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The Vegetarian Alternative: A Guide to a Healthful and Humane Diet
An introduction to the ethics and elements of sound meatless nutrition points out the latest medical findings concerning the benefits of eating less meat, presents tips on giving up or cutting down on meat, and features basic meatless recipes
- GenresVegetarianism
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1978
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 29, 2026
Même si ce livre date de 1978, il n’en demeure pas moins pertinent et, j’oserais même dire, avant-gardiste!
April 4, 2008
Although this is dated (published in 1978), I enjoyed the author's approach to a vegetarian lifestyle. He was not pushy or extreme at all. He simply stated his case and gave lots of information. I learned a lot.
August 31, 2012
This book was incredibly informative and eye-opening, although it was very drawn out in some places and seemed unable to decide whether it was supposed to be funny or serious.
The writer covers virtually all aspects of vegetarianism: why people choose this, the health benefits of eliminating meat, how to maintain a healthy diet, the truth behind the meat industry...no stone is left unturned. Each topic is discussed at length and in-depth; moral, factual, and practical insights are presented for every topic, from slaughterhouse conditions to the anatomy and physiology of human beings. This book is not one of those morally superior pieces aimed at "converting" meat eaters--instead, its intended purpose is to help vegetarians, would-be vegetarians, and family members of new "converts" get a deeper understanding of this "strange" lifestyle which exists under the radar of our meat obsessed culture.
Some of the things I greatly enjoyed about this read:
--The writer understands how enjoyable plant foods truly are, and continually emphasizes that all nutrients found in meat are found in a much greater abundance in nature
--He walks the reader through what to expect when giving up meat and how to ease through the transition healthfully and without pressure or stress
--He spends an entire chapter discussing the truths and myths of protein, the biggest "issue" that many people have with avoiding flesh products.
--Human anatomy and physiology is discussed, particularly the gastrointestinal system. He compares and contrasts the internal and external build of herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores, giving us a better idea of what our bodies are actually suited for.
--He touches on the many known health ailments that frequently plague humans as a result from over-consumption of meat; he also lists the many carcinogens that are approved by the FDA to be injected into the meat supply as "growth hormones" or "medication"
--The inhumane treatment of slaughterhouse animals, as well as the incredibly unsanitary and unhygienic conditions of said houses, is discussed in detail
Overall, I believe that this is an excellent read for any vegetarian or person looking to know a little more about why many of us reject meat as a source of food.
One word of advice for any would be-reader: this book was written a few decades ago, at a time when many still believed that vegetarian meals needed "complimentary proteins" (i.e., certain protein rich foods had to be mixed with other protein rich foods in order to create a complete protein). "Complimentary proteins" are NOT necessary in a vegetarian diet (though if you were to pick up an older recipe book that calls encourages them there is nothing wrong with adding the few extra ingredients).
The writer covers virtually all aspects of vegetarianism: why people choose this, the health benefits of eliminating meat, how to maintain a healthy diet, the truth behind the meat industry...no stone is left unturned. Each topic is discussed at length and in-depth; moral, factual, and practical insights are presented for every topic, from slaughterhouse conditions to the anatomy and physiology of human beings. This book is not one of those morally superior pieces aimed at "converting" meat eaters--instead, its intended purpose is to help vegetarians, would-be vegetarians, and family members of new "converts" get a deeper understanding of this "strange" lifestyle which exists under the radar of our meat obsessed culture.
Some of the things I greatly enjoyed about this read:
--The writer understands how enjoyable plant foods truly are, and continually emphasizes that all nutrients found in meat are found in a much greater abundance in nature
--He walks the reader through what to expect when giving up meat and how to ease through the transition healthfully and without pressure or stress
--He spends an entire chapter discussing the truths and myths of protein, the biggest "issue" that many people have with avoiding flesh products.
--Human anatomy and physiology is discussed, particularly the gastrointestinal system. He compares and contrasts the internal and external build of herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores, giving us a better idea of what our bodies are actually suited for.
--He touches on the many known health ailments that frequently plague humans as a result from over-consumption of meat; he also lists the many carcinogens that are approved by the FDA to be injected into the meat supply as "growth hormones" or "medication"
--The inhumane treatment of slaughterhouse animals, as well as the incredibly unsanitary and unhygienic conditions of said houses, is discussed in detail
Overall, I believe that this is an excellent read for any vegetarian or person looking to know a little more about why many of us reject meat as a source of food.
One word of advice for any would be-reader: this book was written a few decades ago, at a time when many still believed that vegetarian meals needed "complimentary proteins" (i.e., certain protein rich foods had to be mixed with other protein rich foods in order to create a complete protein). "Complimentary proteins" are NOT necessary in a vegetarian diet (though if you were to pick up an older recipe book that calls encourages them there is nothing wrong with adding the few extra ingredients).
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews