What do you think?
Rate this book
The Smart Girl's Guide to Going Vegetarian: A Non-Diet Guide to Healthy Eating that Promotes Body Positivity and Sustainability
Eat what you love. Love what you eat.
No labels. No fuss. It's not about what you call yourself--it's about how you feel. Whether you're going vegan, vegetarian, fish-only, chicken-only, or all veggies except grandma's famous pigs-in-a-blanket, this book is your new best friend.
Eating less meat can boost your energy, help you lose weight, and it's better for the environment. If you're looking to cut down on meat or cut it out completely, here you'll find awesome advice and the answers you need to make it work for you.
Get the Scoop On:
-Daily meal ideas and easy recipes even your non-veggie friends will want to try
-How to convince your family this isn't just a fad or a phase
-Finding good food when you're away from home: veggie-friendly restaurants, colleges, and travel spots
-Getting enough iron, protein, and other vital nutrients to be healthy (because being vegetarian does NOT mean a diet of ice cream and pasta)
-Sneaky meaty things that can end up in food that seems perfectly safe for vegetarians
No labels. No fuss. It's not about what you call yourself--it's about how you feel. Whether you're going vegan, vegetarian, fish-only, chicken-only, or all veggies except grandma's famous pigs-in-a-blanket, this book is your new best friend.
Eating less meat can boost your energy, help you lose weight, and it's better for the environment. If you're looking to cut down on meat or cut it out completely, here you'll find awesome advice and the answers you need to make it work for you.
Get the Scoop On:
-Daily meal ideas and easy recipes even your non-veggie friends will want to try
-How to convince your family this isn't just a fad or a phase
-Finding good food when you're away from home: veggie-friendly restaurants, colleges, and travel spots
-Getting enough iron, protein, and other vital nutrients to be healthy (because being vegetarian does NOT mean a diet of ice cream and pasta)
-Sneaky meaty things that can end up in food that seems perfectly safe for vegetarians
240 pages, Paperback
First published December 24, 2013
50 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 16, 2013
I absolutely love reading about vegetarianism and veganism, especially after dabbling in the lifestyles myself lately, so I couldn't miss the opportunity to review THE SMART GIRL'S GUIDE TO GOING VEGETARIAN: HOW TO LOOK GREAT, FEEL FABULOUS, AND BE A BETTER YOU. I mean, the cover is vibrant and colorful, which definitely got me intrigued, and the unique perspective that speaks specifically to a younger female audience is one that is definitely needed in the library of natural health. The best way to get pre-teen, teenage, and early college age young women interested in vegetarianism is to find a way to speak directly to the things that matter most to them, right?
So, I do think that Warren does a FABULOUS job in really making the diet and lifestyle more appealing to her intended audience. Although some of the conversational statements did feel a bit cheesy at time, the overall tone is light, fresh, and nonjudgemental, really presenting the view that a person can choose from a wide continuum of diets along a scale of vegetarian and vegan possibilities. No particular choice is seen as better or more moral in this work, and the author encourages practical baby steps -- such as the initiation of meatless Mondays, for example, rather than encouraging everyone to take an all-or-nothing type attitude from the start (which may very well spell disaster for certain personality types, I expect!)
One thing, I think, that kept this book feeling particularly young, fresh, and relevant was the frequent appeal to current pop culture. Warren mentions popular celebrity vegetarians and also speaks about modern books, movies, and documentaries that can be easily accessed to provide additional information, as needed, on a more veggilicious lifestyle. Fellow book nerds will probably feel just as excited as I did, as well, when John Green's outstanding novel "The Fault in Our Stars" makes a brief appearance in the early chapters of this book. Anyone who can work John Green into a diet book wins MAJOR points from me!
