Critical Acclaim

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Becoming Vegetarian, and The New Becoming Vegetarian (US version),

co-authored by

Brenda Davis, R.D. and Vesanto Melina, M.S., R.D.,

have sold 160,000 copies in 11 countries and 3 languages.

A few press quotes from the original edition are listed below:
 


 

"It has become a bestseller in Canada, and the U.S. version is well on its way."

     Times Colonist, Victoria


 

"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, three 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


 

"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

 

Study Guide

OVERVIEW AND INSTRUCTIONS
        Welcome to the self-directed accredited learning program for The New Becoming Vegetarian. The program consists of a book of the same title by Vesanto Melina, MS, RD and Brenda Davis, RD and this study guide. The program is designed to help you understand the principles of vegetarian nutrition and apply these to practical situations. It is also designed to help you earn 28 Level 2, Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEUs.)

        To get the most out of this self-directed accredited learning program, it is suggested that you adhere to the following four steps:
        · Review the objectives in the study guide.
        · Read and study the book.
        · Assess what you have learned by answering the self-assessment questions in this study guide.
        · Compare your answers to the answer key, which you will find at the end of the study guide. If you scored at least 80% correct, you have completed the program and are ready to transfer your answers to the CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION REPORTING FORM enclosed as a separate sheet. If you scored less than 80% correct, re-read the appropriate sections of the book and until you score at least 80% correct.
        After you have successfully completed the program, complete and mail the CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION REPORTING FORM to:

        Wolf Rinke Associates, Inc., P.O. Box 350, Clarksville, MD 21029 or Fax to (410) 531-9282.

 

 

 

Editorial Reviews
 
About the Author
Vesanto Melina, M. Sc., R.D., was trained at the University of Toronto and the University of London, England, and taught nutrition at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and Seattle's Bastyr University. She was a coordinator for the vegetarian section of the Manual of Clinical Dietetics(Dietitians of Canada and the American Dietetics Association) and is co-author of the nutrition classic "Becoming Vegetarian" (now in eleven countries and three languages), as well as "Cooking Vegetarian', "Becoming Vegan" and "Healthy Eating for Life to Prevent and Treat Cancer".
Vesanto is widely known in the media - press, TV and radio. She is an internationally known speaker and has presented workshops on the topic of vegetarian nutrition to over 1800 dietitians throughout. North America. Vesanto received the prestigious Clintec award for leadership in dietetics. She regularly consults for government and industry and for individual clients.
To complement her scientific expertise is Vesanto's joy in creating food that is healthy, delicious and simple to prepare. Her website is
http://www.nutrispeak.com

Brenda Davis is a registered dietitian in private practice, an author and an internationally acclaimed speaker. She became a committed, ethical vegetarian 13 years ago when she was moved to explore the consequences of food choices beyond personal health. Brenda completed an honors degree in Human Nutrition at the University of Guelph, followed by an internship in Ottawa Ontario. She has worked as a public health nutritionist, clinical nutrition specialist, nutrition consultant, academic nutrition instructor, and is currently the Past-Chair of the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group of the American Dietetic Association. Brenda is co-author of three books - the best-seller, Becoming Vegetarian, its companion, Becoming Vegan, and the newly released Dairy-free and Delicious. She answers nutrition questions on the VegFamily website. Brenda lives in Kelowna, British Columbia with her husband Paul, and two teenage children, Leena - age 17 and Cory - age 14, all vegetarians.

Product Description:
The evidence is in— millions of people are moving toward a vegetarian diet because it offers a healthful and environmentally sound alternative to the standard diet. Becoming Vegetarian is the ultimate source for making this valuable and beneficial life change. Packed with authoritative vegetarian and vegan nutrition information from established and savvy experts, this powerful book takes the worry out of making an important, healthy transition.

Here' what's inside:

  • Vegetarian food guide for optimal nutrition and easy meal planning
  • Delicious, easy recipes
  • Helpful guidelines for those who are just starting out
  • Cutting edge scientific information for experienced vegetarians
  • Nutrition essentials from infancy through our senior years
  • Practical tips for weight control
  • Much, much more

This comprehensive update of an international bestseller is the one resource that contains everything you need to know about becoming a vegetarian or fine-tuning a vegetarian diet. From dealing with awkward social situations to making sure you're getting all the necessary nutrients, let Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis give you the information you need to achieve a healthful vegetarian life with ease. Change the way you look at food and your health forever— start following the dynamic, easy-to-implement advice in Becoming Vegetarian today.

