Update: Been a vegetarian for about 10 months now. Just to clarify the smoothie thing :) I don't have a dislike for smoothies...just wanted author to explain what nutrients we would help replace by adding this into our daily diet. I am an Ironman Finisher, and becoming vegetarian has given me more energy than ever before. I recommend
Women Food and God: An Unexpected Path to Almost Everythingfor your own personal reflection on why you eat they way you do. Interesting to read if you have made the choice to change but are struggling at every meal time.
Initial Review:
After deciding to go vegetarian for the last 2 weeks, I wanted to pick up some helpful reading material to assist me in making healthful food choices. The book is 30 chapters (about 2 pages each) - one for every day.
I would like to say that I didn't take the time to write this review in order to slam the author. I just think that you should understand what you are getting with your purchase and may choose to go another route. I usually don't ever take this much time to review a book (esp. one that is only $10) - I was wanting lots of technical information and it wasn't found in this book. I will say, that other than 2-3 references of PETA and animal cruelty, this book is written without a strong political undertone which I appreciate.
Chapter 1 is the most useful - assignment - answering the question "Why do you want to go vegan"
Chapter 2 - "know the basics" Taylor recommends you go online yourself and research what vegan really is about (ok already done that before purchasing the book)
Chapter 3 - "Fruit and Veggie Cleanse" - sensible enough
Chapter 4 - "Eliminate Red Meat" - ok, think this is why we bought the book - did it need a chapter?
Chapter 5 - "Find Substitutes" - reasonable basic chapter
Chapter 6 - "Get a Beautiful Fruit Bowl and Keep it Filled" Self Explanatory
Chapter 7 - "Start Each Day with a Green Smoothie" My biggest complaint in this chapter are two things. First she asks that you go buy a $500 blender if at all possible. Yes, that is a great suggestion. But what she wants you to make with it is a handful of tropical fruit, ice and some handfuls of spinach. It would be really helpful at this point to discuss how many vitamins/fiber/minerals that you are supplementing your diet with at this point.
Chapter 8 - "Eliminate Poultry" boils down to try your favorite sauce over mushrooms or veggies instead
Chapter 9 - "Make a large salad"
Chapter 10 - "Read Diet for America" by John Robbins. She says to read it because as a vegan we will be expected to know the major arguments for veganism. Hum? Really? I really don't care why others are doing it... Read Quantum Wellness or "Becoming Vegan" instead.
Chapter 11- another fruit cleanse
Chapter 12 - eliminate cheese
Chapter 13 - take a tour of your health food store
Chapter 14 - gather vegan recipes (hint - there are really none in this book unless you need to know how to make a fruit salad)
Chapter 15 - try a new recipe (1 paragraph)/would have been nice to insert a new recipe here?
Chapter 16 - Eliminate fish and seafood. She reminds us to not forget the cans of "lurking" tuna fish in the cupboard. Really? copy chapter 8 and substitute the word fish for poultry.
Chapter 17 - commit to the kitchen (meaning pre slice/bag your veggies)
Chapter 18 - buy a veggie chopper
Chapter 19 - Treat yourself. She recommends buying a new t-shirt to announce your "veganism". Strange for me.
Chapter 20 - Eliminate eggs
Chapter 21 - Meet other vegans - assignment is to meet one new vegan today via the internet or health food shop. Sorry, not for me.
Chapter 22 - Stay motivated. Source of books and websites. This chapter provides some actual information. You can find this yourself. But nicely put on two pages.
Chapter 23 - Take B12 and Flaxseed. Too bad not every chapter is written with this type of clinical information. Almost looks like another author wrote this chapter.
Chapter 24 - eliminate dairy
Chapter 25 - Learn to eat at a restaurant - hint: involves calling ahead and quizzing waiter.
Chapter 26 - Attending and hosting a dinner party
Chapter 27 - Learn how to say "no thank you, I'm vegan" Strange chapter...
Chapter 28 - Eliminate Remaining Animal Ingredients. She list common non-vegan ingredients. Suggests you learn more buy reading another recommended book or researching the internet (common theme)
Chapter 29 - Clean out your kitchen (I'm imagining it is done by now?) Really, who would live with a family and actually be able to clean out their kitchen. If it is my choice, I don't expect everyone in my family to be subject to the same choice. I'm strong enough to not have to clean out my kitchen.
Chapter 30 - State your case. Basically learn to communicate why you are vegan.
Back cover - go to [...] to learn more about Sarah. I haven't gone here - but guessing all this basic info can be found for free at her website.
