What do you think?
Rate this book
The Vegan Starter Kit: Everything You Need to Know About Plant-Based Eating
Leading medical authority Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, shows you how to put the power of a vegan diet to work with an easy, step-by-step approach.
Many are looking to adopt a more healthful diet but may have questions, How do I plan a vegan meal? Is protein an issue? How do I make it work if I don't cook? Which are the best choices at restaurants?
In The Vegan Starter Kit Dr. Neal Barnard, perhaps the world's most respected authority on vegan diets, answers your questions and gives you everything you need to put vegan power to work. You'll learn how to ensure complete nutrition, and get quick-reference charts for calcium sources, tips for modifying your favorite recipes, and examples of quick and easy meals. Everything you need for permanent weight control and dramatically better health is presented.
The Vegan Starter Kit also includes information on healthy eating in childhood, pregnancy, and other stages of life, and a complete set of basic meals, holiday feasts, snacks, among many other features.
Many are looking to adopt a more healthful diet but may have questions, How do I plan a vegan meal? Is protein an issue? How do I make it work if I don't cook? Which are the best choices at restaurants?
In The Vegan Starter Kit Dr. Neal Barnard, perhaps the world's most respected authority on vegan diets, answers your questions and gives you everything you need to put vegan power to work. You'll learn how to ensure complete nutrition, and get quick-reference charts for calcium sources, tips for modifying your favorite recipes, and examples of quick and easy meals. Everything you need for permanent weight control and dramatically better health is presented.
The Vegan Starter Kit also includes information on healthy eating in childhood, pregnancy, and other stages of life, and a complete set of basic meals, holiday feasts, snacks, among many other features.
176 pages, Paperback
First published December 24, 2018
281 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Neal D. Barnard
71 books405 followersNeal Barnard, MD, FACC, is an Adjunct Professor of Medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, DC, and President of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
Dr. Barnard has led numerous research studies investigating the effects of diet on diabetes, body weight, hormonal symptoms, and chronic pain, including a groundbreaking study of dietary interventions in type 2 diabetes, funded by the National Institutes of Health, that paved the way for viewing type 2 diabetes as a potentially reversible condition for many patients. Dr. Barnard has authored more than 100 scientific publications and 20 books for medical and lay readers, and is the editor in chief of the Nutrition Guide for Clinicians, a textbook made available to all U.S. medical students.
As president of the Physicians Committee, Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research. His research contributed to the acceptance of plant-based diets in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In 2015, he was named a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. In 2016, he founded the Barnard Medical Center in Washington, DC, as a model for making nutrition a routine part of all medical care.
Working with the Medical Society of the District of Columbia and the American Medical Association, Dr. Barnard has authored key resolutions, now part of AMA policy, calling for a new focus on prevention and nutrition in federal policies and in medical practice. In 2018, he received the Medical Society of the District of Columbia’s Distinguished Service Award. He has hosted four PBS television programs on nutrition and health.
Originally from Fargo, North Dakota, Dr. Barnard received his M.D. degree at the George Washington University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the same institution. He practiced at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York before returning to Washington to found the Physicians Committee.
His latest book is The Power Foods Diet: The Breakthrough Plan that Traps, Tames, and Burns Calories for Easy and Permanent Weight Loss. With more than 120 recipes and beautiful food photography, it shows the surprising ability that certain foods have to cause weight loss.
Dr. Barnard has led numerous research studies investigating the effects of diet on diabetes, body weight, hormonal symptoms, and chronic pain, including a groundbreaking study of dietary interventions in type 2 diabetes, funded by the National Institutes of Health, that paved the way for viewing type 2 diabetes as a potentially reversible condition for many patients. Dr. Barnard has authored more than 100 scientific publications and 20 books for medical and lay readers, and is the editor in chief of the Nutrition Guide for Clinicians, a textbook made available to all U.S. medical students.
As president of the Physicians Committee, Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research. His research contributed to the acceptance of plant-based diets in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In 2015, he was named a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. In 2016, he founded the Barnard Medical Center in Washington, DC, as a model for making nutrition a routine part of all medical care.
