12 Most Useful Vegetarian Resources Online

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I consider myself to be a vagueatarian. I’m neither conscientious nor contentious about the choice to eat meat and certainly don’t make judgments on those who enjoy it. I love my eggs and cheeses and the suppliers of them don’t have to make a terminal commitment. I’m okay with that. It strikes me that they are, too. I’m fortunate to live in an area where ethically produced animal products are very easy to come by; the local farmers’ weekly market is a four-minute walk from my house and I can meet the people who grow my food.

My appetite is sated with other menu items that satisfy my protein cravings and needs – lentils, beans, tempeh, and tofu (yes, I really do like tofu). Luckily, I am absolutely mad for pasta and have discovered newly introduced products that are delicious and burst with gluten-free, protein-rich nutrition. (That is another list!)

12 Most Delicious Veggies is a list I’ve compiled to introduce you to some meatless meal options that might save some money, help the environment, and put a little verve into to your victuals:

1. The Vegan Society

The Vegan Society: is an educational charity that provides information and guidance on various aspects of veganism, including resources for new and potential vegans, caterers, healthcare professionals, educators and the media.

2. Vegan Cooking

Vegan Cooking: Claire Gosse has never been to cooking school nor considers herself a Chef. She is not a vegan because she doesn’t like the taste of meat but because she realized that, for her, she could have a happy and healthy life without animal products. I love her non-judgmental take on being vegan:

“If someone were to come out with a vegan steak that actually tasted like steak, I would be first in line to buy it.”

Her site is a tapestry of information, recipes and product reviews.

3. Vegan Action

Vegan Action is dedicated to encouraging health, helping animals, and caring for the environment by educating people about the benefits of a vegan lifestyle and encouraging the spread of vegan options. The site is informative and insightful without being ‘preachy’.

4. Vegan.com

Vegan.com Eric Marcus offers his blog with excellent resource links and a touch of the snark. In addition to recipes and resources, his content is topical and covers current news and events in the world of ‘food choices’.

5. The Vegetarian Resource Group

The Vegetarian Resource Group One of the biggest challenges about being vegan or vegetarian is ensuring that one’s nutritional needs are met. You would think that “Hey all those veggies – you gotta be healthy!” It is important to understand how to combine foods and which foods provide vital minerals and nutrients.

6. Vegan Outreach

Vegan Outreach Sometimes the best way to be heard is to speak in a soft, sane voice. This website, however, is not the Roosevelt of veganism. Their mandate is to “reduce the suffering of farmed animals by promoting informed, ethical eating” and they promote this with graphic footage and alarming stats. It made my list because they ‘show it as it is’. Proceed with caution; at the very least, note the message that we should be fully aware from whence our next meal comes.

7. Vegetarian Society

Vegetarian Society “We give vegetarians and vegans from all walks of life a louder, stronger, better–informed voice” is their tag line but no big sticks are swinging here. This community site, based in the UK, offers rational and balanced information around the benefits and challenges of a vegetarian lifestyle while offering solutions and insight.

8. Choose Veg

Choose Veg I have linked you to the Recipe Section of the site; there are many informative areas here that elucidate details of animal production such as its environmental and societal impact. As with other sites, there are areas with unsettling images. I don’t think these should be shrouded from public consciousness but, once again, proceed with this knowledge.

9. Canadian Vegetarian Society

Canadian Vegetarian Society This non-profit organization‘s objectives include creating a forum to unite vegetarian groups, defining and promoting a ‘Vegetarian’ brand, raising awareness, and standardizing clear product labeling. I like this site because it’s clean and direct, providing access to information and insight without sensationalist (it’s Canadian, eh?).

10. EarthSave

EarthSave This is a wonderful site that promotes involvement, enlightenment, and education. Although created on the West Coast, the forums and groups reach out internationally. Excellent resources, thoughtful contributions and exciting programs are available to members and visitors alike.

11. Mark Bittman

Mark Bittman Mr Bittman is sweetly sardonic, wicked smart, and pulls very few punches. He is a NY Times Opinion columnist and Food columnist for the Times magazine. I have followed him for almost a decade. Mark Bittman may not change the way you eat but I guarantee he will give you food for thought.

12. Vegetarian Times

Vegetarian Times Far and away my favourite site, Vegetarian Times offers expert advice, beautiful (and mouthwatering) images, fantastic and manageable recipes, enlightening news items and a beautiful newsletter. It’s one-stop shopping. If you’re looking for a resource to guide you to a meatless meal, this is the place to be. I get hungry just thinking about it!

So here you have it! I’m neither a card-carrying, stick-waving vegan nor a stalwart vegetarian. I do know that eating plant-based foods gives me energy and suits my metabolism. I also know that the more meatless Mondays and veggie Vendredis I have, the smaller my environmental footprint becomes.

I’ll close with a couple of quotes, for you to chew on, from two men whom I highly esteem:

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Mohandas Gandhi, 1869-1948

Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet. Albert Einstein, 1879-1955

Bon Appetit!

What do you think? Can we make a difference – one forkful at a time?

Feature image courtesy of dboy licensed via creative commons.