Vegetarian Books You Must Read
In the last year I’ve read over a dozen books that will help you make the transition from meat to vegetarian, and even from vegetarian to vegan.
Last night I finished up the latest, and probably the best book of the bunch. Even though it was written almost 10 years ago, “The Food Revolution” has been the book that connected with me the most.
That’s the #1 book you need to read if you’re “thinking” about going vegetarian, or if you want data to back up your decision when your “friends” start hassling you about not eating hamburgers.
Scary, scary stuff in there if you live in the United States.
On a brighter note, and for more practical help in creating your vegetarian lifestyle, I highly recommend Brendan Brazier’s “Thrive Diet”. In addition to opening your eyes up to the incredible variety among plant foods, Brendan also provides some great vegan recipes.
And he’s living proof you can perform at a high-performance level without animal products because he is a world-class triathlete.
To be honest, I was skeptical of this book but it is a MUST read for everyone interested in a plant based diet.
Other books of note:
The China Study – It was okay, but the nutrition chapter (12) is also mandatory reading for someone looking to eat healthier.
Mad Cowboy – Most of the info here is covered in The Food Revolution, but it digs pretty deep into the sad tale of how farmers get trapped in methods that they abhor but are also the only way (that the know of) to make a living.
Food Rules – While this isn’t a vegetarian book per se, Food Rules contains my favorite 7-word diet system:
“Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”
I’ve tried and tried, and I can’t make it any simpler than that.
Not only will you help yourself, but you’ll help the world avoid wasting water, energy, and precious land. The facts about soil loss, rain forest devastation, and wasted food and energy are alarming and depressing.
As John Robbins points out in The Food Revolution, you’ll save more water by eating one less pound of meat than you would by not showing for 6 months!
When it comes to livestock production, the numbers are mind-boggling.
Grab that book for your summer reading and share it with a friend.
To your health,
Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS
Author, “The Lazy Man’s Guide to Vegetarian Eating”