Veggie Blog

Book Description
Many patients that I see in my medical nutrition practice request specific detailed information in order to move toward a vegetarian lifestyle. Here is a book that will guide them along such a path. It will also assist current vegetarians to reach a new level of understanding by offering specific instruction for improving food habits. The instruction includes the most up-to-date and scientific data regarding food protein. By using the egg as a model of the near perfect protein source and comparing vegetarian foods with the egg, we now have available tools for increasing the benefits of protein from non-meat sources.

Who is the author?

According to the title, the book is by Gary Null.

What does the book say about protein?

The description says the instruction includes the most up-to-date and scientific data on food protein. It uses the egg as a model of a near perfect protein source and compares vegetarian foods with the egg. These are the author’s statements, and this page has not checked them.

What is this book about?

The description is written in the voice of a medical nutrition practitioner whose patients ask for detailed information on moving to a vegetarian lifestyle. It says the book will guide them along that path.

Who is the intended reader?

It says the book will also help current vegetarians reach a new level of understanding, with specific instruction for improving food habits.

This is a summary of the book description, not medical advice.

What should I know about moving toward a vegetarian diet?

Moving step by step is usually easier to keep up than changing everything at once. Begin by adding more plant foods, then reduce animal foods as you learn dishes you enjoy. Keep a food diary for a week, pick two or three meatless dinners and learn to cook beans and lentils.

Three nutrients are commonly mentioned. The ODS zinc fact sheet says vegetarians may need more zinc, because beans and grains contain phytates that reduce absorption. The ODS iron fact sheet says the iron target for people who skip meat, poultry and seafood altogether is nearly double the usual figure, and the NIH B12 consumer fact sheet notes that B12 occurs naturally only in animal foods.

People with diabetes, kidney disease or other health conditions should plan changes with their doctor. A medical practitioner or registered dietitian can order blood tests and advise on supplements, and the information in a book should complement, not replace, that advice.

Related on this blog: Antioxidant Foods: Why Colorful Plants Beat Supplements and Vitamins and Your Health: Do You Need a Supplement?

Book: The Vegetarian Handbook by Gary Null
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