Working with the Medical Society of the District of Columbia and the American Medical Association, Dr. Barnard has authored key resolutions, now part of AMA policy, calling for a new focus on prevention and nutrition in federal policies and in medical practice. In 2018, he received the Medical Society of the District of Columbia’s Distinguished Service Award. He has hosted four PBS television programs on nutrition and health.
Originally from Fargo, North Dakota, Dr. Barnard received his M.D. degree at the George Washington University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the same institution. He practiced at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York before returning to Washington to found the Physicians Committee.
His latest book is The Power Foods Diet: The Breakthrough Plan that Traps, Tames, and Burns Calories for Easy and Permanent Weight Loss. With more than 120 recipes and beautiful food photography, it shows the surprising ability that certain foods have to cause weight loss.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
October 29, 2018
Even though I almost exclusively review fiction on this site, I've been wanting to branch out and find some non-fiction titles that tickle my fancy. As a vegetarian who consumes a limited amount of dairy (mostly traces amounts when I splurge on processed foods), I've toed the line of veganism for years, yet somehow never fully committed. This book was perfect for the curious mind who wants to learn a bit more about a plant based diet from a health perspective without the preachy pressure that some advocates can unknowingly give off.
The title is spot on-this is a fantastic starter kit for those intrigued by and maybe wanting to test drive the vegan diet. As a medical doctor, Barnard easily breaks down the basics of what exactly a plant based diet consists of, how to easily adapt to it (even if you eat out, aren't into cooking, and travel frequently), and simple, staple recipes for every time of day. He also discusses the benefits for improving various medical diseases and disorders, such as Type 2 Diabetes, High Cholesterol, and Alzheimers/Dementia. Pregnant, nursing, or wanting to raise your kids on a vegan diet? That's all included here too.
Overall, I was very pleased and impressed by how relatable the author made a plant based diet seem. My only reservation in giving this one 5 stars was that a few topics seemed highly repeptitive, to the point that they were mentioned in the same manner 12-15 times. While I'm not sure if I will continue to dabble in veganism or whether I'll fully change my diet, I haven't decided, but I do feel informed and empowered to make a logical decision now. I know this won't be a review that everyone needs, but I'm hoping by placing in some non=fiction titles here that even one other person my find them helpful. <3
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy via NetGalley.
The title is spot on-this is a fantastic starter kit for those intrigued by and maybe wanting to test drive the vegan diet. As a medical doctor, Barnard easily breaks down the basics of what exactly a plant based diet consists of, how to easily adapt to it (even if you eat out, aren't into cooking, and travel frequently), and simple, staple recipes for every time of day. He also discusses the benefits for improving various medical diseases and disorders, such as Type 2 Diabetes, High Cholesterol, and Alzheimers/Dementia. Pregnant, nursing, or wanting to raise your kids on a vegan diet? That's all included here too.
Overall, I was very pleased and impressed by how relatable the author made a plant based diet seem. My only reservation in giving this one 5 stars was that a few topics seemed highly repeptitive, to the point that they were mentioned in the same manner 12-15 times. While I'm not sure if I will continue to dabble in veganism or whether I'll fully change my diet, I haven't decided, but I do feel informed and empowered to make a logical decision now. I know this won't be a review that everyone needs, but I'm hoping by placing in some non=fiction titles here that even one other person my find them helpful. <3
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy via NetGalley.
January 1, 2019
I want to like this book. I want this to be a resource for people considering a plant-based diet. But the level of propaganda from start to finish is embarrassing.
It is not necessary to claim that every human disease can be eradicated by a vegan diet in order to advocate for a vegan diet.
You lost me before this but by defining diabetes incorrectly as a disease that occurs because fat is in our cells is not just some bullshit, it leans so deep into fat shaming, it’s literally cellular. Diabetes CANNOT BE REVERSED but it can be well managed and one can live without high blood sugar levels and manage their diabetes, sometimes, off medication. But a person is still not making insulin in the correct levels.
It’s just annoying. And anyone with an inch of cynicism reads stuff like this and thinks the whole thing is bullsh-t because the author overshoots.
