Book Description
This digital document is an article from Nutrition & Dietetics: The Journal of the Dieticians Association of Australia, published by Thomson Gale on March 1, 2004. The length of the article is 1458 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The rise of vegetarianism.(Leading Article)
Author: Malcolm Riley
Publication: Nutrition & Dietetics: The Journal of the Dieticians Association of Australia (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 1, 2004
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 61Issue: 1Page: 9(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
Challenging the basic assumptions of a meat-eating society, Deep Vegetarianism is a spirited and compelling defense of a vegetarian lifestyle. Considering all of the major arguments both for and against vegetarianism and the habits of meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans alike, Michael Allen Fox addresses vegetarianism's cultural, historical, and philosophical background, details vegetarianism's impact on one's living and thinking, and relates vegetarianism to classical and recent defenses of the moral status of animals.

Demonstrating how a vegetarian diet is related to our awareness of the world and our ethical outlook on life, Fox looks at the different kinds of vegetarian commitments people make and their reasons for making them. In chapters that address such issues as the experiences, emotions, and grounds that are part of choosing vegetarianism, Fox discusses not only good health, animal suffering, and the environmental impacts of meat production, but such issues as the meaning of food, world hunger, religion and spirituality, and, significantly, the links shared between vegetarianism and other human rights movements and ideologies, particularly feminism. In an extensive chapter that addresses arguments made by advocates of meat-eating, Fox speaks to claims of humans as natural carnivores, animals as replaceable, and vegetarians as anti-feminist. He also addresses arguments surrounding the eating habits of indigenous peoples, eating free-range animals, and carnivorous behavior among animals. The most complete examination of the vegetarian outlook to date, Deep Vegetarianism reveals the broad range of philosophical views that contribute to such a choice. It recognizes, and calls for, a conscious awareness of—and an individual responsibility to—the issues that exist in the moral, political, and social spheres of our existence.

With its lively and controversial discussion, Deep Vegetarianism promises to appeal to anyone looking to explore the relationship between dietary choice, lifestyle, the treatment of animals and the environment, and personal ethical responsibility. It will also be particularly useful for students and teachers of moral philosophy, ethics, religion, comparative cultures, ecology, and feminism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

disappointing
First off, I will echo the sentiment of another reviewer by stating that some of the author's arguments are rather weak, particularly his argument against organic/free range meat. To give you an idea, he says that because there aren't enough resources to produce enough organic/free range meat for everyone to maintain their current levels of meat consumption, we shouldn't do it at all. He doesn't even bother, for example, to mention the possibility that we might simply reduce our levels of meat consumption, or that those who do restrict theirmeat diet to organic/free range meat consume lower levels of meat than the average Westerner.

On the whole, I was disappointed by the lack of concrete reasoning and the lack of exploration of arguments for and against vegetarianism, but I suppose I should have expected as much from a book with the word "deep" in the title. Since the author does make some valid points, even though most of his points can be found by running a Google search or reading a PETA brochure, I'll give the book a 3-star rating.

Thoughtful, intelligent book
This is a terrific book, which examines the philosopohical arguments for and against vegetarianism.

Most vegans and vegetarians find themselves in conversations with omnivores about the merits of vegetarianism, whether they go looking for this discourse or not.

I recommend that vegetarians check this book out, especially if you have friends or family members who think that vegetarianism is a seriously crazy way to live. This book provides a thoughtful analysis of the whole range of arguments made -- from the ancient human diet concept through feminism, replaceable animals, and on and on. Never again will you find yourself standing there speechless as an acquaintance at a party or a cousin at Sunday dinnercomes up with an argument you haven't heard before.

This book is well-written, informative, and thought-provoking.

