For the past 9 years Vegetarians in Paradise at http;//www.vegparadise.com has been a resource for people all over the world who are interested in a vegetarian lifestyle. We've been vegan for over 18 years and have lost extra pounds that have not returned. We experienced a significant drop in our cholesterol which was well over 200. We have not reduced the number of items we eat--we've actually brought new foods into our diet and look forward to each meal with joy and anticipation. And one of the most rewarding benefits is our increased energy. We are delighted to share our experiences and our delicious recipes.

Vegan foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds) are high in protein and fiber, and satisfy hunger while offering great flavor. We know this lifestyle works because we don't require pills to keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check. Our body mass index is normal. Our appetites are robust and we eat hearty, nutrient dense meals, yet we never count calories. There's no need. Because we don't eat dairy products and eggs, we've eliminated many high fat, high cholesterol desserts. Though we do enjoy occasional dairy and egg-free desserts, we don't experience hard-to-control cravings for cookies, cakes, pies, and other sweets. In many cases, our dessert is fresh fruit.