Sell it environmentally. Sell it by animal welfare. Sell it by increased access to diverse foods. But don’t sell veganism on the backs of fat people. Don’t promise people they will be thin if they go vegan (which inspires the toxic vegan culture that has a history of asking fat vegans not to advertise their veganism so not to discourage new people from trying it).
Tell the truth. Veganism is worth doing and offers wonderful benefits but it is not a magic pill.
It is not necessary to claim that every human disease can be eradicated by a vegan diet in order to advocate for a vegan diet.
You lost me before this but by defining diabetes incorrectly as a disease that occurs because fat is in our cells is not just some bullshit, it leans so deep into fat shaming, it’s literally cellular. Diabetes CANNOT BE REVERSED but it can be well managed and one can live without high blood sugar levels and manage their diabetes, sometimes, off medication. But a person is still not making insulin in the correct levels.
It’s just annoying. And anyone with an inch of cynicism reads stuff like this and thinks the whole thing is bullsh-t because the author overshoots.
Sell it environmentally. Sell it by animal welfare. Sell it by increased access to diverse foods. But don’t sell veganism on the backs of fat people. Don’t promise people they will be thin if they go vegan (which inspires the toxic vegan culture that has a history of asking fat vegans not to advertise their veganism so not to discourage new people from trying it).
Tell the truth. Veganism is worth doing and offers wonderful benefits but it is not a magic pill.
June 21, 2020
Salgın döneminde karantina süreci içerisinde uzun zamandır zaten kendisine mesafe aldığım ete ve hayvansal gıdaları tüketmeye yönelik köklü bir değişiklik yapmaya karar verdim. Çok uzun süre aklımı kurcalayan bir fikri hayata geçirdim. Vejetaryen oldum. Hatta vejeteryanlık ve veganlık arasında bir çizgide yer almaya başladım doğrudan. Ne kurban eti yiyorum sekiz dokuz yıldır ne de ete, bifteğe köfte ya da tavuk etine bir düşkünlüğüm var. Çok zorlanmadığımı düşündüğüm bir sürece geçiş yaparken et ve hayvansal gıda tüketiminin önce canlı yerine koymadığımız hayvan sömürüsüne yönelik kızgınlığım beni bu kararı almaya zorladı. Hayvan ve kadınlara yönelik cinsiyetçi ve sömürücü yaklaşımlar vejeteryan-vegan olmaktaki kararımı sağlıklı beslenme fikrinden daha çok etkiledi açıkçası. Şimdi yediğim yiyecekler hakkında daha fazla bilinçli ve vicdanım rahat şekilde hareket ediyorum. Özgürleştirici bir deneyim bu.
Kitap tümüyle hayvansal gıdalara-veganlık gıda dışındaki kıyafetlerden kullandığın diğer ürünlerde de hayvansal bir maddenin olmaması konusunda katı bir tutuma sahiptir. Kitap beslenme noktasında yorumlarda bulunuyor- karşıt bir “bitkisel gıda” temelli beslenme üzerine oldukça geniş kapsamlı bilgiler sunuyor. Veganlık üzerine söylentilerden, vegan beslenme çeşitlerine, protein, kalsiyum, demir ve vitaminler açısından hangi bitkilerden ne kadar yararlanabileceğimizden hangi yaş kesiminde nasıl beslenilebileceğine dair değerli bilgiler içeriyor. Kitabın sonunda önerilen kaynaklar ve tarifler de mevcut. Kapak tasarımı da çok hoşuma gitti.
Veganlığa dair bir adım atmak istiyor ya da atmak üzereyseniz, ya da bunun nasıl bir süreç olduğunu anlamak istiyorsanız oldukça yeterli bir kitap olduğunu düşünüyorum (:
Kitap tümüyle hayvansal gıdalara-veganlık gıda dışındaki kıyafetlerden kullandığın diğer ürünlerde de hayvansal bir maddenin olmaması konusunda katı bir tutuma sahiptir. Kitap beslenme noktasında yorumlarda bulunuyor- karşıt bir “bitkisel gıda” temelli beslenme üzerine oldukça geniş kapsamlı bilgiler sunuyor. Veganlık üzerine söylentilerden, vegan beslenme çeşitlerine, protein, kalsiyum, demir ve vitaminler açısından hangi bitkilerden ne kadar yararlanabileceğimizden hangi yaş kesiminde nasıl beslenilebileceğine dair değerli bilgiler içeriyor. Kitabın sonunda önerilen kaynaklar ve tarifler de mevcut. Kapak tasarımı da çok hoşuma gitti.
