"Becoming Vegetarian" ADA Journal Review

BECOMING VEGETARIAN:
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO ADOPTING A HEALTHY VEGETARIAN DIET

Few books on vegetarian nutrition are as comprehensive and accurate as Becoming Vegetarian.  This useful book begins with a review of the health benefits of a vegetarian diet followed by an overview of key nutrients.  A vegetarian food guide provides practical information on meal planning for various age groups and types of vegetarians.  My favorite chapter, "Vegetarian Diplomacy," presents several potentially difficult situations, such as family disapproval or dinner invitations. and offers possible solutions.  The book concludes with tips for food shopping and storage and selected recipes.

Early chapters on health benefits of vegetarian diets and nutrient information contain terms that may not be familiar to the average layperson.  These chapters may be a bit overwhelming for someone new to vegetarianism or nutrition.  On the other hand, later chapters which provide practical information, are simply and clearly written.

In general, the nutrition sections of Becoming Vegetarian are well researched and accurate.  The authors do not include references, although a list of references for broad topic areas is available on request.  (For extensive list, click here).  The nutrition recommendations in the book are sound, although some for children seem rather conservative.

If Becoming Vegetarian is to live up to its subtitle, The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Vegetarian Diet, additional topics such as the elderly*, athletes*, and food programs such as Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children and school lunches should be included in future editions.  But, all in all, Becoming Vegetarian is a well-written, practical guide to vegetarian foods and nutrition.  It would be a valuable addition to the bookshelf of all dietetics professionals and other health care providers who work with vegetarian or near-vegetarian clients.

     REED MANGELS, PhD, RD, FADA
     The Vegetarian Resource Group, Baltimore, Md.

*As recommended, these have been included in current edition.