Warren has plenty of tips that make the vegetarian lifestyle accessible to teenagers, who may or may not have any control over their current diet situation due to limited transportation and finances. For example, teenagers are encouraged to upsell low cost vegetarian options to their parents, focusing on whole foods and easy to find brands that can be enjoyed by all family members, regardless of their perspectives on eating meat. Additionally, readers are encouraged to make small contributions, both by chipping in on grocery bills or by offering to help with cooking meals or cleaning up after dinners. Likewise, Warren outlines plans to make a vegetarian lifestyle easier and more organized to the younger college crowd as well.
Other helpful tidbits in this guide include internet references to handy vegetarian resources, sample grocery lists, easy recipes, and suggestions for dining out in various different situations. The only downside I really found in this book was probably that Warren tended to have a few more prepackaged and processed options than I would prefer -- although, it's easy to see that these were suggested primarily due to convenience and cost, rather than ultimate health. She does emphasize that natural, whole foods are the absolute best option, reminding readers to be flexible and nonjudgmental in finding their own paths along the vegetarianism continuum.
Excellent book, overall -- one that was a pleasure to read and one that I would certainly recommend to younger preteen and teenage females, especially those curious about healthy, dietary options. I genuinely appreciate the publisher for allowing me to review this book, and I assure you that all thoughts are my own and are entirely uninfluenced by the manner in which this book was received.
So, I do think that Warren does a FABULOUS job in really making the diet and lifestyle more appealing to her intended audience. Although some of the conversational statements did feel a bit cheesy at time, the overall tone is light, fresh, and nonjudgemental, really presenting the view that a person can choose from a wide continuum of diets along a scale of vegetarian and vegan possibilities. No particular choice is seen as better or more moral in this work, and the author encourages practical baby steps -- such as the initiation of meatless Mondays, for example, rather than encouraging everyone to take an all-or-nothing type attitude from the start (which may very well spell disaster for certain personality types, I expect!)
One thing, I think, that kept this book feeling particularly young, fresh, and relevant was the frequent appeal to current pop culture. Warren mentions popular celebrity vegetarians and also speaks about modern books, movies, and documentaries that can be easily accessed to provide additional information, as needed, on a more veggilicious lifestyle. Fellow book nerds will probably feel just as excited as I did, as well, when John Green's outstanding novel "The Fault in Our Stars" makes a brief appearance in the early chapters of this book. Anyone who can work John Green into a diet book wins MAJOR points from me!
Warren has plenty of tips that make the vegetarian lifestyle accessible to teenagers, who may or may not have any control over their current diet situation due to limited transportation and finances. For example, teenagers are encouraged to upsell low cost vegetarian options to their parents, focusing on whole foods and easy to find brands that can be enjoyed by all family members, regardless of their perspectives on eating meat. Additionally, readers are encouraged to make small contributions, both by chipping in on grocery bills or by offering to help with cooking meals or cleaning up after dinners. Likewise, Warren outlines plans to make a vegetarian lifestyle easier and more organized to the younger college crowd as well.
Other helpful tidbits in this guide include internet references to handy vegetarian resources, sample grocery lists, easy recipes, and suggestions for dining out in various different situations. The only downside I really found in this book was probably that Warren tended to have a few more prepackaged and processed options than I would prefer -- although, it's easy to see that these were suggested primarily due to convenience and cost, rather than ultimate health. She does emphasize that natural, whole foods are the absolute best option, reminding readers to be flexible and nonjudgmental in finding their own paths along the vegetarianism continuum.
Excellent book, overall -- one that was a pleasure to read and one that I would certainly recommend to younger preteen and teenage females, especially those curious about healthy, dietary options. I genuinely appreciate the publisher for allowing me to review this book, and I assure you that all thoughts are my own and are entirely uninfluenced by the manner in which this book was received.
January 19, 2014
While this book is geared toward young women, I found it very insightful and will suggest it to other demographics. I've tried to "go vegetarian" several times in my life but felt like I "failed" if I eventually ate meat. This book describes vegetarianism as a spectrum and helps you find where you currently are in your eating habits and gives advice for getting to where you want to be. I've read and seen documentaries where you are shocked, scared, or grossed out to the point that I have changed my eating habits but this book eliminates the theatrics and focuses on positive aspects. Warren dissects myths and provides information for the long list of questions that comes with eliminating / reducing meat in diets.
