new to the group and questions

[ropi]

Hi Everyone,

I need advice and it's always that sort of advice that comes when it's necessary to take and to make a lifestyle change.

I was diagnosed with skin cancer, and while I am keeping up good spirits and trying not to worry I really need to learn to rethink my eating habits. I am in good health, but obviously not the best-but this cancer is not going to beat me. I saw the movie Crazy Sexy Cancer and I saw the changes the woman, Kris, took. I know that Vegetarian is a lot more healthful. BUT...I don't know where to begin.

Can someone recommend good places for me to begin, good books to read, easy ways to transition, etc? I know I am asking for a lot and I should have done it years ago, but no time is too late.

Thanks,

B

[flvegan]

1. This is a good place to begin.

I'm very sorry for your diagnosis. Let's talk about your current dietary lifestyle. If you want to go vegetarian to improve your eating habits, it would help to know what you're currently doing. It's best to try to transition laterally, and that's easily done going from meat-eater to veg*n.

As far as other resources, for info and support, I find vegsource.com to be a good jumping off point. The best vegetarian "books" are cookbooks.

You are right. No time is too late. Welcome to our forum!

[livetohike]

2. Welcome to the group!

:hi: I've also had skin cancer (squamous cell). I'm a redhead with medium fair skin. I've been a vegetarian since 1970. My best advice is to read a few basic books to get started. Then take out some cookbooks from the library and if you see one you really like, go out and buy it :-).

You probably already eat meals without meat - macaroni and cheese, pizza, bean tostados, cheese ravioli. You don't need to get too fancy or run out and buy lots of different products. Within the past two years, I have tried some of the meat substitutes and they aren't too bad, such as soy hot dogs, and veggie burgers. If you feel you need to transition, you can look for these products at your grocery store, or find a natural foods store and try them. Most of the recipes in this list of books don't require buying "odd" ingredients.

Here are a few of my favorite books:

Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappé

Recipes for a Small Planet by Ellen B. Ewald

The Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen

Still Life with Menu by Mollie Katzen

New Recipes from Moosewood Restaurant by the Moosewood Collective

Moosewood Restaurant Cooks at Home by the Moosewood Collective

Horn of the Moon Cookbook by Ginny Callan

[CrispyQ]

3. I'm sorry about your diagnosis.

Lifestyle changes can be hard, but also rewarding when you start to feel better. I admire your desire to make these changes.

My best advice for newbies to veggie cooking: find a good veggie broth or two! I love Rapunzel's vegan no-salt veggie cubes as a sort of chicken broth replacement & Superior Touch's Better Than Bouillon as more of a beef broth replacement. If you like mayo, Vegenaise is the best mayo on the market - egg free & made with good oil. In the refrigerator section of your health food store. If you're looking to stay away from cheese, I think that Dragonfly's Bulk Dry Uncheese mix is wonderful! (link below) You make up a large batch of it & store it in your fridge. You mix it with water to make a very tasty cheeze like sauce.


The meat replacements have come a long way & some are very tasty, but they are highly processed & expensive. Still, on occasion, Gimme Lean Sausage flavor with biscuits & gravy hits the spot at times when something more wholesome just doesn't!

Rapunzel cubes: http://www.veganessentials.com/catalog/vegetable-bouillon-cubes-by-rapunzel.htm

Better Than Bouillon: http://superiortouch.com/btb.htm

Vegenaise mayo: http://www.followyourheart.com/vegenaise.html

Dragonfly's Uncheese mix: http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=7126.0

Also, if you don't already, consider drinking purified water. I prefer steam distilled, but any type of filtered water will be better than straight from the tap. I buy countertop filters from this here: http://www.pwgazette.com/ Gene, who owns the company is vegan & ships his products in reused boxes from his local health food store. If you have any questions, he will be happy to help.

Good luck, B! And keep us updated with your progress & any great recipes you come up with!

[ropi]

4. thank you all

I really appreciate the time you all took to provide links, insight, recipes, and support. I know I can do this and it's the right choice. I'll keep you all posted.

[nankerphelge]

5. Websites and such...

Here's a couple of links I like.

Websites:

www.goveg.com

www.pcrm.org

www.vegan.com


Vegetarian Starter Kits:

http://www.goveg.com/order.asp

www.afa-online.org/starterpack.html

www.mercyforanimals.org/vegan_starter_kit.asp

www.vegetarianstarterkit.com

www.vegkids.com/order.asp

www.vegkit.org