The Healthy Vegetarian

Lacto's? Ovo's? Vegan's? Are these new aliens from the latest Star Trek spin-off? Nope, they're all different forms of vegetarians, who in addition to avoiding meat and fish also pass on dairy products, eggs, and anything animal-related, respectively. So, where's the beef? As one of the interviewees in this low-budget but informative guide points out, carnivorous animals have about 10 feet of intestines, while human beings sport thrice that amount. Your scratching your head, but follow me on this: more intestines means a longer journey for your food from end to end, so to speak--which means rotting hamburger spends more time in your system (yum! pass the A-1). The Healthy Vegetarian features interviews with notable vegetarians on the subjects of environmental concerns, nutritional aspects, and raising vegetarian children, and takes a trip to a vegetarian restaurant where a chef demonstrates how to make veggie tacos, quinoa salad, and oat burgers. The mostly talking-head format and plugs for local Long Island businesses make this a less than optimum choice. But the information is sound, appealingly presented, and economically priced. Recommended, with reservations. (R. Pitman)