Read my full review here: http://www.ivoryowlreviews.blogspot.c...
Read my full review here: http://www.ivoryowlreviews.blogspot.c...
August 5, 2013
(ARC Review) Where was this book when I was a teen? I was fortunate to receive a review galley of this title was very impressed. Warren starts by tackling many of the questions that plague would-be or new vegetarians. Her thoughtful breakdowns of the vegetarian spectrum, nutritional needs, and responses for nagging parents ("You're not getting enough protein!)are extremely helpful for those contemplating the switch. Unlike some similar titles, this book doesn't make you feel guilty to eating the occasional BLT or deciding to be a leather-wearing veghead. She offers advice for eating in and out, with options for the entire veggie range (from flexitarian to vegan. A standout guide for anyone curious about vegetarianism.
July 12, 2015
I can't recommend this highly enough. It's geared towards teenage girls, but I still found it incredibly helpful (I'm 29). It helped answer a lot of questions I had about exploring vegetarianism, and it gives great meal examples to help ensure you're getting the proper nutrients you need, which I know is going to be a huge help for me.
June 22, 2015
A good book for young people who are considering becoming vegetarian.
July 7, 2021
Lots of good ideas for vegetarians. Helpful lists of foods by macro.
July 31, 2013
The Smart Girl’s Guide to Going Vegetarian by Rachel Meltzer Warren is a comprehensive guide for the vegetarian-curious teen. As the title suggests, the book is aimed at teenaged girls but the advice is general and could apply to boys as well.
The Smart Girl's Guide to Going Vegetarian is a supportive, agenda-free guide to giving meat (and perhaps more) the boot. Rather than preach about one specific brand of vegetarianism, this book welcomes a young meat-averse reader to the fold, whether she identifies with a title like "vegetarian" or not, and empowers her to make smart and savvy choices as she shifts into the world of plant-based diets. The author, Rachel Meltzer Warren, uses the term “veg-curious” which refers to people who are “thinking of giving up meat, but aren’t quite sure what their particular brand of vegetarianism is going to look like.” Many different kinds of plant-based diets are described and it is left to the reader to choose which one best suits them. There is even a quiz that will help the reader determine where they are on the vegetarian spectrum. I really appreciate that the author encourages young readers to choose for themselves which kind of diet they prefer, rather than pushing for a particular diet or passing judgment on any of the options.
This helpful guide covers topics that teens need to know about such as getting the nutrients your body needs, standing up for yourself in social situations, and how to eat out meat-free. Good advice such as “it’s not your job to convert your family to your eating habits, just as it’s not their place to get you to change” is dispensed throughout the book. Readers are also given strategies on how to handle situations that are common for new, young vegetarians: how to “keep the peace and help adjust your family’s favorite meals so you get dinner that tastes great and gives you the nutrition you need – without making Mom’s head pop.”
The book also includes forty meat-free recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Smart Girl's Guide to Going Vegetarian is a supportive, agenda-free guide to giving meat (and perhaps more) the boot. Rather than preach about one specific brand of vegetarianism, this book welcomes a young meat-averse reader to the fold, whether she identifies with a title like "vegetarian" or not, and empowers her to make smart and savvy choices as she shifts into the world of plant-based diets. The author, Rachel Meltzer Warren, uses the term “veg-curious” which refers to people who are “thinking of giving up meat, but aren’t quite sure what their particular brand of vegetarianism is going to look like.” Many different kinds of plant-based diets are described and it is left to the reader to choose which one best suits them. There is even a quiz that will help the reader determine where they are on the vegetarian spectrum. I really appreciate that the author encourages young readers to choose for themselves which kind of diet they prefer, rather than pushing for a particular diet or passing judgment on any of the options.
