The Complete Guide to Vegetarian Convenience Foods

Now why didn't somebody think of this sooner? I don't know how many times I've been walking down the aisle of my grocery store, noticed a new vegetarian item in the frozen section and thought, "Wow, I've gotta try that!"...only to discover it's got egg whites, or casein (a milk protein), or honey. Oh well. I invariably walk away feeling like we vegans get the short end of the stick when it comes to convenience foods. Enter The Complete Guide to Vegetarian Convenience Foods. Except for the foods marked with symbols to tell you they contain casein or honey, every item listed is vegan. They are grouped by food type (soy milk, soups, burgers, etc.) and brand. My copy is completely marked up with notes of different foods I want to try. Of course, not all these brands will be found in my local area, but the great thing about this book is that I have the exact information to give my store manager when I request that they carry a particular item from a certain company.All the foods in this book were taste tested, and if they didn't measure up, they didn't make the printing! So you can feel assured that the foods listed are at least worth a try. In fact, Gail Davis, the author, includes a symbols for Author's Favorite and Kids Pick. There is also a symbol noting the fat free items. But I have to say that I am most appreciative of the fact that no items containing hydrogenated oils (trans fatty acids, known to be quite dangerous to your health) are included in this book. I personally thanked the author for that. She has saved me loads of time! Also included is a section on pets, a list of resources, and a list of suppliers complete with addresses and phone numbers. It's obvious that a tremendous amount of work went into compiling this useful tool, and every vegan family should have one. I wholly believe (pardon the pun) in a diet consisting mainly of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, seeds and legumes. But who doesn't enjoy a veggie burger or packaged cookie once in a while? People always ask me about how much time it takes me to read labels on every packaged food I buy. I tell them that although I do spend a lot of time researching my purchases, when I find a brand I like, I just stick with it. I don't have to read labels every single time I go shopping. And with this book, now I hardly have to read them at all!

The Complete Guide To Vegetarian Convenience Foods is close to a comprehensive guide to vegetarian and vegan quick/convenience foods with appetizing descriptive taste reviews of products that are both healthful and delicious. Handy symbols by products' names indicate if it is fat free, author's favorite, kid's pick, contains honey, casein, or caseinate. Encouraging to theomnivore who is rethinking his/her diet, The Complete Guide To Vegetarian Convenience Foods delivers nonjudgmental convenient information on healthful choices. Quick tips are in grey-shaded boxes that highlight especially good ideas, menus, or food combinations. It even offers pet food resources, an index of suppliers, and suggested vegetarian resources on the internet. Some examples of products reviewed are Tamarind Tree's Curried Garbanzos and Potatoes, Golden Lentils with Vegetables, Garden Peas and Sauteed Mushrooms, Tender Spinach and Garbanzos, and Spicy Garden Vegetables, all under "More Easy Travelin' Foods". One thing missing is nutritional indices on foods and /or prices, but these are presumably available from suppliers. Foods are listed by manufacturers in specific categories for convenience. From Traveling Fare to Coffee/Sugar Substitutes, The Complete Guide To Vegetarian Convenience Foods offers palatable, easy, compassionate choices for the consumer.

I already owned a copy of Davis' previous title, SO, NOW WHAT DO I EAT? And as she promised, this new edition contains all of the latest food updates and as a bonus, a new chapter on alternative sweeteners and a section on the dangers of cat litter. Now we are all enjoying incredibly delicious all-vegetarian ribs, chicken, and even a Cool Whip-like dairy-free topping. And our cats, Spot and Fido are enjoying the many benefits of their new non-toxic pine litter. I am so grateful to Gail Davis for helping to make all of our lives healthier and happier.