Remember in March when I read the Omnivore’s Dilemma? (If you don’t remember the post that’s ok, because I’ve provided the link to it here. But please ignore the fact that I never reviewed the Sivananda Companion to Yoga.) I made a promise after that book review to stop eating things that come in boxes and have been extra processed. I also mentioned that I could not bring myself to eat meat– nor have I eaten meat since then! The more I educate myself on the meat and dairy industries in the United States, the fewer options I have when dining out.

If you can ignore the title (which isn’t entirely applicable, because they aren’t teaching anyone how to be a bitch) and the totally irreverent tone in which the book is written (hey, not all of us find it funny), you’ll find a wealth of information in Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin’s book Skinny Bitch. While the information is not as extensive as that covered in the Omnivore’s Dilemma (and understandably so, seeing as how the Omnivore’s Dilemma is a documentary and Skinny Bitch is more of a guide to a natural diet), it’s definitely an easier read.

Skinny Bitch has received mixed reviews from the friends I have who have read (or at least attempted to read) it. The book advocates a vegan diet. For most of us the thought of giving up meat and dairy is preposterous. I mean, what would we eat? Fortunately, the book does an excellent job of justifying why one should live a vegan lifestyle. (The FDA and the USDA and all organizations related to regulating the food industry are in bed with the actual food industry. The information they are giving us and the crap they are feeding us benefits their lovers, not us!)

If giving up dairy is as easy as giving up meat was, I’ll have no problem. But something tells me, it’s not going to be. If you get around to reading Skinny Bitch, you’ll find that you can actually be physically addicted to cheese. While I do like to take all of these books with a grain of salt (I’m not quite ready to give up my coffee and my merlot yet…or ever), I know that what Freedman and Bournouin are saying about the food industry in the United States is true and I don’t want to be part of supporting these corrupt industries. As a student, I can’t afford to break my budget shopping at Whole Foods (or Whole Paycheck, as it’s so often referred to). But I can buy affordable produce at local farmer’s markets. Fortunately for me, there are a plethora of affordable, vegan-friendly restaurants in Central Florida.

With all of that said, I recommend Skinny Bitch for anyone who is looking to educate themselves on the meat and dairy industries in the United States (and anyone willing to make dietary changes in response to their findings).

Interested in following my vegan dining adventures? Well, remember when I mentioned that I was collaborating with a friend on a new blog? Well its debut is finally here! AMPlified Culture is a work in progress, but I will definitely be documenting my vegan ventures there. Add it to your RSS feed or your blogroll or your google reader, but whatever you do, don’t miss a beat!