Veganlığa dair bir adım atmak istiyor ya da atmak üzereyseniz, ya da bunun nasıl bir süreç olduğunu anlamak istiyorsanız oldukça yeterli bir kitap olduğunu düşünüyorum (:
December 20, 2019
OKAY. I thought this was a pretty good book for discovering veganism and laying out good goals for humans— who, from my understanding and studying, are meant to be largely (if not entirely) plant-based— and I was right... at first.
Then, he added “Can Cats and Dogs Be Vegan?” The answer is: No. Those animals have shorter digestive tracts, teeth meant for tearing through meat (as compared to our teeth, meant to tear through tough plant fibers), and CANNOT SURVIVE WELL ON A PLANT-BASED OR VEGAN DIET. Neal’s response is to say that, as long as the animals have a supplement, they will be just fine. How does he not see how unethical it is to say that one set of animals should be liberated but another should be forced into a diet that keeps them cancerous and diseased? This is disgusting. We domesticated the animals, so now we have to feed them properly. Would he say that pet reptiles can be vegan? Or lions? I’m afraid he would! What a disgusting thing to say. This is absolutely unacceptable and I will be tossing my copy in the recycle bin as I’m not donating to some dog owner who decides that they should follow the grain-based diet for their own best friend.
Then, he added “Can Cats and Dogs Be Vegan?” The answer is: No. Those animals have shorter digestive tracts, teeth meant for tearing through meat (as compared to our teeth, meant to tear through tough plant fibers), and CANNOT SURVIVE WELL ON A PLANT-BASED OR VEGAN DIET. Neal’s response is to say that, as long as the animals have a supplement, they will be just fine. How does he not see how unethical it is to say that one set of animals should be liberated but another should be forced into a diet that keeps them cancerous and diseased? This is disgusting. We domesticated the animals, so now we have to feed them properly. Would he say that pet reptiles can be vegan? Or lions? I’m afraid he would! What a disgusting thing to say. This is absolutely unacceptable and I will be tossing my copy in the recycle bin as I’m not donating to some dog owner who decides that they should follow the grain-based diet for their own best friend.
December 24, 2019
Info seems a little too “rah rah veganism is the cure for whatever ails you” but has some recipes I’d like to make especially soups and salads.
March 31, 2021
Everything you need to know. Plain and simple for those willing to think beyond their ingrained eating habits. Good info in just under a 100 pages with additional room for recipes in the back of the book.
September 11, 2022
Great starter book for vegan curious people considering lifestyle change. A how to book addressing the how, why and what questions associated with this critical movement.
May 11, 2019
Unquestionably, this is a very to the point and simple guide to getting started with a whole foods plant-based diet. It leaves off anything extraneous and does not try to be too fancy. Too many books in this area try to overdo it with fancy cooking, which can be fun if that's what you enjoy but the overwhelming majority of people have a need to keep it simple. This book does that.
The single biggest detraction from the value of this book is how the author deliberately co-opts the term whole foods plant-based and calls it vegan. The word vegan is not a nutritional term, whole foods, plant-based is. The term vegan is also widely abused by the food industry for that exact reason, it is a completely meaningless label that allows them to hide junkfood under a label that is meant to convey credibility. The truth is vegan and vegetarian are sociological terms, conveying respectively no eating of dead animals by vegetarians, and no use of any animal products, including dairy and eggs by vegans. There are other nuances, but the fact is vegetarians are so mostly for religious reasons, world-wide and many of them eat very unhealthily. Vegans are more often motivated by animal welfare or the environment, and the deliberate practitioners of the whole foods, plant-based lifestyle reflects a nutritional/health choice, which is what this books seeks to address, but it obfuscates the message by its use of the term vegan. Go to any supermarket and 80 to 90% of 'vegan' foods do not pass the minimum standards for a whole foods, plant-based diet. Or, as I like to emphasize: chips and Coke may be vegan, they are not healthy nutrition (and do not pass muster under the whole foods, plant-based nutritional standard). The #WFPB category is represented by such initiatives as Plant Pure Communities and the Plantricious label.