 

 

 

 

     If you're considering vegetarianism but are wondering how or where to start (or even if it's a good idea) look no further than this excellent book by Canadian dietitians Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis. This is a wonderful primer on nutrition (and would even be good for anyone who's simply looking to improve one's diet).

        Published in 2003, this is a revised and extensively updated version of the 1994 original, and it is definitely the edition to get. The book is 454 pages and contains an absolute wealth of current research that has taken place over the past decade. As the authors state, "Much of what was considered mere speculation 10 years ago is now accepted fact. We...provide more thorough guidance for readers. Several issues that were not dealt with in the original book are addressed" and the recipes are refined. The chapter headings are:

        1. Why Be Vegetarian. They cover the gamut of reasons people cite for making the switch--from concerns over health and disease to concerns for the environment, economy, and rights of animals. The latter issues are briefly but powerfully addressed, but it's very tactfully done--they're not at all judgemental or abrasive.
        2. Maximizing the Vegetarian Advantage. A very powerful chapter dealing with the health of vegetarians and the impact of diet on diseases, including cancer, gall stones, diabetes (type 2), arthritis, and diseases of the heart, kidneys, and the GI system. Includes nutritional recommendations for good health & prevention of disease.

        3. Power from Plants...legumes, nuts, and seeds. All you need to know about protein, iron and zinc in the veg diet. (One tip: Vitamin C greatly increases absorption of iron.)

        4. Bone Boosters...milk, greens, and other calcium champions. How to maximize our bodies absorption and use of calcium. (Sodium & excess protein actually rob us of calcium).

        5. Energy Plus...goodness from grains. A wealth of info about grains, fibre, and how to maximize nutrient absorption from grains. (One tip: Soak whole grains, legumes, nuts & seeds overnight in lots of cold water (discard soaking water)).

        6. Perfect Protectors...vegetables and fuits. Vitamin and mineral content is the focus.

        7. Fat Feuds...who's winning? All you need to know about types/amounts of fat--including essential fatty acids and how to ensure we're getting them.

        8. Fine-tuning the Vegetarian Diet...vitamin B12

        9. Designing the Diet...the vegetarian food guide. Covers food groups, recommended number of servings, serving sizes, number of calories per serving, and how to keep a diet log (important initially to determine areas where one may be having problems).

        10. Vegetarian for Life. Deals with special situations (pregnancy/lactation, infancy, childhood, teen years, and those aged 50 and over).

        11. Vegetarian Victory Over Weight

        12. Vegetarian Diplomacy

        13. From Markets to Meals. Tips on where to shop, what to buy, food storage, how to make the transition to vegetarianism, and travel. Includes substitutions for chicken broth, ground beef, gelatin, or egg for those who want to adapt non-veg recipes.

        14. Recipes...simple treasures. You'll eventually want a proper veg cookbook or two, but included are a good variety of recipes to get one started plus tips on cooking grains and legumes. The few recipes I've tried so far have been super (My favourite is Hot Tofu and Cool Greens--who'd have thought tofu could taste so yummy!). (Tip: When cooking dry (pre-soaked) beans, do not add salt, tomato, or other highly acidic ingredients until after the beans have become tender or they'll be hard to digest!)

    In conclusion, this is a comprehensive, incredibly informative (not to mention interesting) guide for the person interested in learning how to become a healthy vegetarian. Whatever your motivation--be it a desire to improve your health & nutrition, to lower your risk for many diseases, to lose weight, to be more environmentally-responsible, or something else, you won't find a better (or at the time of writing a more current) resource than this fantastic book. It's the perfect place to start. In short, I simply cannot praise highly enough, and I recommend it.

        Reviewer: Tiggah "The Anglophile, Calgary, Canada)

 

 

 

Excellent resource, February 6, 2004
Reviewer: A reader
    I have purchased a few books on vegetarianism, and this is the most informative. As a new vegetarian who is still learning, I feel that the authors are not snobs about the subject. They clearly feel that the lifestyle is the healthiest, but I think they make an effort to be objective and accepting of those who do not adopt a strictly vegan menu. Additionally, their book so far is the most informative. I am learning so much about nutrients and how they affect each other. Even if you do not ultimately choose a vegetarian lifestyle, the book is an excellent choice if you just want to learn how to eat better.

 

 

 

The New Becoming Vegetarian, February 4, 2004
Reviewer: "lvschnzrs" (Massachusetts)

    This book was brilliant! Easy to read and very informative. Cheers to anyone who reads this book and makes the change to becoming vegetarian.
 

 

 

A healthy, helpful, recommended guide, October 7, 2003

Reviewer: Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)

    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.