NSTA Recommends - Richard Lord, High School Biology Teacher
"Many students consider challenging themselves to adopt a vegan diet—one where they avoid all types of animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, honey, gelatin, and other ingredients and additives of animal origin.This simple and informative book can help them decide if this is an appropriate choice. There are a variety of reasons why people choose a vegan lifestyle. They may believe that consuming animal products is cruel. This is illustrated by vivid descriptions of the ways that some meat is raised and processed, from the large “factory farms” to the use of specific foods to make animals grow fatter, antibiotics to keep animals free of disease, and hormones to promote rapid growth. They may assert that veganism shows compassion for people. Since millions suffer from malnutrition, if the land being used to grow grain for animals was used to grow food for people, then malnutrition would decrease. Vegans may choose that diet because they believe in compassion for the environment. They often point out that agricultural runoff is a huge pollution source, large amounts of water are used to irrigate feedlots, animal waste may contaminate water supplies, and greenhouse gases given off by animals might contribute to climate change. Finally, vegans may believe in compassion for self, noting that the American Dietetic Association and other groups suggest that vegan and vegetarian diets can be healthful and nutritious and can help reduce disease risks for diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. One chapter is devoted to ways of making healthful, as well as tasty, diet choices. The need for carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals is stressed, as well as the reasons why plant sources are better choices for some of these nutrients. Students are advised that they must select the right combination of foods and appropriate supplements to get all the necessary nutrients. Detailed advice is included on where and how to shop, setting goals for the transition, making a timetable for change, getting family support, and preparing for proper nutrition while traveling. A final chapter discusses aspects of veganism extending to areas other than food. Much clothing (fur, leather, wool, and silk) has animal origin. Many consumer goods contain animal products and numerous products are tested on animals. The book is concise, enlightening and full of stunning photography. It could easily be read from cover to cover in a short time. There are recipes for vegan dishes and snacks, a short glossary, a list of print and online resources, and an index. The book urges vegan students to have a good attitude, stand up for their choice. and to respect others who don’t share their views. It would be appropriate for middle and high school health or biology classes as part of a nutrition unit. But, since any student considering veganism would find the book useful, it would be a valuable addition to a school or classroom library as well." - NSTA Recommends
August 6, 2012