I like everything about this book, but I would caution anyone against continuing that confusion.
The single biggest detraction from the value of this book is how the author deliberately co-opts the term whole foods plant-based and calls it vegan. The word vegan is not a nutritional term, whole foods, plant-based is. The term vegan is also widely abused by the food industry for that exact reason, it is a completely meaningless label that allows them to hide junkfood under a label that is meant to convey credibility. The truth is vegan and vegetarian are sociological terms, conveying respectively no eating of dead animals by vegetarians, and no use of any animal products, including dairy and eggs by vegans. There are other nuances, but the fact is vegetarians are so mostly for religious reasons, world-wide and many of them eat very unhealthily. Vegans are more often motivated by animal welfare or the environment, and the deliberate practitioners of the whole foods, plant-based lifestyle reflects a nutritional/health choice, which is what this books seeks to address, but it obfuscates the message by its use of the term vegan. Go to any supermarket and 80 to 90% of 'vegan' foods do not pass the minimum standards for a whole foods, plant-based diet. Or, as I like to emphasize: chips and Coke may be vegan, they are not healthy nutrition (and do not pass muster under the whole foods, plant-based nutritional standard). The #WFPB category is represented by such initiatives as Plant Pure Communities and the Plantricious label.
I like everything about this book, but I would caution anyone against continuing that confusion.
Read
August 13, 2019I think this book would be better named “starter kit to whole foods plant based diet (with low oil)” rather than using the term vegan because vegan refers to an ethical lifestyle. But if you eat animal products right now and are looking to eat a whole foods plant based diet with low oil, this is a good book. However I would recommend being more lenient on vegan junk foods and oil at the beginning, in order to ensure longevity of the new diet.
Side note: I believe the author should have put in more caution in the topic of vegan cats and dogs. Although I have seen that cats can survive on a vegan diet, I do not think they should be vegan. I am saying this as an ethical vegan for nearly five years. I have read many stories about cat owners failing to do enough research, or even making a simple mistakes, that has lead to the spiral of their cats life, or even to their death. I think the author should have urged the reader to contact a professional or do extensive research on the topic before considering.
I will not comment on vegan dogs as I do not know enough, however please do very extensive research on the topic before even considering.
Side note: I believe the author should have put in more caution in the topic of vegan cats and dogs. Although I have seen that cats can survive on a vegan diet, I do not think they should be vegan. I am saying this as an ethical vegan for nearly five years. I have read many stories about cat owners failing to do enough research, or even making a simple mistakes, that has lead to the spiral of their cats life, or even to their death. I think the author should have urged the reader to contact a professional or do extensive research on the topic before considering.
I will not comment on vegan dogs as I do not know enough, however please do very extensive research on the topic before even considering.
March 16, 2019
This very accessible guide will be helpful to people new to the vegan lifestyle who want an overview and how-to. It covers health issues, how to cook at home and eat out, how to deal with annoying comments from friends and family, and much more.
My only complaint: I think it makes the transition to becoming completely vegan sound easier than it is (I say this as someone vegan for over 30 years who has encouraged dozens of people in this process), particularly for people who do not live in major cities where vegan options are more available. For example, consider someone living in a small town who knows no other vegans, where restaurants have virtually no vegan menu items and aren't interested in adding any, where eating with friends and family is problematic and the local supermarket's produce is less than inspiring. That doesn't mean it can't be done, and guidebooks like this could make the difference between success and failure. For its brevity, practicality, and cheery tone (and the recipes at the end!) Dr. Barnard's latest is well worth picking up.