Review of Michael Allen Fox's Deep Vegetarianism
How would society change if instead of a meat-centered dependency, the world switched to universal vegetarianism?In Deep Vegetarianism, Michael Allen Fox explores the positive benefits if humankind were to become an herbivorous species.Moving to a vegetarian society would help diminish world hunger with better management and use of agricultural land, and would also bring awareness to the unjustifiable way in which the majority of food animals are treated, mainly in factory farm practices.He addresses many arguments for vegetarianism, brings to light opinions against [vegetarianism], as well as relates the vegetarian movement with other political movements and struggles throughout history.
From a vegetarian standpoint this book helps to solidify some aspects that may have previously been murky in making the decision to give up meat. It also introduces many issues that one might not have previously considered before becoming a vegetarian.Deep Vegetarianism may encourage a vegetarian to take their diet a step further to becoming a stricter vegetarian, perhaps by moving to the vegan-type diet (no meat, dairy products, or eggs).Solid arguments for justifying vegetarianism that he explores in depth include: health, animal suffering and death, impartiality or disinterested moral concern, environmental concerns, manipulation of nature, world hunger, interspecies kinship and compassion and universal nonviolence.
When identifying arguments commonly used against vegetarianism Fox includes a list from R.G. Frey's book, Rights, Killing, and Suffering: Moral Vegetarianism and Applied Ethics, that lists significant effects such a shift would have on the world.This list includes: "...collapse of the animal food, leather, and pet food industries; social disruption; and the loss of haute cuisine."He [Fox] takes all of these issues into consideration and comes to the conclusion that, "People would still have to eat, and the opportunities for food production, distribution, processing, packaging, shipping, and sales, as well as commodity trading and new secondary industries, would certainly not evaporate." (p.144)
If one reading this book is a meat-eater he [Fox] strongly encourages the change in dietary habits through becoming a vegetarian or into at least putting more thought into where the food being consumed comes from.He does not directly say that if you eat meat you are a bad person, but rather through informative facts and positive reinforcement about the vegetarian lifestyle, he tries to discourage meat eating as the center of the American as well as world diet.His ultimate idea is for the entire world to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle, but is aware that this could not happen overnight.One issue opposing vegetarianism is, "What would happen to the many millions of animals that had been waiting to be killed and eaten" after universal vegetarianism was accepted by society?He addresses this issue by reiterating the fact that adoption of this idea [universal vegetarianism] would be a gradual process."...meat-eating would gradually decline as vegetarianism gained adherents, with the net effect that as demand for meat declined, so too would the supply." (p. 146) Fox also explores that there are some cultures in the world that cannot survive without the use of animals.He explains that the Inuit of northern Canada, and Russia's Arctic nomads, the Nenets, are two examples of these cultures.He [Fox] quotes a leader of the Nenets on his beliefs and passion towards the main staple of life in their culture, the reindeer." `for us in the tundra, the reindeer are life itself.There is nothing we can do without reindeer.It's our food, our clothing, our transportation and every other necessity.You can't survive without reindeer.A person without reindeer is a nobody' " (p. 160) His response to the unavoidable dependence of animal use in indigenous cultures as these is,"Cases such as this, where the very survival of a culture is at stake, require that an exception be made.This may be justified by the principle that while humans may have no greater right to live than members of any other species, they also have no lesser right to live."(p.160)
Throughout Deep Vegetarianism, Fox strongly reiterates the positive effects that a universal change to vegetarianism would have on the entire world.His voice is that of a strong, passionate, and convincing man who will continue to urge people to change their dependence on animals and encourage them towards a vegetarianism lifestyle.He not only concludes that it [universal vegetarianism] would bring humankind closer to the environment, but that it also would significantly cut down on the rapid destruction of the natural world, which increases as the dependence of meat in human society increases.The end of a meat-centered society would not be the end of flourishing human existence as many anti-vegetarians conclude."...vegetarianism, rather than being confining, is liberating as it frees us from the exploitation of animals, the domination of nature, and the oppression of one another, and frees us to discover ourselves in more positive, life-affirming ways." (p.183) Sometimes his writing style has a `preachy' feel because of his adamant opinion that the only right diet for a flourishing world future is one based on vegetarianism ideals, and this may cause some readers to feel very defensive.
For anyone looking to help solidify unclear positions of their vegetarianism, or to explore new ideas to strengthen their stance of a non-meat based diet, I adamantly recommend this book.For people who have not looked into the positive effects of a vegetarian lifestyle, both individually and universal, I recommend this book to be read with an open mind and eager knowledge, keeping in mind that after its completion you may very well be on your way to vegetarianism."In order to make the transition to sustainable societies and sensible lifestyles, we need not embrace extreme altruism and self-denial, just good sense and a sense of proportion." (p.177)

brilliant
Fox's book is a brilliant synthesis of the compelling philosophical, environmental, health, moral, political, cultural, and spiritual reasons for vegetarianism. The real strength of this broad-based "reader" is its ability to bring these diverse arguments together as a coherent whole, while presenting counter-arguments with a fair and balanced hand. "Deep Vegetarianism" is written in an accessible, non-dogmatic style that is sure to be enjoyed by anyone with a passing interest in the subject. Highly recommended!

Food for thought
Michael Allen Fox has written a calm, reasoned assessment of the arguments for and against vegetarianism.A great merit of the book is that it explores philosophical arguments in a way that makes them accessible to thegeneral public.Fox doesn't preach to his readers, nor does he expect usall to become saints overnight.Rather, he asks us to consider thefar-reaching effects of our dietary choices, and to choose wisely.This isa first-rate book! ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Scholastic Choices, published by Scholastic, Inc. on November 1, 2001. The length of the article is 1390 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Vegetarian times: The teen vegetarian population is growing. Here's what you need to know to keep your body healthy on a diet without meat. (nutrition).
Author: Lynn Santa Lucia
Publication: Scholastic Choices (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 1, 2001
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Volume: 17Issue: 3Page: 14(4)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Book Description
Approximately 12 million U.S. citizens consider themselves vegetarians, and 13.5 percent of all U.S. households claim to have at least one family member practicing some form of vegetarianism. In the past 30 years, scientific endeavors in the area of vegetarian nutrition have progressively shifted from investigating dietary concerns held by nutritionists and other health professionals to creative solutions for various medical conditions and preventive approaches to chronic diseases.Although professional interest in vegetarian nutrition has now reached unprecedented levels, scientific knowledge regarding vegetarian diets and their positive effects on human health is far from complete. Vegetarian Nutrition provides data to explain the preventive role of vegetarian diets for many chronic diseases such as heart disease and some types of cancers while including recommendations and guidelines for vegetarians and those prescribed vegetarian diets. Based on scientific sources and research, and presenting information in both tabular and prose formats, the book details various diet regimens, health concerns, and energy expenditure.This handbook is written for academic and clinical nutritionists, dieticians, and graduate students in nutrition ad public health, with each chapter rendering a scholarly review of the particular topic. While considering both health benefits and nutritional concerns Vegetarian Nutrition addresses such topics as chronic disease prevention; adequacy of the diet for children, in pregnancy, lactation, and for the aging population; recommendations for a healthy vegetarian diet; and global perspectives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent literature review
Most vegetarian advocates are prone to selective citation of the scientific literature, quoting those studies that support their ethical beliefs, but omitting mention of the science that is contradictory. Sabate's Vegetarian Nutrition does not do this, and is a fair review of the literature. Each area of concern is addressed with a complete review. Does eating meat cause disease or do other factors in the vegetarian lifestyle than abstention from meat confer health protection? Are vegetarians and vegans at greater risk for nutritional deficiencies? Sabate explores these and other questions with thoroughness and integrity.

Paul Bergner, Adjunct Faculty in Nutrition, Naropa University ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fabulous Vegetable & Grain Cookbook!
This is the best book I have ever read that tells me not only why to eat more fruits, vegetables and grains -- but also how to cook them. I highly recommend it for all kitchens.

Eat to Heal
I found this book to be a valuable guide to healthy eating.The author really opens your eyes to what our bodies need to stay healthy. The recipes were great and really helped me put the authors advice about what to eat into practice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Groovy as all get out!!
As an avid reader of "scads" of books related to vegetarianism/veganism - and as a vegetarian of nine years, vegan of one - I've got to say this is by far THE MOST ENTERTAINING BOOK I've read on this topic!I've gasped, winced and even cried reading non-fiction portraying the ghasly side of human behavior and how we treat animals, but I've never laughed out loud - until now!(My cats think these seemingly unprovoked outbursts indicate that I've finally gone insane.)Definitely not just for the flesh-eater, as the title may lead one to conclude, this book is jam-packed with facts and the author's insightful observations.Reinhardt, perhaps the only ethical attorney in existence, asks you to question your behaviors, consider the alternatives and make the kindest, most logical alterations in your lifestyle for your physical health, your conscience, the planet and of course, the animals.Don't pass this one up - buy it used, contact the author, track down an unsuspecting vegan in the tofu department and beg to borrow it!I love this book and am buying copies for all of my redneck, backwoods relatives who still can't pronounce "what it is exactly that I am."(Veee-gun, Aunt Edna.)This one is fun and informative - get a copy and enjoy!

Funny and enjoyable to read while full of truths
This is a fantastic book.After a difficult holiday with relatives I picked up this book and wished I had had it with me before the holiday had started. Since then I bought 8 more copies and have given them to friends and relatives alike.Information on the benefits of being vegetarian is presented in a non-emotional way with excellent facts to support the information.It covers issues ranging from nutrition to environment to factory farms. There are scenarios for dating, a whole chapter on dealing with relatives, and tips on how to be vegetarian during the holidays without going hungry.There's no meat-eater bashing in here.In fact, a lot of the writing is pretty funny.Its just a very straightforward presentation of information and armed with non-emotional information makes it so much easier to have a conversation with people who try to challenge your choices.I highly recommend this for anyone who is vegetarian/vegan as well as for anyone who loves/knows someone who has made such a choice and you want to understand why.Its absolutely one of the best books I've read and has helped me immensely. Plus there are some really funny parts.Enjoyable and quick to read

Sound advice.....read on
I found this book to be very helpful and fun to read but,I haven't picked it up again since my first read through.I think this would be a great gift to a new vegatarian or a lender to a person interested in learning more about the specifics.Informative and fun....just not a whole lot of new info for this long-time reader and veggie eater!

Entetaining as Well as Educational
This book is an outstanding review of the health, ecological, and moral reasons for refraining from eating animal products. Having said that, it is neither "preachy" nor sanctimonious but rather downrightentertaining. I loved it. It made a vegetarian out ofme.

EXCELLENT BOOK!
I bought this book for my boyfriend right after we discussed going vegetarian. I thought it was a cookbook to help ease us into a meatless diet, which we were considering primarily because he wanted to lose weight. Instead, it changed my boyfriend's life -- addicted, he kept coming intothe room to read me sections. It gave us permission to be vegetarians (yearand a half now) for ALL the right reasons --love of animals, theenvironmental and hunger problems perpetrated by the meat industry,all-around health, etc. -- although he did lose 30 pounds without gettinghungry! This is a perfect antidote for all the stupidAdkins/Zone/high-protein diets that are so unhealthy -- and are onlyexcuses for people to keep eating too much meat (which is *any*, now thatwe've read this book). And it's so funny and light-hearted that you'll bean avowed vegetarian before you know what hit you. Give a copy to everyoneyou know! We're sold. ... Read more

Book Description
...gives an overview of how various plant compounds, such as phytates &polyphenols, affect the bioavailability of minerals...an in-depth look atparticular minerals, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium & copper ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Absolutely Apalling!
I'm a new teen vegetarian who wanted to read this book for more information.I was appalled at the way it treated vegetarianism--like just another diet to help you slim down!It hardly mentioned environmental, ethical, or moral reasons for becoming a vegetarian. According to the book, "Just follow Dr. Salter's plan and enjoy the healthier, slimmer you that will emerge."This is sending completely the wrong message to teens.Vegetarianism is not a just a diet--it is a whole new lifestyle.I definetly do not recommend this book.Their are many others that offer information on ALL aspects of vegetarianism, and in a less condescending way.I can just say that I'm glad I got this book at the library instead of wasting any money on it.

Accurate, but preachy
I ordered this book out of concern for my ninth grade students who are considering/experimenting with vegetarianism.As one who declines red meat, and is gradually phasing out fish and fowl, I found the book accurate, but too preachy.Any reference book a student picks up "for fun" needs to be hip, interesting, eye-catching, and must,at all costs, avoid talking down to the reader.My students have responded far better to Judy Krizminac's"A Teen's guide to Going Vegetarian." ... Read more

Book Description