This helpful guide covers topics that teens need to know about such as getting the nutrients your body needs, standing up for yourself in social situations, and how to eat out meat-free. Good advice such as “it’s not your job to convert your family to your eating habits, just as it’s not their place to get you to change” is dispensed throughout the book. Readers are also given strategies on how to handle situations that are common for new, young vegetarians: how to “keep the peace and help adjust your family’s favorite meals so you get dinner that tastes great and gives you the nutrition you need – without making Mom’s head pop.”
The book also includes forty meat-free recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
June 18, 2014
I wish I'd had The Smart Girl's Guide to Going Vegetarian when I was in high school! (Just a side note on the subtitle of the book, there's nothing in it that addresses looking great. It's all about food and the reasons we should select certain foods when constructing meals.) While I borrowed this from the teen annex in my local library, I've since ordered a copy for myself since I know I will want to share it with others.
Rather than preaching a strict vegetarian dogma, Rachel Meltzer Warren provides encouragement for teens seeking to eat a more plant-based diet whether they are interested in living vegan or just reducing the red meat they eat. She emphasizes how going "veg-head" is a personal choice and -- while teens should be able to articulate why they choose to eat some things and not others -- the decision is theirs to make. She encourages support systems for veggies in carnivorous households but also suggests ways to share veg goodness with the whole family and includes a chapter of recipes for a spectrum of meals. One chapter includes examples of daily meals that ensure teens get all the necessary nutrients while another chapter highlights vegetarian friendly meals at chain restaurants across the USA.
Though I've been a vegetarian (or pescetarian)for over a decade, I still found the book helpful in reminding me to balance my foods in order to be well-rounded nutritionally. The book also reminded me of my love for grains and beans! I'm now trying some of her recipes to bring them back into my household meals. My only minor complaint is that she did not address nut allergies. While veghead teens may have any number of food allergies, those who can't eat nuts will likely balk at all the meals that include nuts or peanut butter as the main source of protein. In the same way "vegetarian dishes" at restaurants are often a meat meal with the meat removed, a vegetarian main dish can lose its protein if the nuts are removed. A simply encouraging shout-out as to fast nut replacements would be so helpful!
Rather than preaching a strict vegetarian dogma, Rachel Meltzer Warren provides encouragement for teens seeking to eat a more plant-based diet whether they are interested in living vegan or just reducing the red meat they eat. She emphasizes how going "veg-head" is a personal choice and -- while teens should be able to articulate why they choose to eat some things and not others -- the decision is theirs to make. She encourages support systems for veggies in carnivorous households but also suggests ways to share veg goodness with the whole family and includes a chapter of recipes for a spectrum of meals. One chapter includes examples of daily meals that ensure teens get all the necessary nutrients while another chapter highlights vegetarian friendly meals at chain restaurants across the USA.
Though I've been a vegetarian (or pescetarian)for over a decade, I still found the book helpful in reminding me to balance my foods in order to be well-rounded nutritionally. The book also reminded me of my love for grains and beans! I'm now trying some of her recipes to bring them back into my household meals. My only minor complaint is that she did not address nut allergies. While veghead teens may have any number of food allergies, those who can't eat nuts will likely balk at all the meals that include nuts or peanut butter as the main source of protein. In the same way "vegetarian dishes" at restaurants are often a meat meal with the meat removed, a vegetarian main dish can lose its protein if the nuts are removed. A simply encouraging shout-out as to fast nut replacements would be so helpful!
January 26, 2021
Who says nonfiction has to be boring? I found myself wanting to read this quick guide to vegetarianism more than the drama novel I started at the same time. Rachel Meltzer Warren communicates herself with the same affection and frankness of your supportive and level-headed best friend. Not only does she insert humor when you least expect it, but she also talks about becoming a vegetarian (or vegan, or red head, or lacto-ovo, etc.)in a non-threatening way. If you are thinking about reading this book, do not expect to be pushed into giving up meat, and certainly do not expect to feel guilty if you're not comfortable saying "no" to your grandma's homemade meatballs. The main message is that vegetarianism is great for a lot of people, but it is not for everyone. You are reminded that you have a choice, and even if you want to give up eating beef but not chicken, that's totally okay.
