Special Diets Resource Center

Living and Raw Foods About this site: Do you hate to cook? Then you might be interested in this site, which examines the rules and philosophies behind an eating plan consisting of only live or raw foods. Although you may not be converted, you'll learn why "live fooders" believe that most health problems are caused by chemicals, preservatives, artificial additives, pesticides, and cooking. (http://www.living-foods.com/)   Pluses: No-cook recipes for those following living, raw, vegan, or vegetarian lifestyles.   Minuses: No medical experts or independent facts to back up many of the theories presented.   Best feature: Find organic food sources or raw food restaurants in the resource section.

VegSource About this site: With more than 25 message boards and ten Q and A columns written by experts, VegSource is the best place on the Web to talk and learn about living a meat-free life. More than 5,000 vegetarian recipes add flavor to the site. (http://www.vegsource.com/)   Pluses: Live chats, featuring serious discussions, casual conversation, and interactive games.   Minuses: Many of the message boards have nothing to do with diet or nutrition.   Best feature: Suggestions and guidelines for new vegetarians or those considering a change in their diet.

Vegetarian Resource Group About this site: Tired of the same old tofu dishes? On this site, vegans, vegetarians, and others will find useful recipes, nutrition facts, and reprinted articles from the nonprofit Vegetarian Resource Group's magazine, Vegetarian Journal. (http://www.vrg.org/)   Pluses: A family section with special nutrition information for kids and pregnant women.   Minuses: Recipes are included in articles, not in a searchable database.   Best feature: The travel section has articles and book reviews for vegetarians on the move and a bulletin board with restaurant recommendations.