October 1st is World Vegetarian Day and the month of October is Vegetarian Awareness Month.
At the library
The library has a wealth of information on veganism and vegetarianism. What’s the difference? The Oxford English Dictionary online tells us that a vegan is defined as “a person who abstains from all food of animal origin” (such as dairy, eggs, gelatin, and honey) while a vegetarian is “…a person who avoids meat and often fish but who will consume dairy products and eggs in addition to vegetable foods.” Check out books on both veganism and vegetarianism.
Even if you are not interested in adopting a vegetarian lifestyle you can still educate yourself on healthy eating habits and understand your vegetarian friends and family better! Get started now by looking into some delicious vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Most library locations have the magazine Vegetarian Times for check out or for making copies. It’s also available through Zinio, our digital magazine provider, which you can read on your tablet, smartphone, or computer using your library card number. If you’ve never used Zinio directions for it are here.
Outside the library
Would you like more information but not necessarily a whole book worth?
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has excellent guides and informational material here. Their Vegetarian Starter Kit contains answers to commonly asked questions such as “Where will you get your protein and/or calcium?” and “Isn’t it unhealthy for children and pregnant women to avoid meat and dairy?”
The Mayo Clinic is a trusted source for health information. They have vegetarian guidance and tips here.
Nutrition.gov has easy access for reliable nutrition information and vegetarian topics are located here.
The North American Vegetarian Society has information on vegetarianism and also contests with prizes!
Still think that veganism and vegetarianism is only for hippies and oddballs? Check out this list of celebrities who partake of vegetarian living including Ellen DeGeneres, Bruce Springsteen, Mike Tyson, Carrie Underwood, Peter Dinklage, and Anna Paquin.
Originally Posted by SallyB on September 26, 2013