Description: Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. It is naturally low in fat and healthy. There are four levels of vegetarian diets: Vegan; only consume food of vegetable origin. Lacto-vegetarian; includes cheese and dairy products. Ovo-lactovegetarian; includes eggs. And Semi-vegetarian; no red meat, but open to chicken and fish. Reviews (10):

The Veggie diet depends on what is in the diet Reviewer: Darma       07-29-2004 There’s no question that vegetarian eating can be healthful and nutritionally adequate, according to nutrition experts. But some say that the question of whether vegetarian eating is better than non-vegetarian eating depends on exactly what is in that vegetarian diet.

Evidence Vegetarian Diet May Cut Cancer Risk Reviewer: Article       07-26-2004 NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Eating a meat-free, vegetarian diet may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, new research suggests. After following more than 10,000 people for 17 years, investigators found that vegetarians were 15 percent less likely to develop colorectal cancer than meat-eaters. This study adds to the "increasing scientific evidence" that a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and fiber and low in meat--especially red and processed meat--can prevent colorectal cancer, study author Dr. Miguel Sanjoaquin of the University of Oxford, UK, told Reuters Health. However, Sanjoaquin cautioned that only a small number of study participants -95--developed colorectal cancer, making it impossible to determine if fewer vegetarians developed cancer simply due to chance. However, Sanjoaquin noted that a previous study featuring more cases of colorectal cancer confirmed these findings, and he added that it makes sense that eating vegetarian could cut cancer risk. The fat in red meat increases the excretion of substances called bile acids, he explained, which in turn produce other substances that encourage tumor growth. Furthermore, meat contains natural compounds and substances formed during processing and high-temperature cooking that can disrupt the normal balance of cell growth in the colon, potentially triggering the cancer, Sanjoaquin noted. Alternatively, substances in fruits and vegetables-- staples of the vegetarian diet--"may inhibit these adverse effects," he added. During the current study, Sanjoaquin and his colleagues asked 10,998 adults about their eating habits and other health parameters, then noted who developed colorectal cancer. People were classified as non-vegetarians if they ate meat or fish. Vegetarians included vegans, who avoid all dairy and meat products. Along with a decreased risk of cancer from eating vegetarian, the investigators found that frequent fruit eaters - consuming more than 5 servings of fruit per week--were over 40 percent less likely to develop colorectal cancer. Smoking, drinking alcohol and eating more than 15 slices of white bread per week appeared to increase the risk of colorectal cancer, according to the British Journal of Cancer report. Sanjoaquin said the fact that white bread appeared to reduce cancer risk was "unexpected," and suggested that people who ate large amounts of white bread might have simply had a less healthy diet overall. Alternatively, he added researchers have noted that eating large quantities of refined carbohydrates, such as those found in white bread, may raise colorectal cancer risk, suggesting that white bread itself may also play a role. "More research will be needed to clarify this," Sanjoaquin said.

i have lost 40 pounds in 6 months Reviewer: Oso       07-25-2004 Thanks to the vegetarian diet, i have lost over 40 pounds in 1/2 of yr. I said goodbye to meats and I am happier than I have ever been now.

Definition of Vegetarian and Vegetarianism Reviewer: unknown       07-25-2004 There is no exact definition of the words 'vegetarian' or 'vegetarianism.' They cover a wide range of meat-restricted eating habits. In general, a vegetarian is someone whose diet omits animal products, but some vegetarians do eat some meat-products (milk, eggs, meat fats) and some vegetarians eat fish. The strictest type of vegetarian is a 'vegan' who avoids all flesh as well as all meat-by-products. Main Types of Vegetarian and Vegetarianism The most common types of vegetarian are: Semi or Part Vegetarians Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians Vegans Macrobiotic & other Vegetarians Vegetarian Health Note: A balanced vegetarian diet is perfectly healthy and offers significant extra health benefits over the average Western meat-eating diet. The last category of vegetarians (Macrobiotic vegetarians etc) follow diets that are not recommended by most nutritionists, as these vegetarian diets lack certain nutrients. Exception is Pescetarians.

I am a Vegetarian Reviewer: Elvira       07-20-2004 I have been a vegetarian since my senior yr in high school (I am 26 now). I love the benefits. My skin is smoother and healthier looking and I never gain weight anymore. I usually just eat nuts, fruit, veggies, and sometimes I eat eggs but its rare, unless its an ingredient in a cookie or cake.

non-veg food Reviewer: Dr. Jai Maharaj       07-16-2004 Nutritionists and medical experts agree that excessive meat consumption is a major contributor to diseases like cancer and cardiac disorders. Dr S.I. Hunting of Columbia University says that our mouth, teeth and the intestines are not suitable for a non-vegetarian diet. His views are based on a comparative study of the structure of the carnivorous animals and humans. According to him, carnivorous animals have a bigger mouth that can hold large chunks of flesh and unlike humans, they have teeth that are elongated, sharp and pointed to enable them to tear flesh. Colon Cancer is more prevalent in Argentina and Uruguay where meat consumption is higher than in other Latin American countries. Tenzing Norgay attributed the remarkable strength of the sherpas to a vegetarian diet. Meat eating increases the burden of the organs of elimination and overloads the system with animal waste matter and poisons. Meat proteins cause putrefaction (rot) twice as quickly as do vegetarian proteins. The main benefit of a proper vegetarian diet is its low calorie content. The accounts for lower serum-cholesterol levels found in vegetarians which considerably reduces the risk of heart disease and breast and lung cancer. A third great advantage is its high fibre content which is associated with decreased risk of diseases. Vegetarianism is thus a system based on scientific principles. It is the best diet for man's optimum physical mental and spiritual development.

My Veggie Diet Experience Reviewer: Robin       07-11-2004 I tried this diet awhile back and I felt very healthy and so much better health-wise the first month or so, but after that I began to feel weak. It could be due to the fact that I have always been a huge meat eater before beginning the Veggie Diet

I am a vegetarian for health reasons Reviewer: Johnny       07-11-2004 The greater consumption of fruits and vegetables usually associated with a vegetarian diet represents a major health benefit because of the vitamins, minerals, cancer-fighting phytochemicals and dietary fiber they supply.

Vegetarian... Reviewer: Rebecca       05-26-2004 I myself am a vegetarian, for ethical reasons. I have been a vegetarian for almost 20 years now. I feel this is the best diet anyone can be on. Not only have maintained a slim figure because of this diet but I also feel healthy. Just the sight of red meat sickens me. Most people tell me that this diet would be difficult for them to do. Which is true, in the beginning it was very difficult for me. But now if I want to go back (which I never will) it will be twice as hard.

Unlimited Power Reviewer: Dario       04-30-2004 I've read a book called "Unlimited Power" by A. Robbins, and I read about a vegetarian diet who implies not eating fish, meat (any kind: ham, sausages, etc.), milk and all derivations (cheese, yoghurt, etc.). It's about not eating any high-proteic food, containing animal proteins. It says that proteins (especially for milk and cheese) are not well assimilated by our organism and therefore they don't give much energy, but they do require lots of energy to be "washed away" as they are superfluous. Furthermore it says to replace those foods with lots of foods containing water, such as vegetables and fruit, but fruit when stomach is empty, and also lots of carbohydrates, in a very various diet. About food combining, it says "If you must eat proteins, then never eat them with carbohydrates: you would waste more energy to digest it, than the amount you get from the food", and he explains proteins require an acid stomach environment, while carbohydrate (such potatoes, pasta and so on) require a basic one. Also he says never to drink I would like to start eating this way, but I'm concerned about it: is it true? How will my health be? I hope someone helps me. Thank you very much, Dario.

Average Reviewer Rating: Add my review on this item