Vegan for Life

July 1, 2011

Going vegan is a complicated endeavor. Humans evolved as omnivores, regularly consuming meat, milk, and eggs. One can get all the protein one needs from an unsupplemented plant-based diet, but the amount of beans it would be necessary to eat, along with other foods--not to mention the monotony of such a diet--would be nearly impossible to manage. Dieticians Norris and Messina deconstruct the myths about veganism and explain its benefits (vegans are far less prone than omnivores to obesity and its related ailments, such as diabetes and heart disease). They explain to the novice, step by step, how to transition from an omnivorous diet, identifying the necessary dietary supplements and advising how to take them. Babies, children, teens, and those with compromised immunity will need extra supplementation. VERDICT This book explains everything one needs to know about going vegan. Comprehensive and succinct, it is a must-have for nutritionists and anyone contemplating a vegan diet.--Susan B. Hagloch, formerly with Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, OH

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 30, 2011
Prioritizing compassion as a reason to embrace an animal-free lifestyle, longtime vegan dieticians Norris (cofounder of Vegan Outreach) and Messina (The Vegetarian Way) show readers how to evaluate medical research studies; calculate daily nutritional needs; stock a vegan pantry on a budget; and create daily menus. They slice through controversies surrounding, for example, convenience and soy foods; provide solutions to potential nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B12, calcium, iron, etc.); pinpoint particular needs of vegan children and teens, pregnant and breastfeeding women, athletes, older adults and those with allergies; and promote a plant-based diet to help prevent or heal obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Armed with this compendium and a vegan cookbook, novices will make an easy, healthy transition to meat, egg and dairy-free meals, while practicing vegans can use it as a guide to the best food choices.