Press Reviews for The New Becoming Vegetarian (US version)
and Becoming Vegetarian (Canada)

The New Becoming Vegetarian and Becoming Vegetarian  have sold almost 200,000 copies in 12 countries and 3 languages.

The new version hasn't just been updated, it's been completely rewritten, and re-organized, and significant new material added. It's gone from being an excellent book, which I highly recommend, to being the vegetarian nutrition reference that every vegetarian should own, and which I continuously urge people to go out and buy. If you already own Becoming Vegetarian, get the new one too.

Here's Why: The New Becoming Vegetarian benefits from all the additional knowledge, experience, confidence and authority that Melina and Davis have acquired in nine years, the scientific studies, the new information that has come to light, vegetarian issues that weren't considered in 1994, and the collective experience of the exponentially growing world wide vegetarian movement.

Entire Chapters are devoted to vegetarian protein, Vitamin B12, fats, bone density, and body weight, with much more information and stronger emphasis on these critical nutritional areas. This book debunks myths, like the one that carbs are bad, and puts up big warning signs in the danger zones - e.g. low cal vegetarian diets, and nutritionally challenged diets, and goes into depth on the life stages of a vegetarian. The various charts and graphs used throughout illustrate the concepts very well. The thoughtful and compassionate chapter on vegetarian diplomacy is still there, as well as the practical and supportive chapters on shopping, and cooking vegetarian.

The New Becoming Vegetarian is extremely clearly written and organized, and easy for anybody to read and understand. However, this isn't a simple lightweight book. It's scientific, well documented, densely packed with vital information, and requires your full attention. I've had this book for a couple of months now, I read it almost every day, and I've yet to read it all. Many sections I've read several times, and I refer to some sections over and over again.

         Savvy Vegetarian  

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. 

          Midwest Book Review

Press quotes from the original edition are listed below.

"This book should be of value to clients who are interested in starting a vegetarian diet or to nurses, nutritionists, physicians and others."

            Book Reviews

"So much information is packed into this book, it looks as if I'll need only the one reference on this absorbing subject."

           The Montreal Gazette

"The book continues to be an excellent reference for those interested in vegetarianism."

           Reviews

"Becoming Vegetarian is a comprehensive guide to achieving a healthful vegetarian lifestyle. Becoming Vegetarian offers authoritative vegetarian and vegan nutrition for everyone from infants to adults; helpful guidelines and tips for those who are just starting out, as well as for those who are already on their way to healthful vegetarianism; vegetarian food guide for optimal nutrition and easy meal planning; delicious, easy recipes; vegetarian diplomacy (how to deal effectively with difficult social situations, and learning to help others adapt to your new health-style.)  

    From Scrambled Tofu, Fruity Whole Grain Pancakes, and Non-Dairy Vegetable Cream Soup to Sesame Tahini Salad Dressing, Two Bean Stew and Almost Instant Candy, Becoming Vegetarian demonstrates that the vegetarian lifestyle is tasty and palate pleasing, as well as healthy and nutritious."

          The Midwest Book Review

          James A. Cox, Editor in Chief

"The authors of Becoming Vegetarian are registered dietitians and nutrition consultants, and the book reflects proper respect for chemical, nutritional and medical research, not fads and fancies. They demolish such myths as "a diet without meat cannot provide enough protein" and "iron-deficiency anemia is a likely outcome of a vegetarian diet."

          Far Eastern Economic Review - What's New

"All in all, this is an indispensable volume for anyone wanting to obtain comprehensive nutrition information on all aspects of a vegetarian diet, written in a clear, concise and readable manner."

        The Jewish Vegetarian, London, England

"Topics which are especially well covered include the inadequacies of the Standard American Diet (SAD) with relation to heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis; a reassuring section on vegetarian pregnancy, infant care and children’s diets; a clarification of those illusive fats and oils and that confusing of all subjects, cholesterol; an explanation of fiber and its importance to health; and the optimum health and slimming advantages of a plant-based diet.

     The book has two outstanding features. First, it gives a complete list of calcium-rich foods, especially useful for people who are lactose intolerant and those suffering from or wanting a precaution against, osteoporosis. Secondly, it gives The Vegetarian Food Guide, including milk and alternatives.."

           Times Colonist, Victoria

"If you want to learn more about becoming a vegetarian, Dietitians of Canada recommend Becoming Vegetarian by Vesanto Melina, Brenda Davis and Victoria Harrison."

          The Evening Telegram, St. John’s Newfoundland

"In a clear and friendly style, the authors, Canadian dietitians, lead you through the minefield of myths and half truths surrounding the vegetarian promised land, along the way tackling the Western norms which promote an animal-based diet."

          SAFE, Christchurch, New Zealand

"Unlike other books on the subject, it rings of truth and credible research, not environmental advocacy or fringe science."

          The Calgary Sunday Sun