My only complaint: I think it makes the transition to becoming completely vegan sound easier than it is (I say this as someone vegan for over 30 years who has encouraged dozens of people in this process), particularly for people who do not live in major cities where vegan options are more available. For example, consider someone living in a small town who knows no other vegans, where restaurants have virtually no vegan menu items and aren't interested in adding any, where eating with friends and family is problematic and the local supermarket's produce is less than inspiring. That doesn't mean it can't be done, and guidebooks like this could make the difference between success and failure. For its brevity, practicality, and cheery tone (and the recipes at the end!) Dr. Barnard's latest is well worth picking up.
December 28, 2018
I'm no "starter," but I was interested in what Dr. Barnard had to say. This is a quick read suitable for anyone looking to incorporate a more plant-forward diet. While Dr. Barnard mentions the benefits of a vegan diet on animal welfare and the planet, he focuses on the basics of how eating a plant-based diet is good for health. He dispells several myths, like the omnipresent lack of protein myth. (Seriously, where do you think your hamburger gets protein? It eats grass.) And he touches on the benefits of a vegan diet at every stage of life, from pregnancy to childhood to older adults. I would use this as a "gateway" book, along with McDougall's The Healthiest Diet on the Planet, for folks who are curious. When people are ready to delve a little deeper, hand them Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease and How Not to Die.
January 20, 2019
I was eager to review this book as I feel strongly we could all benefit from eating more plant-based foods in our diet, even if one chooses not to be vegan or vegetarian, and I am always excited to look over recipes. However, I felt very disappointed in this book. It seemed hastily thrown together and I imagine would not be very helpful for someone new to a vegan diet. I knew that I would not support Dr. Barnards health claims regarding a vegan diet (I am familiar with PCRM and am aware that they "cherry-pick" data to support their views) but I was also surprised to find the recipe section to be small and uninspiring. I was also disappointed by some of the ingredients used in the recipes (2 examples being all-purpose flour instead of whole grain and granulated sugar). I believe there are better books already on the market for a new vegan interested in resources and recipes.
March 22, 2020
I'm a huge advocate for a vegan diet, and this book is definitely not something I'd recommend. Too off-putting for the newcomer. Too general for the initiated. It really doesn't have an audience. It's not as well cited as I'd hoped, and doesn't contain anything I didn't already know. (There's also some questionable info, like nonstick pans and the breastfeeding recommendation.) I'm a fan of the content, but I don't feel this was well executed. Even most of the included recipes were disappointing. (No all, but most.) It felt like a sales pitch. The websites and recommended reading were mostly good, but I wish recommended films had also been included. I mean, you could do worse, but this author has done better. My recommendation is to go read (at least) the first half of the China study (if you haven't already) instead. 2*
September 24, 2019
This book is a good, short intro to eating plant based nutrition.
Dr Barnard of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Nutrition has crafted a primer with short chapters that cover all the topics, and includes easy to make recipes for people to try who may have little to no cooking skills or knowledge of cooking with plants.
I only wish the title used the words “Plant Based Nutrition [or Cooking]) since the word vegan is just weird and carries all kinds of negative associations. To be fair, the subtitle is “Everything you need to know about plant-based eating.” Still....
But all in all, if you are interested in incorporating more plants into your diet, or are curious about how plant based nutrition can benefit your health, this is a near perfect introduction.
Dr Barnard of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Nutrition has crafted a primer with short chapters that cover all the topics, and includes easy to make recipes for people to try who may have little to no cooking skills or knowledge of cooking with plants.
I only wish the title used the words “Plant Based Nutrition [or Cooking]) since the word vegan is just weird and carries all kinds of negative associations. To be fair, the subtitle is “Everything you need to know about plant-based eating.” Still....
But all in all, if you are interested in incorporating more plants into your diet, or are curious about how plant based nutrition can benefit your health, this is a near perfect introduction.
November 10, 2022
Meh. Book felt aimed at people resisting or being coerced into vegan lifestyle.
Lots of “miracle cure” type rhetoric at first, which just frustrates me because I’ve been considering the whole foods plant-based diet for a while. I know these arguments, but there’s something in the micro-punch delivery here that feels a little like selling snake oil.
Then Barnard seems to want to sell the idea that plant-based eating is easy by giving examples of how to eat at restaurants/fast food places. He also promotes some things like vegan cookies or other junkier foods.
