Information for Vegetarianism and Veganism
"Market Vegetables" by ImageMD
Deciding to give up all or some animal products can be a big life change, whether it's for health or for other reasons, and whether it's you making the change or if it's a loved one or someone you may live with or care for.
Here we've gathered resources for new or longtime vegetarians/vegans; these sources will also be useful for those who may be considering a new diet and are looking for facts to get them started on their research. The information is organized in four categories: e-resources for information available on the web; government/academic/medical sources for study results, official fact pamphlets, and advice from doctors; print sources for books and other physical materials; and a section for organizations and support groups.
Also note that there are many local places in town where you can get information and shop for food: the People's Food Co-op, the Lunch Room, and support groups (such as the meetup group listed below).
E-RESOURCESPhysician's Committee for Responsible Medicine: Vegetarian Foods: Powerful for Health
This page on PCRM's website extols the benefits of a plant-based diet, describing each benefit and also giving advice for common concerns, like protein and iron sources. They also write a bit about vegetarianism for pregnant women. Vegetarian Diet: A Starter's Guide to a Plant-based Diet, Mayo Clinic An online guide from a trusted source for medical information. The Mayo Clinic's guide has details about different types of vegetarian diets and succinctly sums up what nutrients vegetarians should pay special attention to (calcium, vitamin D, protein, and more). Oh She Glows, vegan recipe blog Written by Angela Liddon, a self-taught vegan chef, who has a cookbook coming out next year based on this blog. Oh She Glows features beautiful photography, upbeat writing, and original plant-based vegan recipes and tips. Many of the recipes and advice include suggestions for reducing sugar and alternatives to gluten-based ingredients, if you have multiple dietary concerns. |
GOVERNMENT/ACADEMIC/MEDICALHealth and Wellness Resource Center
This database, which can be accessed through the Ann Arbor District Library website, provides integrated access to medical, statistical, health, and related information, from medical journals, magazines, and other reference material. Everything is reviewed by an advisory board made up of medical experts. It also includes access to the complete text of the Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine and to Harvard Health Publications. Vegetarian Nutrition Resource List (PDF) This extremely detailed resource list comes from the Food and Nutrition Information Center, which is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agriculture Library. A downloadable (and printable!) PDF, it contains many annotated resources, ranging from general information on vegetarian diets to nutrition info for special populations (e.g. pregnant women, athletes, the elderly). |
Becoming Vegetarian: The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Vegetarian Diet by Vesanto Melina, R.D.
This guide on vegetarian diets thoroughly covers basic nutrition topics, provides a vegetarian food guide, recipes, addresses the needs of vegetarian athletes, children and pregnant women, and discusses topics such as essential nutrients, weight, and eating disorders. How to Cook Everything Vegetarian: Simple Meatless Recipes for Great Food by Mark Bittman
This cookbook, by celebrated New York Times writer Mark Bittman, has advice for top staples in a vegetarian diet, tips for preparing vegetables, menu planning, and, of course, plenty of recipes. Vegetarian Times
One of the best-known vegetarian magazines, this publication has a mix of entertaining and educational features. Each issue has plant-based recipes, tips for having guests and dinner parties, as well as current research on health and nutrition topics. |
ORGANIZATIONS AND SUPPORT GROUPSThe Vegetarian Resource Group
This comprehensive website has a wealth of information, from info on supplements and vitamins like iron, omega-3s, and B12, to diet suggestions to prevent diabetes and heart disease, as well as a wealth of information on vegan and vegetarian diets for infants all the way to teens. The VRG also puts out a quarterly magazine, The Vegetarian Journal. The Ann Arbor Vegan Meetup Group A local support group sponsored by VegMichigan. This group meets frequently for informal, friendly events, such as going out to eat and swapping recipes. |