Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I have read this book and the Rainbow Diet (same author), and I wish he would put just the recipes and menus from both books into one book, then I'd buy it. The recipes sound varied and interesting, although most involve a LOT of work (the same or more than regular cooking) and/or expensive equipment. I don't know what purpose the religious sections served, other than to perhaps attempt to spread the author's beliefs (and they will probably annoy some Christians). They don't do a lot as far as arguing for vegetarianism per se--some of the scientific arguments are far more compelling. However, what did bother me is that while he promotes eating a "natural" vegetarian diet, more in line with how our ancestors lived, he sure has made it complicated to do so. Expensive juicers, food processors, and dehydrators are necessary with this method, along with out-of-season foods, and definitely out-of-your-local-area foods. Were the ancients farming spirulina? Doubt it. Were they juicing, sprouting, and dehydrating foods at a precise temperature? Doubt it. Were those living inland eating coconuts and other tropical foods on a regular basis? Doubt it. Why not just eat local foods within season (or sun-dried out of season)--right off the tree or the plant as the case may be? I was surprised that his book did not have any references to growing your own fruits and veggies at home. That would be the best way to make sure they were fresh, as well as pesticide-free. Bottom line, the recipes have potential, if you have the time and money to do them. If the author stuck to the arguments about vegetarians damaging the planet less than meat-eaters, it would have been fine (although since much of that came from Diet for a New America by John Robbins, you may as well read that book instead) as an argument for vegetarianism. Because this book didn't have any footnotes, it is very difficult to check the references, especially in the religious sections, even though there is an extensive bibliography. Borrow from your library before buying--imho about half the book falls under the category of "interesting to read, ONCE", which makes this a very expensive book to take up space on a shelf.