Hard to enjoy if you're vegan/plant-based

I really wanted to love this book, and enjoyed pieces here and there. But I came to realize pretty quickly that this probably wouldn't be the supportive resource I was looking for as someone who eats a vegan diet.

I recognize that TCM itself often calls for the integration of animal proteins (and expected that when purchasing the book). However, what left a sour taste in my mouth was the author's assertion (despite no formalized training in dietetics) that those who eat a plant-based diet in pre-conception and pregnancy are 'harming themselves and their future child'.

She cites this as the shared opinion of the 'wise ones' (several of whom are self-proclaimed healers from instagram), but uses no scientific data to justify this sweeping claim. Were the author to follow the trails of real data in the nutrition/dietetics community, she would find that a well-planned plant-based diet is shown to be healthy at all stages of life (including pre-conception and pregnancy). Instead of saying 'all vegans are harming their unborn children', what about a reminder of the importance of B12, iron, and DHA (all of which can be easily sustained through mindful planning and attention)?

At a macro level, there were some valuable perspectives gained from this book. But as soon as the author made the claim I discuss above, it made me feel yucky about everything else I had read prior.

I'm really not one to leave negative reviews online, but wanted to share my experience so others who are looking for positive resources for vegan conception/pregnancy can approach with caution!

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