Book Reviews
RAISING VEGETARIAN CHILDREN: A GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH AND FAMILY HARMONY
by Joanne Stepaniak and Vesanto Melina
Raising Vegetarian Children is, to put it simply, an excellent book. When I finished reading it, I asked my local library to order a copy. I think this is a book that should be readily available to everyone with vegetarian children, children who want to become vegetarian, or children who don’t want to be vegetarian even though their parents are.
The authors combine an impressive nutrition section with a thorough examination of practical ways of dealing with relatives, siblings, teachers, caregivers, and friends who are not vegetarians. Topics in the nutrition section include a total vegetarian food guide, vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, supplements, breastfeeding, introducing solid foods, growth, picky eaters, weight management, eating disorders, athletes, and teens. The only topic I can think of that is not addressed is whether or not a child can eat too much soy.
The tone throughout the book is positive and supportive. Needs of both vegans and lacto-ovo vegetarians are addressed. The book includes an extensive section on food safety, not something I usually see in a vegetarian book but very helpful. There are a number of child-friendly recipes, all vegan. Nutrient analyses are included for all recipes, many of which are from previous books by these authors.
As a parent, a vegetarian, and a dietitian, I highly recommend Raising Vegetarian Children.
Raising Vegetarian Children (ISBN 0-658-02155-9) is published by The McGraw-Hill Companies Contemporary Books. It is 381 pages and retails for $18.95. Look for this book in your local bookstore. Reviewed by Reed Mangels, PhD, RD.
THE FIBER FOR LIFE COOKBOOK
By Bryanna Clark Grogan
A diet that is high in fiber can reduce risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diverticular disease, diabetes, and cancer. In fact, the U.S. Institute of Medicine recommends an intake of 25-35 grams of fiber per day for women and 38 grams per day for men, but the average American only consumes about 15 grams daily.
A new cookbook, The Fiber For Life Cookbook, features more than 100 delicious high fiber recipes for soups, entrées, breads, salads, and desserts. All recipes are vegan and include nutritional information. One of my favorite recipes is the Tropical Delight Cake topped with Banana Nut Crème Cheese Frosting. It’s delicious and offers almost 6 grams of fiber per serving.
Author Bryanna Clark Grogan thoroughly explores the preventive benefits of a high fiber diet and presents the information accurately. This book will truly benefit anyone interested in increasing the fiber content of their diet without sacrificing variety and taste.
The Fiber For Life Cookbook (ISBN 1-57067-134-6) is published by Book Publishing Company. It is 191 pages and retails for $12.95. Look for it in your local bookstore. Reviewed by Claire Webster, Dietetic Intern, Yale-New Haven Hospital.
THE GARDEN OF VEGAN
By Tanya Barnard & Sarah Kramer
The authors of How It All Vegan! have written another terrific cookbook. The Garden of Vegan serves up recipes reaching beyond the basics. You’ll find dishes such as Exotic Fruit Salad with Fresh Mint Sauce, Cracker Janes Pop-corn, Curried Vegetable Pie with Chickpea Crust, and Maureen’s Coffee Cake. Nutritional analyses are not included.
The authors’ writing style will especially appeal to the younger crowd. A microwave chapter is included for college students, and readers will enjoy creative sections in the back of the book, including party ideas and pampering recipes.
The Garden of Vegan (ISBN 1-55152-128-8) is published by Arsenal Pulp Press. It is 256 pages and retails for $17.95. The book can be found in your local bookstore. Reviewed by Debra Wasserman.
