Not for me!November 2, 2008 6 out of 9 found this review helpful
You should only buy this book if you are seriously considering becoming a vegan. Here...I'll summarize what the book says so you don't even have to buy it: meat is bad, dairy is bad, processed food is bad, organic fruits, veg and whole grains are good. There I just saved you $10 and a few hours.
It's hardly a diet plan, there are only a few blurbs on exercise and it pretty much repeats stuff you've heard elsewhere, except they REALLY push the veganism. In fact, they even include some sad stories about how poorly farm animals are treated to make you feel even guiltier. I think it's really unrealistic for most people and am kinda bummed I bought it...
Book helped renew my confidence in vegetarianismNovember 1, 2008 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I first attempted to embrace the vegetarian (not vegan) lifestyle while in college 10 years ago. With a shoestring budget and limited knowledge on protein substitutes, my effort was less than stellar. It didn't help that I had little to no support in my quest to give up meat. My family and friends thought the concept was bizarre and unnatural. Eventually, after two years, I started incorporating meat back into my diet, and I never felt worse. My digestive system revolted against me and I felt tired and sluggish. On the flip side, the transition to giving up meat was much easier, 10 years ago, and again six months ago.
Fast forward 10 years when I came across this book online and decided to order it. I certainly wasn't expecting a hidden agenda for veganism and animal rights hidden behind the glossy cover, but it certainly reminded me why I made the decision to give up meat many years ago. I've always had a difficult time with the knowledge of where meat comes from. It truly disturbs me that so many people have such little regard for animal rights, and the suffering animals endure to provide meat products. It's also unsettling how many products contain animal by-products. It's absolutely staggering. I do not have a scientific degree. In fact, my background is in advertising, which means I'm well aware of the enormous amount of money it takes to convince people to consume certain products. The various meat industries have lots of money to make that happen.
The vegan and vegetarian lifestyles are not for everyone and I understand that, but the current meat manufacturing system is not working, and the animals are paying the price for humans' selfish habits. I've done the research (far beyond this book) and I have figured out a way to make a plant-based diet work for me. I still consume some dairy, but it's a very small amount. If I can prevent the deaths of 100+ animals a year, so be it.
Missed good points because...October 24, 2008 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Good points in this seemingly well researched book get lost with all the foul language. I'm not a prude and do use all the words that they printed. However, they went on ad nauseaum. When I'm reading about pertinent information like they have in this book, it just seems senseless to continue the use of four letter words after a couple of times. I finally gave up after five chapters. I felt like I was being yelled at. What a shame.
Language unecessaryOctober 24, 2008 4 out of 9 found this review helpful
I can see where this book could have good points, but the vulgarity of the language through out makes it completely devoid of anything of quality. You can be no-nonsense without being ridiculous. Skip this one. Find something better.
Changing everything for meOctober 23, 2008 3 out of 6 found this review helpful
I've heard all of this for years from my big sister. Finally, I am listening. You can't eat like a pig, drink like a fish, AND have the body you want. You can't! This book is changing everything for me.
