posted March 16, 2004 10:06 AM         

I have been a Vegetarian for well over a year, which has been a very easy transition. However, I have recently become Vegan and am trying to make sure I'm doing it "right." I am currently dorming at college and, believe me, it is difficult to maintain Veganism when all that's around are fast food joints, a dairy-happy cafeteria and friends with lots of chocolate.

If anyone has advice on certain foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals that I should make sure I'm eating or perhaps any recipes, I'd really appreciate it! Even websites with information on being a healthy Vegan would be great.

posted March 16, 2004 11:14 AM         

Is there a kitchen in your student residence? Try preparing your own food. Visit a local health food shop. Firmly say 'no' to dairy products. I'm sure you can find vegan chocolate which may be a sweet surprise for your friends. Eat plenty of dried fruit and nuts. Nice and lovely recipes can be tracked down at the websites above.

And always bear in mind why you want to be a vegan- always remember your motive. All the best.

posted March 19, 2004 11:50 PM         

for the beginning vegan, a tremendous book is How it all Vegan.

the authors are two hip women who got tired of being 'lazy vegetarians' one day and decided to become vegan to live up to their ideals (health and otherwise).

they needed recipes that were nutritious, with easily acquired ingredients, and most of all yummy, so that they could be successful. they began experimenting and came up with some truly awesome, simple concoctions.

they made up their own home-made little recipe booklets and would circulate them at punk rock concerts and among their friends. they began to receive a huge amount of requests for the booklet from strangers, offering to pay, and they decided to 'go legit' with a publisher.

they have a second book -- Garden of Vegan that is just as wonderful.

they have a great website with a fabulous forum.....lots of interesting people there full of info on every facet of veganism. it's fun and witty, and many of them are college age and/or on tight budgets with limited facilities.