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Living Vegan for Dummies
The fun and easy way® to live a vegan lifestyle Are you thinking about becoming a vegan? Already a practicing vegan? More than 3 million Americans currently live a vegan lifestyle, and that number is growing. Living Vegan For Dummies is your one-stop resource for understanding vegan practices, sharing them with your friends and loved ones, and maintaining a vegan way of life. This friendly, practical guide explains the types of products that vegans abstain from eating and consuming, and provides healthy and animal-free options. You'll see how to create a balanced, nutritious vegan diet; read food and product labels to determine animal-derived product content; and stock a vegan pantry. You'll also get 40 great-tasting recipes to expand your cooking repertoire. With the tips and advice in Living Vegan For Dummies, you can truly live and enjoy a vegan way of life!
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2009
45 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 17, 2014
Before you decide to pick up this book you may want to know that the author is no longer vegan. I don't really think it changes the contents of the book, but, you know, some people are purists about these kinds of things... anyway...
I've recently decided that I wanted to become vegan, mostly for spiritual reasons, so I thought that this would be a good first book to point me in the right direction and all. I have mixed feelings about this book, and they're all to do with the author. Why? Because my God is she preachy! I understand that for most people, the vegan lifestyle they live is mostly due to animal rights, so I guess I can understand why she automatically assumes that pretty much the only reason why you're going vegan is because of that.
Throughout the book she constantly looks down upon people who are are non-vegan. She pretends she doesn't, and even goes so far to say to be loving and compassionate to these people when she's obviously not.
Let me explain.
Her attitude towards non-vegans (both meat-eaters and vegetarians) goes something like this: she refers to vegans as having "seen the light", and that everyone else is just ignorant. She goes on to say how she looks at people in disgust when they have meat, like it makes them beneath her. She constantly uses phrases like "eco-vegan street-cred" to make vegan life sound more appealing than anything else. In short, she is (or was) a vegan snob who looks down upon non-vegans then tries to cover herself by telling you to be loving and compassionate towards them.
Okay, so it's one thing to assume that the main reason someone is reading the book is because of animal rights. Fair enough, I mean, most vegans are vegan because of animal rights, but it's quite another thing to belittle people who don't live like you. That's wrong on so many levels, the most interesting level (I find) is that she's poured her soul into animal rights (it's a good cause, so fair enough) but she's turned her back on the rest of humanity in doing so. She's not aiming to make animals a loved equal, but to put them on a pedestal so we can worship them.
But I think the worst part is how badly she gets her facts wrong - thankfully, not about the health benefits, but about the hysteria. I've noticed that a lot of vegans have this in common (a lot, not all), and if this is you, or someone you know, please don't take offense to it, this is just an observation.
A lot of vegans get their facts wrong about the animals. Yes, a lot of animals aren't treated right, and to stop eating any animal product because of this reason is fine. So, if you're saying I couldn't ever drink cow's milk because of the awful living conditions they endure, then that's a valid reason, for a lot (not all! You've gotta remember the few good farmers here) of farms don't treat their cows properly. However, if you're not having cow's milk because you think drinking cow's milk is wrong, for we shouldn't milk them as it is stealing then you haven't done your research properly. This really bugs me, as I have lived half of my life out in the country and know lots of farmers. If you don't milk cows they die! They get an infection and die! And the longer you put off milking them the more pain they're in! These are the kind of things I hear often from vegans (this and the chicken egg thing. Oh, don't even get me started on the chicken egg thing), and it's good to be concerned about another's well-being, but it's also good to do un-biased research on what you're talking about.
Apart from this I did enjoy the book. It was helpful and insightful, especially with all the nutrients I need to have in order to become vegan (that was my biggest worry, so I'm glad she had that covered). There was also a nice selection of recipes to start you off. I really liked the sound of most of them and will be incorporation them into my new lifestyle.
So, my overall verdict? Well, if you're interested in going vegan, know someone who's vegan, or simply just want to know more about a vegan lifestyle, then give it a shot. It you can get past the few incorrect facts about animals, and the martyr-like persona of the author (and the fact she's no longer vegan), it's a good read.
I've recently decided that I wanted to become vegan, mostly for spiritual reasons, so I thought that this would be a good first book to point me in the right direction and all. I have mixed feelings about this book, and they're all to do with the author. Why? Because my God is she preachy! I understand that for most people, the vegan lifestyle they live is mostly due to animal rights, so I guess I can understand why she automatically assumes that pretty much the only reason why you're going vegan is because of that.
Throughout the book she constantly looks down upon people who are are non-vegan. She pretends she doesn't, and even goes so far to say to be loving and compassionate to these people when she's obviously not.
Let me explain.
Her attitude towards non-vegans (both meat-eaters and vegetarians) goes something like this: she refers to vegans as having "seen the light", and that everyone else is just ignorant. She goes on to say how she looks at people in disgust when they have meat, like it makes them beneath her. She constantly uses phrases like "eco-vegan street-cred" to make vegan life sound more appealing than anything else. In short, she is (or was) a vegan snob who looks down upon non-vegans then tries to cover herself by telling you to be loving and compassionate towards them.
Okay, so it's one thing to assume that the main reason someone is reading the book is because of animal rights. Fair enough, I mean, most vegans are vegan because of animal rights, but it's quite another thing to belittle people who don't live like you. That's wrong on so many levels, the most interesting level (I find) is that she's poured her soul into animal rights (it's a good cause, so fair enough) but she's turned her back on the rest of humanity in doing so. She's not aiming to make animals a loved equal, but to put them on a pedestal so we can worship them.
But I think the worst part is how badly she gets her facts wrong - thankfully, not about the health benefits, but about the hysteria. I've noticed that a lot of vegans have this in common (a lot, not all), and if this is you, or someone you know, please don't take offense to it, this is just an observation.
A lot of vegans get their facts wrong about the animals. Yes, a lot of animals aren't treated right, and to stop eating any animal product because of this reason is fine. So, if you're saying I couldn't ever drink cow's milk because of the awful living conditions they endure, then that's a valid reason, for a lot (not all! You've gotta remember the few good farmers here) of farms don't treat their cows properly. However, if you're not having cow's milk because you think drinking cow's milk is wrong, for we shouldn't milk them as it is stealing then you haven't done your research properly. This really bugs me, as I have lived half of my life out in the country and know lots of farmers. If you don't milk cows they die! They get an infection and die! And the longer you put off milking them the more pain they're in! These are the kind of things I hear often from vegans (this and the chicken egg thing. Oh, don't even get me started on the chicken egg thing), and it's good to be concerned about another's well-being, but it's also good to do un-biased research on what you're talking about.
Apart from this I did enjoy the book. It was helpful and insightful, especially with all the nutrients I need to have in order to become vegan (that was my biggest worry, so I'm glad she had that covered). There was also a nice selection of recipes to start you off. I really liked the sound of most of them and will be incorporation them into my new lifestyle.
So, my overall verdict? Well, if you're interested in going vegan, know someone who's vegan, or simply just want to know more about a vegan lifestyle, then give it a shot. It you can get past the few incorrect facts about animals, and the martyr-like persona of the author (and the fact she's no longer vegan), it's a good read.
December 29, 2012
This book was created for someone thinking about going Vegan and concerned about finding nutrition from a Vegan diet...which was me. I can say that after reading this book I have made the transition into eating a Vegan diet (which I realize is only a portion of what living vegan actually means). It helped me tremendously in understanding nutrition and would highly recommend it to anyone thinking about making the transition. It was an easy and quick read with a lot of important information.
I would not recommend this for someone seeking vegan recipes, or someone who was already well informed about vegan nutrition.
I would not recommend this for someone seeking vegan recipes, or someone who was already well informed about vegan nutrition.
August 24, 2011
This was a brilliant book to read as a new vegan. It has lots of advice on how to change to veganism, starting with food and then developing into other areas such as clothing and cosmetics. It also has very simple recipes and very important nutritional information.
January 31, 2018
This is a fantastic book to kick start your journey into veganism! It covers everything you'll ever need to know or consider.
April 7, 2018
I wanted to read this book when I stared being vegan (two and half years ago), but I kept prioritising other books instead. However, recently I’ve become more interested in nutrition so I thought it would be a good start.
I definitely recommend it to new vegans and old ones too because it has lots of facts you need to know in order to have a healthy vegan diet. However, you still need to make some extra research about some subjects as there are some which are not very detailed.
As I’ve been vegan for some time I’ve already knew a thing or two about foods I can incorporate in my diet. But this book has helped me discovered some new ingredients which can boost up my diet. For example, I didn’t know that coconut water is packed with electrolytes which are needed in your diet if you’re into sport too.
Lastly, what I really like about it is the fact that it talks about the whole aspect of the vegan lifestyle, not just about nutrition.
I definitely recommend it to new vegans and old ones too because it has lots of facts you need to know in order to have a healthy vegan diet. However, you still need to make some extra research about some subjects as there are some which are not very detailed.
As I’ve been vegan for some time I’ve already knew a thing or two about foods I can incorporate in my diet. But this book has helped me discovered some new ingredients which can boost up my diet. For example, I didn’t know that coconut water is packed with electrolytes which are needed in your diet if you’re into sport too.
Lastly, what I really like about it is the fact that it talks about the whole aspect of the vegan lifestyle, not just about nutrition.
August 28, 2018
This book has given me an idea of what is Veganism and how do I start and commit to it
It's a good book overall.
I chose this book because I was struggling of my body and food so much that I was starting to think it was unhealthy.
I would recommend it to everyone both vegan or none vegan because not only help us know what food are good for what but also think that everyone struggles with food, weight or overall health.
It's a good book overall.
I chose this book because I was struggling of my body and food so much that I was starting to think it was unhealthy.
I would recommend it to everyone both vegan or none vegan because not only help us know what food are good for what but also think that everyone struggles with food, weight or overall health.
October 29, 2025
This book is complete for a vegan at any stage of the lifestyle. It has chapters that include pregnant vegans as well as postpartum care. It even goes so far as to give information on raising vegans. This resource is rich with information and a great read!
December 22, 2018
Too redundant for my liking. But overall is a great source for beginners.
May 6, 2021
Started me on the vegan train :)
February 8, 2025
Good for someone who is looking to become a vegan, for them this would be a good resource. For me there really was nothing new here. And too few recipes.
November 7, 2024
I was nervous at first: most alternative lifestyle books can be quite preachy, and I hate some of the arguments most make for the vegan lifestyles (well, a lot of lifestyles prone to fanaticism). Of course, this book had its chapter of "logical" arguments on why to convert; I could debunk most of the arguments (my biggest pet-peeve is that farm animals have be bred to be domesticated and could not become wild again, so the more pragmatic approach is to further promote the work of ethical farmers and treating animals well, and education - in some cases, punishment - for those who don't) simply because they are not nuisanced or very pragmatic. I am actually often accused of being an idealist, but even I cannot swallow a lot of it.
But that was only one chapter, and by far not the most preachy of all "conversion" writing I have read. In fact, there are multiple times in the book where she tells you to cheat - mostly she says if there is no vegan medicine available, the world and your family is better served by you doing what you need to survive/stay healthy and for you to advocate the development of alternatives; and a martyr won't really help the cause anyway. I appreciate this and other practical opinions she expressed.
Actually, I liked the book: it was approachable, understandable, workable, commonsensical (yes, it's a word), and had small moments of humour (though not as much as other Dummies books I've read). It lived up to the Dummies reputation in that I really have a firm grasp of the basics in the eating and the lifestyle. I do not feel ready to go vegan after this, as I do not think I could properly balance the foods necessary to ensure the proper consumption of certain nutrition - in particular, all the amino acids to create full proteins - but I do not think this is the book's fault: (a) it is a library book that I must return, so I cannot revisit the chapter where she discusses that; (b) how balanced do you think my current diet is? I'm a little behind. I may discuss partial veganism (don't say that isn't vegan!) with my nutritionist.
I read the book to get a better understanding of my vegan friends and to balance my boyfriend's egg/milk allergy with my desires to eat less meat. I definitely met this goal. I will not be converting to the lifestyle (I'm eating less meat, eggs, dairy, etc. but BF wants meat - occasionally so do I - and vegan cheese is just not cheese; I love milk and eggs far too much to not occasionally indulge). However, I do make more vegan meals and more vegan choices for the lifestyle e.g. I've been buying more environmental products, even soy candles as I finish my beloved beeswax candles. At the very least, I feel capable of feeding my vegan friends when they visit for dinner or even weeks.
Bottom line: I don't think it is capable of being your only bible for veganism, but it is a great starting point if you are interested in the lifestyle or if you are simply trying to learn to be more supportive of a loved one's choices.
But that was only one chapter, and by far not the most preachy of all "conversion" writing I have read. In fact, there are multiple times in the book where she tells you to cheat - mostly she says if there is no vegan medicine available, the world and your family is better served by you doing what you need to survive/stay healthy and for you to advocate the development of alternatives; and a martyr won't really help the cause anyway. I appreciate this and other practical opinions she expressed.
Actually, I liked the book: it was approachable, understandable, workable, commonsensical (yes, it's a word), and had small moments of humour (though not as much as other Dummies books I've read). It lived up to the Dummies reputation in that I really have a firm grasp of the basics in the eating and the lifestyle. I do not feel ready to go vegan after this, as I do not think I could properly balance the foods necessary to ensure the proper consumption of certain nutrition - in particular, all the amino acids to create full proteins - but I do not think this is the book's fault: (a) it is a library book that I must return, so I cannot revisit the chapter where she discusses that; (b) how balanced do you think my current diet is? I'm a little behind. I may discuss partial veganism (don't say that isn't vegan!) with my nutritionist.
I read the book to get a better understanding of my vegan friends and to balance my boyfriend's egg/milk allergy with my desires to eat less meat. I definitely met this goal. I will not be converting to the lifestyle (I'm eating less meat, eggs, dairy, etc. but BF wants meat - occasionally so do I - and vegan cheese is just not cheese; I love milk and eggs far too much to not occasionally indulge). However, I do make more vegan meals and more vegan choices for the lifestyle e.g. I've been buying more environmental products, even soy candles as I finish my beloved beeswax candles. At the very least, I feel capable of feeding my vegan friends when they visit for dinner or even weeks.
Bottom line: I don't think it is capable of being your only bible for veganism, but it is a great starting point if you are interested in the lifestyle or if you are simply trying to learn to be more supportive of a loved one's choices.
August 4, 2010
Meh.
I'm giving this two stars because I don't actually despise it. I'm pretty generous with the stars. One star means the book has no redeeming features whatsoever; this one is not a complete pile of garbage so I have to give it two.
My newly-vegan aunt is coming to see my parents, and I found one recipe in here that my mother could make for her. And I did check through it carefully for redeeming features before I handed over the credit card, so I know that Jamieson talks about useful things like egg and butter substitutes. The main reason I was in the market for a vegan book was I was dating a guy who can't eat eggs or butter. She does talk about those, anyway. There are lots of good ideas for substitutions, some of which are way out there.
Jamieson makes it clear that veganism is more a moral issue than a nutritional one. Even when she talks about good health, she's treating it as a moral issue rather than basing it on hard science. Veganism is good for you because what you eat is what you are, and if you eat processed foods or animals, you won't feel good; if you eat natural foods you will feel good, plus you will save the earth, seems to be the basis of her argument. That would be fine with me if she were coming from an explicitly religious or ethical stance but quite often she predicates her arguments on pseudoscientific foundations and right there she loses me.
The main problem with the book is a practical one: I cannot see how it would be possible to live the vegan lifestyle she outlines unless you live in a major city, like Manhattan, where Jamieson lives. I live in south-central Appalachia, 85 miles from the nearest natural food store, let alone anyplace resembling Whole Foods (or even a large Kroger). I can't even get soft tofu. Where in God's name am I going to find mochi, rice syrup, agar, flaxseed, vegan chocolate, hemp milk (hemp milk???), or seitan? If I go into Food Lion and ask for textured vegetable protein, they're going to laugh in my face. Yes, Alexandra, there are farmers' markets "in every state," but it's not much help if they are a hundred miles away, or only open when you're at work.
I'd be a lot more likely to follow the vegan diet outlined here--or try to--if Jamieson didn't also expect me to eschew all other animal products, including soap, dyes, and medications. Well, she isn't dogmatic about meds. In fact, Jamieson never takes a really dictatorial tone. For the most part she encourages and guides, but she does get preachy sometimes. I don't know whom she's trying to convince. If you're reading through this 300-pager, you're probably a convert; if you're not a convert, why are you reading it?
I'm giving this two stars because I don't actually despise it. I'm pretty generous with the stars. One star means the book has no redeeming features whatsoever; this one is not a complete pile of garbage so I have to give it two.
My newly-vegan aunt is coming to see my parents, and I found one recipe in here that my mother could make for her. And I did check through it carefully for redeeming features before I handed over the credit card, so I know that Jamieson talks about useful things like egg and butter substitutes. The main reason I was in the market for a vegan book was I was dating a guy who can't eat eggs or butter. She does talk about those, anyway. There are lots of good ideas for substitutions, some of which are way out there.
Jamieson makes it clear that veganism is more a moral issue than a nutritional one. Even when she talks about good health, she's treating it as a moral issue rather than basing it on hard science. Veganism is good for you because what you eat is what you are, and if you eat processed foods or animals, you won't feel good; if you eat natural foods you will feel good, plus you will save the earth, seems to be the basis of her argument. That would be fine with me if she were coming from an explicitly religious or ethical stance but quite often she predicates her arguments on pseudoscientific foundations and right there she loses me.
The main problem with the book is a practical one: I cannot see how it would be possible to live the vegan lifestyle she outlines unless you live in a major city, like Manhattan, where Jamieson lives. I live in south-central Appalachia, 85 miles from the nearest natural food store, let alone anyplace resembling Whole Foods (or even a large Kroger). I can't even get soft tofu. Where in God's name am I going to find mochi, rice syrup, agar, flaxseed, vegan chocolate, hemp milk (hemp milk???), or seitan? If I go into Food Lion and ask for textured vegetable protein, they're going to laugh in my face. Yes, Alexandra, there are farmers' markets "in every state," but it's not much help if they are a hundred miles away, or only open when you're at work.
I'd be a lot more likely to follow the vegan diet outlined here--or try to--if Jamieson didn't also expect me to eschew all other animal products, including soap, dyes, and medications. Well, she isn't dogmatic about meds. In fact, Jamieson never takes a really dictatorial tone. For the most part she encourages and guides, but she does get preachy sometimes. I don't know whom she's trying to convince. If you're reading through this 300-pager, you're probably a convert; if you're not a convert, why are you reading it?
October 28, 2013
My motivation for reading this was to learn more about the nutrition and health aspects of a vegan diet. It provided good info regarding balanced nutrition with a vegan diet and how much healthier (i.e., disease-free) vegans can be. I wasn't interested in animal rights or ecosystem concerns, but now at least I have knowledge of those areas from a vegan point of view. While I'll probably never be 100% vegan, I'm so glad I read this book. It made me think about the foods I eat & work on incorporating far more fruits/veggies/plants into my diet. I wanted simple, straight-forward info, so, of course, this "for Dummies" volume delivered.
June 1, 2010
This had a lot of useful, clearly presented information. It did contradict other sources, especially concerning supplements, but was written in an easy-to-read manner, and made sense. I confess that I didn't even glance at the recipes. I'd have to live to be 679 years old in order to make every recipe I have now.
January 9, 2013
Written in a simple enough manner where nutrition doesn't feel like a foreign subject. I thought it was basic enough for a new vegan and a good reminder for more experienced vegans. A good source of information. I always feel like the "for dummies" series are the cliff notes. I usually use them to locate other sources with more complete information.
October 8, 2011
I found it very helpful and informative! Everything is explained in a simple way; so you hardly have any questions when you finish it! The only problem might be the repetition which is quite normal I guess!!! I have learnt a lot about being a vegan (as a vegan, I did not know some of these)!
April 15, 2010
An excellent nuts and bolts guide. Or should I say nuts and berries, and beans and grains, too!
May 2, 2013
The author kinda drank the vegan koolaide and there were points where I was 2nd guessing my choice based on her heavy handedness. This book is a very good reference otherwise.
July 17, 2014
I loved her from "Super-Size Me" and now she has her own book!
September 16, 2013
Good beginner book.
September 6, 2014
Some good reminders on making sure im eating a balanced diet with everything I need to stay happy and healthy
January 30, 2016
It's a good book that I would recomend as an introduction to veganism but there are better ones out there on the market.
August 5, 2023
do yourself a favor and read "this is vegan propaganda" by ed winters instead and buy a few cookbooks -- it'll be waaaay less condescending, better organized, and more readable.
November 23, 2010
An extremely practical and simple introduction to veganism.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews