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Vegan for Life: Everything You Need to Know to Be Healthy and Fit on a Plant-Based Diet

by Jack Norris and Virginia Messina

Description
Are you considering going vegan, but you're not sure how to start? Are you already committed to an animal-free diet, but are unclear about how to get proper nutrients? Vegan for Life is your comprehensive, go-to guide for optimal plant-based nutrition. Registered dietitians and long-time vegans Jack Norris and Virginia Messina debunk some of the most persistent myths about vegan nutrition and provide essential information about getting enough calcium and protein, finding the best supplements, and understanding the "real deal" about soy.

Covering everything from a six-step transition plan to meeting calorie and nutrient needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding, Vegan for Life is the guide for aspiring and veteran vegans alike, complete with an easy-to-use food chart, tasty substitutions, sample menus, and expansive resources.

Review
I really liked this book. Here are a few reasons why:

1. It is easy to read. I've gotten bogged down with nutrition books in the past and quickly lost interest. But this book strikes that fine line of being thorough but not overwhelming. I actually looked forward to reading this book and couldn't wait to pick it up again.
2. The authors present an honest look at vegan diets. They do not shy away from telling people about what the nutritional shortcomings may be and offering them solutions for dealing with them.
3. They make veganism seem attainable and realistic. I know from experience that veganism can be an easy lifestyle to adopt. The authors stress that we do not all have to be raw vegans eating no processed foods at all.
4. The authors base their information on scientific studies. And when the studies are not conclusive, they tell us. There is a lot of not-so-great nutritional advice out there, and these authors help weed out the bad information for us.

After reading this book, I feel much more confident with my vegan diet. I always knew that eating vegan made me feel good, but now I know how to be the healthiest vegan I can be, for life. And I now have an informed answer when people ask me questions about meeting nutritional requirements with a vegan diet. I highly recommend this book to all vegans & vegetarians and even to folks who are thinking about eating less meat. Go for it!
PD, Baltimore (amazon.com)