9 Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Books About Food
There are plenty of reasons to cut back on meat, or even eliminate it from your diet completely. Not only are plant-based meals healthier, but they're also better for the environment. And with the right information, you don't need to have a lot of time or money to make them yourself. Whether you're new to the world of veggies, or just want to add some recipes to your repertoire, the nine books listed here can help you get some culinary inspiration. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
9 Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly Books About Food
Tips & Tricks for Vegetarians & Vegans
- Get some vegetarian & vegan cookbooks, so you don't have to modify recipes and have plenty of dishes to choose from.
- Experiment with how you prepare tofu. It has a bad reputation, but it can be a great component of a meal if it's flavored and cooked right.
- Stock up on vegan snacks. Just because you're on a plant-based diet doesn't mean you can't have fun with your food.
- Consider a meatless diet for your dog, although of course you should talk to a vet before making this major change.
- It's not hard to get the protein you need from whole foods, but if you're a body builder or just concerned about protein intake, try mixing a vegan protein powder into a shake or smoothie.
- If you're making this change for health reasons, remember to create sustainable habits so that you don't lose steam after a week or two.
Advice for New Vegetarians
In Depth
In the era of meal boxes and keto diets, it might seem easier than ever to get on the right track health-wise. So why are so many adults still struggling to eat healthy? If you've ever struggled with eating clean, you've come to the right place. Here, in no particular order, are some of the best books to help readers find a vegan or vegetarian diet that actually works for them.
At #1, we find Mollie Katzen's "The Heart of the Plate." The author of the legendary "Moosewood Cookbook" is back, this time with a new, minimalist work aimed at helping readers eat clean without breaking their budget or buying a bunch of expensive tools and ingredients. For anyone who's struggled with getting in their five a day, this lushly-illustrated guide is sure to please.
For #2, we get "Real Moms Love to Eat" by Beth Aldrich with Eve Adamson. Many adults assume that losing weight and staying healthy means abstaining from the foods they love. Not so, says Aldrich, a working mother who knows how challenging it can be to eat healthy on a chaotic schedule. Packed with tips for a healthier lifestyle, this book may help readers lay out a blueprint for a more fulfilling relationship with food and wellness.
Packed with tips for a healthier lifestyle, this book may help readers lay out a blueprint for a more fulfilling relationship with food and wellness.
At #3, is Deborah Madison's "The New Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone." Who says vegetarian cooking has to be expensive and time-consuming? In this re-issued classic, plant-based recipes are simpler than ever to make, and more satisfying than ever to munch on.
At #4, is Sandor Ellix Katz's "The Art of Fermentation." Dieters and health-conscious readers are often told that fermented foods and drinks hold the key to better digestion and gut health. In his rigorously reported book, Katz gets to the bottom of what fermentation actually is, and why it could help dieters and clean eaters achieve a better internal balance.
Coming in at #5, is "Vegan in Europe" by Lindsay S. Nixon. Traveling to a new place can be hard on folks with specific dietary restrictions. When Nixon traveled to the land of butter, fat, and the deep-fried Mars bar, she needed all the help she could get, finding vegan meals on a daily basis. In this book, she gives readers an insider's guide to accessing plant-based, dairy-free meals as a tourist traveling through parts unknown.
Traveling to a new place can be hard on folks with specific dietary restrictions.
For #6, we find Fuschia Dunlop's "Every Grain of Rice." Chinese cooking offers a huge range of delicious, flavorful vegetarian and vegan dishes. Why shouldn't everyone be able to take advantage of the best Sichuan dishes without ingesting tons of meat and fat? Dunlop's elegant cookbook is a perfect introduction to Chinese cuisine for beginners, experienced home chefs, and everyone in between.
At #7, is "100 Best Vegan Recipes" by Robin G. Robertson. Whether you're a longtime vegan or just starting to give the diet a try, you can probably use a bit of inspiration in the kitchen. In this versatile volume, readers get access to one hundred of the most delicious, simple vegan meals to make in the comfort of their own homes.
#8, is Marion Nestle's "What to Eat." What's truly healthy for us? What's the difference between "good" and "bad" fat? And what does the word "organic" actually mean? With so much information circulating about what is and isn't healthy, it can be hard to get to the truth. Thankfully, Nestle's handy resource is here to help. Part scientific exploration, part guidebook, "What to Eat" may help curious readers gain insight into what true nutritional health looks like.
With so much information circulating about what is and isn't healthy, it can be hard to get to the truth.
Finally, at #9, is "Skinny Bastard" by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. From the people who brought you the bestselling "Skinny Bitch," comes a follow-up aimed at male readers looking to change their diets and their lives. For anyone who's felt self-conscious about eating clean, this read can help you duck the stigma of gendered expectations and start living a healthier life.
