Vegetarian and Vegan Diets

Alice C. Richer, RD, MBA, LD, is a registered dietitian, certified in advanced functional and genomic nutrition, in private practice in Massachusetts.

Series Foreword
Introduction
Guide to Health Literacy
Common Misconceptions about Vegetarian and Vegan Diets
Questions and Answers
The Basics
What is a plant-based diet?
What are the different types of plant-based diets?
What is a Mediterranean diet, and how does it differ from a plant-based diet?
How many people in the United States and worldwide follow a plant-based diet, and are these diets becoming more popular?
What concerns about animals might motivate an individual to change to a plant-based diet?
What are the environmental factors that might influence an individual to transition to a vegetarian or vegan diet?
Do religious or cultural factors influence plant-based diet choices?
Plant-Based Diets and Health
What are the potential health benefits of plant-based diets?
What are the potential negative health consequences of following a plant-based diet?
Do genetics influence whether or not a plant-based diet is healthy for an individual?
What impact do plant-based diets have on the gastrointestinal microbiome?
What is the China study, and how does it relate to plant-based diets?
Can plant-based diets benefit those with cardiovascular disease?
Can plant-based diets benefit those with diabetes?
How can plant-based diets affect an individual's weight?
Do plant-based diets increase life expectancy?
Why do some people become unhealthy when following a plant-based diet?
Nutritional Management of Plant-Based Diets
What are the most important nutrition guidelines to follow to maintain good health when eating vegan or vegetarian?
What nutritional deficiencies can develop while following a plant-based diet?
Can pregnant women have a healthy baby while following a vegetarian or vegan diet?
Is it safe for children to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet?
Can those with food allergies follow a plant-based diet?
How does someone who has gastrointestinal disease follow a plant-based diet?
Are all vegetarian and vegan foods healthy and good for you?
Why is soy so controversial, and is it bad for health?
What are lectins, and are they a problem when eating a vegetarian or vegan diet?
Life as a Vegetarian or Vegan
How do I transition to a plant-based diet?
Is it difficult to eat out in restaurants or in public places when following a vegetarian or vegan diet?
How difficult is it to grocery shop when following a vegan or vegetarian diet?
How do I afford a vegetarian or vegan diet on a budget?
What resources are available to support vegetarians and vegans so that meals are flavorful, healthy, and enjoyable?
How can I convince family and friends to accept my plant-based diet choice without alienating them?
If a vegetarian or vegan wants to begin eating meat or animal products again, how should they transition to this new diet?
Case Studies
Glossary
Directory of Resources
Index