going vegan.

I was educated as a biochemist and taught Physiology in a university at one time. This book is accurate and addresses potential problems such as not getting certain essential amino acids and fatty acids. This material is presented in just enough detail for layman and without extraneous content.

I also found the book an enjoyable read and the authors kept me engaged all the way through. The organization was well thought out and they make a very compelling argument for a vegetarian diet based on sound information. The tone is also balanced and I didn't find the book dogmatic although they do argue their point well.

An added bonus is that this book contains some recipes a good nutritional recommendations including for children. They do not take a fanatical approach and their section on shopping.

You really can't go wrong adding this book to your library. If you are only going to buy one that covers everything that is important, this is a great choice.

86 of 87 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource, February 5, 2004

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The New Becoming Vegetarian: The Essential Guide To A Healthy Vegetarian Diet (Paperback)

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.