How To Start A Healthy Vegetarian Diet

Question For Savvy Vegetarian

Where do I start? I started juicing vegetables and fruit a month ago...I also have been on a colon cleanse as well as parasite cleanse...I haven't had meat for the last three months and don't intend to ever eat meat again...I want to be as healthy as can be...where do I start as far as making sure I have the proper diet, protein, nutrients..etc...What cookbook or recipe book shall I get....and I am about to invest in another juicer. What one would you highly recommend? I have a champion juicer right now. Thank you so much - M.M.

Savvy Veg Advice

Dear M.M.,

Congratulations on becoming vegetarian!

I don't know much about juicers, actually, and don't do much juicing. My approach to vegetarian diet is pretty conventional, including cooked as well as raw fruits and vegetables, sprouts, cooked whole grains and beans. My goal is to get maximum variety and nutirition with least effort and expense. I find there's a lot of advantages to including the fiber with my food - it helps my digestion, gives my jaw a workout, and causes me to sit at the table with my family and talk and eat instead of working. I also find the cooking process creatively and aesthetically pleasing.

Re finding the right juicer: I have a champion juicer which someone gave me - it's slow and noisy, but effective. It's also very heavy. I'd replace it if juicing were a high priority.

Here's a page of juicer reviews

Here's a juicer blog forum. And the juicer article they recommend. I just came across this great juicing site, crammed with advice, info and resources about juicing.

As an excellent general vegetarian nutrition guide, I recommend The New Becoming Vegetarian, by Vesanto Melina, which I mention in the SV Nutrition Report.

For cookbooks, see SV's recommended list and reviews. Look for a cookbook that's written by a very experienced professional cook, with lots of nutrition, ingredient and cooking info, as well as a broad variety of recipes that appeal to your dietary preferences. Go to a bookstore and spend time looking through them before you decide.

All the best - Judy Kingsbury, Savvy Veg

Health Disclaimer:

Savvy Vegetarian provides education and support to individuals who want to become vegetarian, or improve their diet. We don't advocate any particular vegetarian diet. We don't claim to be health care professionals, or nutritionists, nor do we treat any illness. Any changes that you make to your diet, or results of those changes, are your decision and responsibility. For your protection, we ask you to be completely open with us about your health, and we may recommend a medical exam before changing your diet. We reserve the right to refuse or to end a client relationship if we believe the client's actions may endanger his or her health.

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