Just felt like this book wasn’t really a starter kit for the person who’s already sold on vegan wanting to know how to build a pantry, or find other vegan resources.
Lots of “miracle cure” type rhetoric at first, which just frustrates me because I’ve been considering the whole foods plant-based diet for a while. I know these arguments, but there’s something in the micro-punch delivery here that feels a little like selling snake oil.
Then Barnard seems to want to sell the idea that plant-based eating is easy by giving examples of how to eat at restaurants/fast food places. He also promotes some things like vegan cookies or other junkier foods.
Just felt like this book wasn’t really a starter kit for the person who’s already sold on vegan wanting to know how to build a pantry, or find other vegan resources.
November 8, 2018
3.5 stars
I have a number of vegan friends, so I was interested in checking out this book. This book is beneficial for someone wanting to know more about a plant-based diet. It’s great for people just starting out with a vegan diet. Barnard is a doctor, and he’s able to explain things in a way that’s easy to understand, as well as provide various ways to adapt things. Simple recipes are included. The author also mentions how beneficial this lifestyle/diet could be to people with various health issues (such as diabetes and high cholesterol).
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
I have a number of vegan friends, so I was interested in checking out this book. This book is beneficial for someone wanting to know more about a plant-based diet. It’s great for people just starting out with a vegan diet. Barnard is a doctor, and he’s able to explain things in a way that’s easy to understand, as well as provide various ways to adapt things. Simple recipes are included. The author also mentions how beneficial this lifestyle/diet could be to people with various health issues (such as diabetes and high cholesterol).
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
December 19, 2018
This book is fantastic for anyone interested in a Vegan diet, whether it is for health or ethical reasons, this is a great place to start. This title offers tips on how to plan meals, recipes, things your diet should contain, myths about eating vegan, etc. It is easy to follow, thorough in a non-intimidating way, and truly feels like a good step into the world of vegan diets. I would highly recommend this book to those just starting out, it is by far one of the most helpful books I have ever come across and it makes the transition period much easier to navigate.
I received a free ARC copy of this title through NetGalley in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a free ARC copy of this title through NetGalley in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 13, 2025
I'm not going to lie, I've sped read most of this book but I HAD to give it the kudos it deserves for the Black Bean Chili recipe. I have been living off of that for the last couple weeks.
I love Neal Barnard, so I have no doubt that any other parts of this book that I didn't read to absolute completion were still wonderful.
My entire family is obsessed with the chili recipe. It has inspired us to make a similar recipe for spaghetti that's amazing as well. Love love love.
I do have a bit of a meh reaction when it comes to some of the meal planning for kids, but hey, it's seriously simplified and I'm going to assume that's part of the problem.
I love Neal Barnard, so I have no doubt that any other parts of this book that I didn't read to absolute completion were still wonderful.
My entire family is obsessed with the chili recipe. It has inspired us to make a similar recipe for spaghetti that's amazing as well. Love love love.
I do have a bit of a meh reaction when it comes to some of the meal planning for kids, but hey, it's seriously simplified and I'm going to assume that's part of the problem.
February 14, 2019
While I rarely give a 1 star, this book deserves it. There were a lot of inconsistencies and false truths with all the research I've done. The biggest one was being able to feed your cat or dog a vegan diet. No you can not!!! It is animal abuse especially for cats. They are obligate carnivores, that means they only eat meat, they do not digest fruits or vegetables. Ugh!!! If you want an animal that only eats a vegan diet, adopt a rabbit or other veggie eating species appropriate animal.
No, I would never recommend this book to family or friends.
No, I would never recommend this book to family or friends.
December 23, 2019
I agree with some of the other reviews that this book tends to overly focus on how being vegan will cure all diseases and make everyone skinny. Even if many points were overstated, I do agree that eating plants instead of animals actually is healthier and will reduce weight. I also think that there should have been more emphasis on being vegan because of environmental concerns and animal rights.
Despite anything wrong with this book, it has helped me decide to focus more heavily on eating better which is the entire point of the book.
Despite anything wrong with this book, it has helped me decide to focus more heavily on eating better which is the entire point of the book.
April 26, 2021
An OK book about Veganism
The book doesn't claim to be something that it's not. If you don't know anything much about veganism, this is a good book to read to introduce yourself to the concepts and how the diet may work.
That being said, I don't think the book provides any information that you wouldn't be able to find from your own research. But if you're unsure where to look for reliable information online, this is a good book, with resources and references.
So if you want to know about Veganism and how to start a plant based diet. This is a good informative book.
The book doesn't claim to be something that it's not. If you don't know anything much about veganism, this is a good book to read to introduce yourself to the concepts and how the diet may work.
That being said, I don't think the book provides any information that you wouldn't be able to find from your own research. But if you're unsure where to look for reliable information online, this is a good book, with resources and references.
So if you want to know about Veganism and how to start a plant based diet. This is a good informative book.
December 21, 2021
I love Barnard’s books. They are very educational yet simple for everybody to understand. He’s definitely a prominent advocate for plant-based diets and a great resource for the community and beyond.
This book is a good read for somebody who may be interested in a vegan diet and is looking for somewhere to start. He’s certainly trying to prove his points, at times a bit too much though . I get this book is meant to convince people and make them feel excited, but as others have pointed here, it could have been a bit toned down.
This book is a good read for somebody who may be interested in a vegan diet and is looking for somewhere to start. He’s certainly trying to prove his points, at times a bit too much though . I get this book is meant to convince people and make them feel excited, but as others have pointed here, it could have been a bit toned down.
January 30, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book. My intent is to begin a vegan lifestyle once I complete the detox that I am currently doing, and this book makes it sound very simple, easy and comfortable. I feel empowered and ready to begin a plant-based lifestyle after reading this book. Although I borrowed it from the library, because of all the great information and the delicious-sounding recipes, I’ll be purchasing this book to add to my ever-growing vegan resource library.
Read
May 1, 2024I read this as a tuneup and to keep myself feeling a part of vegan and plant-based culture. I drank the plant-based kool-aid years ago, but it’s good to keep reminding myself why I did.
This little book is quick to read and very clear about the nutritional reasons for eliminating animal products from one’s diet.
I’ve already made one recipe from the small recipe section at the back of the book, and it was delicious.
This little book is quick to read and very clear about the nutritional reasons for eliminating animal products from one’s diet.
I’ve already made one recipe from the small recipe section at the back of the book, and it was delicious.
October 22, 2025
This book is ideal for anyone who is seeking a healthy lifestyle. If you are looking to expand your diet, go vegan. The vegan way of life is easier than any other diet because it allows you to remove certain foods and allows you to replace them with healthier, more nutritious vitamin and mineral sources. Many of the strongest animals and people on Earth are vegan. This book is a great segway to a more in tune version of self.
May 9, 2019
A simple, quick introduction to the vegan diet. I skipped the sections on weight loss, diabetes, and pregnancy/feeding your kids, as they weren’t relevant to me. I didn’t really learn anything new, but it would be a good book for someone very new to researching the vegan diet. And I definitely DON’T agree with making your pets be vegan, which is touched on very briefly, but that’s another issue.
December 29, 2019
I was vegan for over a year a few years ago. For personal reasons I stopped being vegan. I do want to start again and be vegan for life, but it has been hard to stay away from cheese. Cheese is my downfall lol. Anyway, this book was great! I love how he breaks everything down for you and gives you tons of recipes. I’m looking forward to starting my vegan journey again.
January 8, 2019
Very good read on how to begin a vegan diet. Dr. Barnard defines what a vegan diet is and how to achieve it. Easy read but very informative. Plus some recipes in the back of the book. I really like how he talks about how to achieve this diet if you don’t like to cook.
February 9, 2019
As a vegetarian considering making the transition to a vegan diet, I wanted this book to be more helpful. I think it may be more so for those who are making a bigger transition. This was reassuring, but not enough here about easy vegan food that isn’t prepackaged.
February 11, 2019
There were not very many sources to back up the author's claims in this book. Although other books I've read about plant-based eating have sources that back up this author's claims I feel as though he should have provided more background as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews