Review by Jlblawrence -- We Don't Just Eat Lettuce!

[Jlblawrence]

[Following is a volunteer review of "We Don't Just Eat Lettuce!" by Allyn Raifstanger.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Like the vast majority of the world’s population, I struggle with my diet and exercise. We Don’t Just Eat Lettuce!: Vegan Recipes for Carnivores by Allyn Raifstanger is here to help. This vegan recipe book is so much more than just serving recommendations to get you started on a vegan lifestyle. Chef Raifstanger’s permeating theme throughout the book is learning to treat your body with the respect and the nutrition that it deserves. As he states in his book, “I no longer live to eat, I eat to live.”

While nutrition would normally be the backbone of a book of recipes, the author also gives us insight into his life and how he came to call himself a vegan. As the owner of an iconic restaurant in Cincinnati, OH, he is very knowledgable in the food industry, especially the vegan niche. He speaks about his health issues and how they were remedied by his change in lifestyle. By taking courses with the Institute for Integrated Nutrition (IIN) he became a better, well rounded person versed in the fields of yoga, meditation, and the social factors that affect our overall health way more than we’d like to think. So while on the surface this seems to be a simple vegan cookbook, once the pages are cracked, Mr. Raifstanger’s book is much more.

While reading this recipe and self improvement book, I was actually inspired to try cooking with tofu for the first time. I tried to implement some of the tips Mr. Raifstanger gave us in his recipe for Allyn’s Cowboy Breakfast. I had never purchased tofu before, and was gently guided towards the firm tofu at his suggestion. I am happy to have had this book in my arsenal, because previously I did not know that tofu had different levels of firmness. The recipe turned out fantastic and I would recommend my meat eating family members give it a try.

Overall, this book has twenty-one vegan recipes that look like they shouldn’t be too difficult to make. The recipes range from pastas to soups to tacos, so there should be something to please almost any palate in this book. There are even two dessert options. But aside from the food, the tone of this book is serious. As Americans, we need to look at ourselves. We need to look at our gluttonous, lazy, dangerous lifestyles and really decide if that is the way we want to proceed. This book does a good job to encourage self reflection and then gives you a way you make changes. It personally struck a chord for me.

I will rate this book a 4 out of 4. I did not see any spelling or punctuation errors. The look of the pages was simple and pleasing. As you would expect in a cookbook, there was no graphic content. I would recommend this book to both men and women, young and old. I would especially recommend it to people who are tired and sick and ready for a change. Maybe this book could save someone’s life.

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We Don't Just Eat Lettuce!
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[daphne_asir]

Sounds like a book I could really benefit from. Great review! I'll be sure to check it out.

[Tonika632]

I like recipe books since I love to cook. I am not vegan myself, and I am not going to be one, but I think that I would find some good recipes in it. Great review!

[Susmita Biswas]

I liked this book a lot, and enjoyed your perspective also. It's wonderful that you gave it a try. Great review.

[Melisa Jane]

I don't consider myself a foodie. I don't think I'll enjoy this book as much. Nice review.

[Adanna Inya]

You know, the way vegan diet is portrayed makes me see it as a boring one. I love that this author brings it to us with a fresh perspective, making it interesting. I may finally be able to embrace it. Beautiful review.

[fadjei]

This sounds like a very helpful book. Especially for people who are looking to improve their eating habits and want some healthier options.
Thanks for the review!

[moowshiri]

I think this is the book that I need, given the fact that I'm slowly switching to a vegan lifestyle. Thanks for the insightful review.

[Alice Heritage]

I have a vegan daughter and carnivore son who hates vegan food on principle. Thanks for the reminder to try the recipes in this book.

[Diana Lowery]

My son and his wife are vegan, and I think they would like this book. I enjoyed your story about purchasing tofu.

[Ellylion]

Vegan lifestyle is not quite for me, but I would love to learn something new about healthy food and more appropriate diet Thank you for a great review!

[Kanda_theGreat]

I'm not a vegan but I would definitely like to read about their recipes.
Nice review.

[Josep22]

I've read and seen different opinions on health and diet. This one sounds really interesting. Thank you for the review.

[elsiebeth]

After my husband's quadruple heart bypass surgery, we went vegan for a few years. He eventually developed an iron deficiency and we changed diets. I had an awful time finding vegan recipes. Finally found a book written by the late Linda McCartney. It was great but I lost the book and have been looking for a new one. I will read this book. My first experience with tofu was similar to yours, but I learned. I use it often now.

Thank you for this very excellent review. It is spot on and says what needs to be told.

[TheMazeRunner]

Sounds like a great cookbook. I am not vegan myself, but I think I would find a few recipes that would suit me.