Each chapter gives you the information you need to make your own decisions, and all of them are conveniently divided into categories based on how vegetarian you want to be (because there are different types, and you'll learn all about them by book's end)! The final chapter also includes recipes for all meals of the day. I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious about going veg, not just teenage girls like the title suggests. It is only geared toward that audience in how it recommends protein intake and other factors that depend on age and sex.
One thing I learned in particular is that being a vegetarian does not automatically mean you are healthier than those who choose to eat meat. The author is clear that vegetarianism is about balance and combination. Though eating pasta and french fries is considered vegetarian, it is not healthy if you eat it every day.
I love this book and wish Rachel Meltzer Warren would someday switch her career from a dietitian nutritionist into a novelist, because she can write better than most popular YA authors I know.
Each chapter gives you the information you need to make your own decisions, and all of them are conveniently divided into categories based on how vegetarian you want to be (because there are different types, and you'll learn all about them by book's end)! The final chapter also includes recipes for all meals of the day. I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious about going veg, not just teenage girls like the title suggests. It is only geared toward that audience in how it recommends protein intake and other factors that depend on age and sex.
One thing I learned in particular is that being a vegetarian does not automatically mean you are healthier than those who choose to eat meat. The author is clear that vegetarianism is about balance and combination. Though eating pasta and french fries is considered vegetarian, it is not healthy if you eat it every day.
I love this book and wish Rachel Meltzer Warren would someday switch her career from a dietitian nutritionist into a novelist, because she can write better than most popular YA authors I know.
December 29, 2013
(I received an advanced copy of this book). The intended audience is teen and college age girls looking for information on being a vegetarian. I really enjoyed the author's writing style. The book overall has a lot of great deal of information presented in a casual, conversational manner. I'd certainly recommend this book to young girls who are considering becoming a vegetarian or vegan as well as their parents. I learned quite a few things myself about meat being a "secret ingredient" in very basic food items like sugar. Although I'm not a vegetarian I plan on trying several of the recipes listed in the back of the book!
September 5, 2017
My mom picked up this book at the library and brought it home for me, when she found out I had decided to be a vegetarian. I'm so glad she did!
This book is so helpful to a newbie like me. Rachel breaks down they Dos and Don'ts of vegetarianism, and how to stay healthy on a budget. It's full of resources, recipes, and restaurant tips. She also gives advice for overcoming obstacles such as unsupportive people, and preparing yourself so that you aren't stuck somewhere without food.
I'm not a teenager anymore (this crowd this book is geared towards) but I'm still going to buy myself a copy, just for all the great information.
This book is so helpful to a newbie like me. Rachel breaks down they Dos and Don'ts of vegetarianism, and how to stay healthy on a budget. It's full of resources, recipes, and restaurant tips. She also gives advice for overcoming obstacles such as unsupportive people, and preparing yourself so that you aren't stuck somewhere without food.
I'm not a teenager anymore (this crowd this book is geared towards) but I'm still going to buy myself a copy, just for all the great information.
June 8, 2015
What a great book! I didn't realize at first that this is a YA book: I got so many good tips! This would be a great book for the young adult in your life who's looking to make a compassionate and healthful change in their life...this book will answer SO many questions! And loads of delicious-looking recipes, too :)
September 15, 2013
This is a great book for teens and tweens who are interested in the various shades of vegetarianism and perhaps want to try it for themselves. The book has lots of good advice and information about ways to cut out some of the animal products in a person's diet and includes both menus and recipes.
August 26, 2016
Great book for people thinking of making the switch to vegetarianism. The book goes over the varying degrees of being a veghead, from being a vegan to a flexatarian. It's a great resource for teen girls with many recipes include inside.
April 13, 2016
I'm not the target audience here - I barely even remember being a teenager. But I like the author's lively style, and her relaxed attitude about the various ways of eating, so a person like me (not a vegetarian, just interested in eating less meat) can enjoy and learn without feeling judged.
Read
May 17, 2017This is a great place to start no matter what age or gender you are. I appreciate that it gives the reader space to decide how vegetarian she wants to be and gives advice for all kinds from pure vegans to conscious carnivores. A great gift for any teen interested in vegetarianism.
March 29, 2016
Very informative, motivated me to go veggitarian.
April 17, 2017
Informative, enjoyable read with lots of easy good recipes at the end. 🌼
October 23, 2018
Helpful and breezy read about vegetarian/vegan choices
January 23, 2021
Overall, recommend*! *For the right audience. Made note of some recipe ideas to try out later (or after re-borrowing this from the library).
This is mostly a "how to" for teens (or younger) thinking about eating less meat to no animal products at all. The tone is very non-judgemental, treating anywhere on the spectrum of vegetarianism to veganism as equally respectable. The writing is very approachable, and includes references to popular culture figures, books, and shows. I appreciate how she points out key considerations such as tricky/surprising sources of animal products, while at the same time noting that many vegetarians aren't bothered by animal-based gelatin (as an example).
There are several suggestions for easing yourself or your family into eating less meat (/ meat products).
The recipes and suggestions include both unprocessed ingredients and processed meals that might be more approachable for new "veg heads", especially younger folks who may have less control over their grocery shopping and/or cooking.
This is mostly a "how to" for teens (or younger) thinking about eating less meat to no animal products at all. The tone is very non-judgemental, treating anywhere on the spectrum of vegetarianism to veganism as equally respectable. The writing is very approachable, and includes references to popular culture figures, books, and shows. I appreciate how she points out key considerations such as tricky/surprising sources of animal products, while at the same time noting that many vegetarians aren't bothered by animal-based gelatin (as an example).
There are several suggestions for easing yourself or your family into eating less meat (/ meat products).
The recipes and suggestions include both unprocessed ingredients and processed meals that might be more approachable for new "veg heads", especially younger folks who may have less control over their grocery shopping and/or cooking.
August 8, 2021
I found this in the regular nutrition section, not YA, so I didn’t realize until I started reading that it’s geared towards teens. I stuck it out, though, and had a few food takeaways. While starting to come off mildly dated, I think it is a great first intro for young women exploring eating less meat or trying vegetarianism. 4 stars if I had been the intended audience :)
August 2, 2020
A pretty good resource not only for teenagers, but older adults (like myself) looking to eat less meat and more plant-based.
November 17, 2023
Read it to get to know how much of daily nutrients you need.
December 10, 2024
Nutritionally informative. Written simply.
February 5, 2022
(3,5) Un livre sympa d'initiation au végétarisme (je ne peux pas trop juger si le contenu est complet), s'adressant particulièrement aux jeunes. Positif et instructif. Conçu pour les américains (exemples de produits et de restaurants américains). Des photos auraient été les bienvenues.
April 5, 2014
It is very good. It gives excellent information on why different vitamins and minerals are important and where to get each one when you cut meat out of your diet.
It also isn't just vegetarianism or veganism. It also includes definitions doe people giving up jus red meat or only eating fish.
The recipes are good and not too hard considering it is geared toward teens who might end up cooking for themselves.
My only gripe is that it didn't really cover how these choices might not work for those with other allergies like soy or gluten.
A good design made the topics flow fairly seamlessly.
It also isn't just vegetarianism or veganism. It also includes definitions doe people giving up jus red meat or only eating fish.
The recipes are good and not too hard considering it is geared toward teens who might end up cooking for themselves.
My only gripe is that it didn't really cover how these choices might not work for those with other allergies like soy or gluten.
A good design made the topics flow fairly seamlessly.
May 16, 2014
Extremely informative. It not only busts myths and gives info, it has a quiz to help you determine what kind of "Veghead" you should be and recipes in the back. brb im a vegetarian now
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews