Photo credit: What The Health

The What the Health documentary has been called ‘the health film that health organizers don’t want you to see.’ 

As a follow-up from the creators of the award-winning documentary, Cowspiracy, the film details exactly what’s gone wrong in our food and medical systems and proposes how we might begin to fix them. For those of you who don’t have a Netflix subscription, you can watch the film online by clicking here.

In a nutshell, What the Health examines some of the key factors involved in our current public health crisis and outlines some of the benefits of reducing our production and consumption of animal-based products. These are changes that could save countless numbers of lives and save us trillions of dollars every single year.

In the accompanying new book, written by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, there are over 50 new, plant-based recipes designed to help you reclaim your life and health, in addition to diving deeper into the truth about the food that we eat. What the Health will “guide you on an adventure through this maze of misinformation” as the authors travel across the country, talking to medical professionals, public health advocates and professional athletes to reveal the real truth about the food that we eat.

Some of the awesome, new recipes include:

  • Creamy Mac
  • PB&J Smoothie
  • Winter Lentil and Pomegranate Salad
  • Mom’s Ultimate Vegan Chili
  • Black Bean Fudgy Brownies
  • Baked Apple Crumble with Coconut Cream

To celebrate the launch of their new book, Kip and Keegan gave us permission to share a recipe that is both delicious and perfectly suited to the Chipotle Method. Check out the recipe below and let us know what you think!


Sushi Bowl with Peanut Miso-Ginger Dressing

Makes: 1-2 servings

Photo credit: What The Health

This light and filling sushi bowl recipe is perfect for a light lunch or easy-to-prep dinner. And it’s Chipotle Method certified to boot!

We could all use a few more greens in our diet, and this recipe is a great excuse to use some of the spinach, bok choy or tatsoi that you have lying around the kitchen. The addition of dried nori flakes give this recipe a big nutritional boost, and the brown rice and avocado provide some real substance.

To assemble the bowl, layer each ingredient individually, starting with the greens. Add the edamame and rice, the shredded carrot and avocado, then finish with the nori flakes, sesame seeds, a drizzle of vinegar, and a drizzle of dressing, if using.


Sushi Bowl with Peanut Miso-Ginger Dressing

Ingredients for the Bowl

  • 1/2 cup spinach, tatsoi, mizuna, bok choy, or a mixture
  • 1/2 cup shelled edamame (fresh or frozen and thawed)
  • 1/2 cup cooked brown rice, cooled
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • 1 tbsp dried nori flakes
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • Drizzle of umeboshi
  • plum vinegar

Ingredients for the Dressing

  • 1/4 cup peanut or almond butter
  • 1 tbsp miso
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water

How to Prepare

To prepare the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a high speed blender, and blend until creamy. In a medium bowl, layer each ingredient, starting with the greens. Add the edamame and rice, the shredded carrot and avocado, then finish with the nori flakes, sesame seeds, a drizzle of vinegar, and a drizzle of dressing, if using.


Enter to Win A Free Copy of What The Health

Click here to learn more.

Kip and Keegan, in partnership with BenBella Books Publishing, has been kind enough to provide a copy of What the Health to our community, and you can enter to win!

We’ll choose a winner by random drawing on February 15th, 2019.

Here’s how to enter:

  1. Sign up for the email list using the form below. If you are already subscribed, you do NOT have to subscribe again.
  2. Leave a comment below letting us know the following: What is one small change you would like to make to start improving your health? What’s the biggest barrier that prevents you from following through?

*Note: Giveaway is only open to residents of the US and Canada. From What the Health by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn ; BenBella Books, 2018.


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Lentil collard wraps

Lentil collard wraps with salsa

Photo credit: The China Study Cookbook

Chances are, you have heard of the China Study. Back when it was first published in January of 2005, it was met with immediate praise and a warm welcome by the health community. Today, it has sold over two million copies worldwide and will forever be one of the classics of nutrition-based literature. In a nutshell, The China Study examines the relationship between consuming animal products and the occurrence of chronic, long-term disease, including heart disease, diabetes and a number of different types of cancer.

If you haven’t had a chance to take a look at this ground-breaking book by T. Colin Campbell, I highly recommend that you pick up a copy the next time you are browsing around your local bookstore. Almost twenty years later, The China Study is just as relevant today as it was when it was first published and will arm you with a ton of great information to inspire you to live in optimum health.

In this new edition of the accompanying cookbook, written by the author’s daughter, you get a healthy dose of the science behind the China Study right on your dinner plate. The China Study Cookbook includes a number of new recipes (175 in total) that follow core China Study principles, are easy to prepare and use minimal sugar and salt.

Some of the awesome, new recipes include:

  • Almond-Topped Blueberry Coffee Cake
  • Ensalada Azteca
  • Green Banana Cassava Soup
  • Peanut Butter Bars
  • Cassava (Yuca) con Cebollas
  • Black Bean Chipotle Burgers
  • Sweet Potato Enchiladas
  • Passion Fruit Bliss Cheese(less) Cake Delight

This revised and expanded edition includes some truly mouth-watering photos to go along with the recipes. It was so hard to choose just one recipe to use for this post because they all looked so good! The book also takes you behind-the-scenes into author LeAnne Campbell’s garden in the Dominican Republic and inside the work of her organization, Global Roots.

To celebrate the launch of her new book, LeAnn gave us permission to share a recipe that we think is perfect for those serious about living in peak health. Check out the recipe below and let us know what you think!

Lentil Collard Wraps with Salsa

Makes: 4 wraps

Lentil collard wraps with salsa

Photo credit: The China Study Cookbook

Created by LeeAnn Campbell, this light and filling wrap recipe is perfect for a light lunch or easy-to-prep dinner. Not many people are familiar with how to use collard greens and I think this is a great way to start.

Collard leaves make a great substitute for bread and tortillas. For those who are gluten-free or for those who are just looking to eat more green veggies, this recipe is for you. The collard greens just need a quick blanch in boiling water to soften them and make them a bit more palatable for the wraps.

To assemble the wraps, pile all the ingredients in the middle of each leaf and then fold over as you would a burrito. Feel free to get as creative as you would like with this recipe – the possibilities are endless with a veggie wrap! 

Lentil Collard Wraps with Salsa

Ingredients

  • 6 collard leaves
  • 3/4 cup brown rice
  • ⅔ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup vegetable broth, divided
  • ⅔ cup dried lentils, rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • Hot sauce, to taste
  • ⅔ cup Roasted Tomato Salsa (see below)
  • 1 cup Guacamole (see below)
  •  
  • ROASTED TOMATO SALSA
  • 1½ cups chopped tomatoes
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup chopped onions
  • 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped jalapeno
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt, to taste
  •  
  • GUACAMOLE
  • 2 avocados
  • 1/4 cup Roasted Tomato Salsa (see above)
  • Lemon juice and salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the collard leaves by first trimming the middle stem to the same thickness as the rest of the leaf. Place each leaf in a large saucepan of boiling water for 30 seconds and then transfer to cool water for 1 minute. Remove the leaves from the water and pat dry. Set aside.
  2. Cook brown rice according to package directions. Set aside.
  3. In a medium-size saucepan, saute onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, or until onion browns.
  4. Add lentils, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and hot sauce; cook and stir for 1 minute.
  5. Add remaining vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until lentils are tender, 25–30 minutes.
  6. Uncover and continue cooking until mixture is slightly thickened, 6–8 minutes. Stir in salsa.
  7. Prepare the collard wraps by first spooning 2–3 tablespoons of rice on top of each leaf. Then spoon about 2–3 tablespoons lentil mixture on top of the rice, and finish by adding 2 heaping tablespoons guacamole.
  8. Fold the collard leaf like a burrito, by first folding the bottom up, then the sides in. Enjoy!
    FOR THE ROASTED TOMATO SALSA
  1. Preheat oven to 400˚F. Place tomatoes and garlic cloves on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cook for 45–50 minutes.
  2. Place tomatoes, garlic, and remaining ingredients in a food processor and pulse 5–6 times, until blended but still chunky.
  3. Adjust seasonings if necessary.
    FOR THE GUACAMOLE
  1. Scoop avocado flesh into a medium-size bowl and mash with a fork.
  2. Stir in salsa or tomatillo sauce. Season with lemon juice and salt. Mix well.
https://www.truewellth.org/lentil-collard-wraps-with-salsa-vegan-gluten-free

Enter To Win A Free Copy of The China Study Cookbook

The China Study Cookbook

Learn more about The China Study Cookbook

LeeAnn and BenBella Books Publishing has been kind enough to provide a copy of The China Study Cookbook to our community, and you can enter to win!

We’ll choose a winner by random drawing on August 24th, 2018.

Here’s how to enter:

  1. Sign up for the email list using the form below. If you are already subscribed, you do NOT have to subscribe again.
  2. Leave a comment below letting us know the following: What is one small change you would like to make to start improving your health? What’s the biggest barrier that prevents you from following through?

*Note: Giveaway is only open to residents of the US and Canada. From The China Study Cookbook by LeAnne Campbell, Phd; BenBella Books, 2018.

 

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Brooklyn Barley Stew

Brooklyn Barley Stew

Have you ever experienced recipe overload in trying to find something to make for dinner? Thanks to the internet, we live in a world where thousands upon thousands of recipes are available at our finger tips at all times, but how can you separate the wheat from the chaff? If you’re new to the plant-based diet, how can you be sure that that hodgepodge of strange-sounding ingredients is actually going to taste good when mixed together?

In their new book, The Main Street Vegan Academy Cookbook, top-ten vegetarian author Victoria Mann and pressure-cooking extraordinaire JL Fields have teamed up with with over a hundred certified vegan lifestyle coaches to share 100 of their favorite plant-based recipes. Regardless of whether you’re a long time vegetarian/vegan or just dipping your toes in the world of plant-based eating, The Main Street Vegan Academy Cookbook is a great place to put your recipe search to rest.

In addition to 100+ recipes, Victoria and JL’s new book offers practical advice on the following topics:

  • Dubunking the myth of plant-based eating being expensive, complicated and weird.
  • How to pave your own path to health.
  • Troubleshooting and FAQ’s on vegetarian and vegan diets.
  • Menu plans that will keep you inspired and innovating in the kitchen.

To celebrate the launch of their new book, Victoria and JL sent us a recipe to share that we think is perfect for soothing the soul when you’ve got a case of mid-winter blues. Check out the recipe below and let us know what you think!

Brooklyn Barley Stew

Makes: 6-8 servings

Brooklyn Barley Stew

Photo credit: The Main Street Vegan Academy Cookbook

Created by Victoria Moran and JL Fields, this warming and hearty barley stew recipe is a perfect for deep winter nights when you’re in the mood for something soothing and nutritious. There are few things more comforting than a big bowl of steaming-hot stew, especially when it doesn’t take hours to prepare. You really can feel your body relax and mind slow down with each and every bite.

With this recipe, a few simple ingredients combine to make a healthy, plant-based stew that is packed with flavor. This delicious make-ahead dish only gets better as it sits, so fix it today and eat it tomorrow or save some leftovers…if you can help not gobbling it all down at once. 

A few notes: Traditional stew vegetables were used for this recipe, but feel free to substitute with whatever you like and/or have lying around the house. One of the great things about soup and stew is that you really can make substitutions to your hearts content and still get great results. Additionally, for those who are avoiding gluten, you can substitute rice, garbanzo beans or even quinoa for the barley and it’s equally as delicious.

One-pot Brooklyn Barley Stew (Vegan, Gluten-Free Options)

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 8 ounces crimini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup pearl barley (substitute rice, garbanzo beans or quinoa for those who are gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 plant-based bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon plant-based bouillon powder
  • 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves torn into 2-inch pieces
  • Salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 6 minutes. Add the mushrooms and stir to coat with oil. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms have released their liquid and are starting to brown.
  2. Add the barley and stir to combine. Stir in the wine, if using, and cook until the liquid is absorbed. Stir in the carrots. Pour in the broth and raise the heat to high. Add the bouillon and stir until it is dissolved. Cover the pot and bring the broth to a rolling boil. Turn the heat down to a simmer and cook, covered, for 45 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
  3. When the barley is tender, stir in the kale. It will look like a lot, but as you stir it in, it will wilt down. Taste and add salt if needed.
https://www.truewellth.org/one-pot-brooklyn-barley-stew-vegan-gluten-free-options

Enter To Win A Free Copy of The Main Street Vegan Academy Cookbook

Victoria and JL have been kind enough to provide a copy of The Main Street Vegan Academy Cookbook to our community, and you can enter to win!

We’ll choose a winner by random drawing on February 14th, 2018.

Here’s how to enter:

  1. Sign up for the email list using the form below. If you are already subscribed, you do NOT have to subscribe again.
  2. Leave a comment below letting us know the following: What is one small change you make to start improving your health? What’s the biggest barrier that prevents you from following through?

*Note: Giveaway is only open to residents of the US and Canada. From The Main Street Vegan Academy Cookbook by Victoria Moran and JL Fields; recipe by Michael Suchman (BenBella Books, 2017).

 

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Have you ever experienced difficulty in adopting a healthy vegan diet? Have you ever struggled with psychological food issues such as compulsive eating, overeating, or gratuitous snacking?

In her new book, The Mindful Vegan: A 30-Day Plan for Finding Health, Balance, Peace, and Happiness, our friend and certified mindfulness meditation facilitator, award winning health educator, and longtime vegan advocate Lani Muelrath teaches us how to overcome these dietary issues and embrace a long-lasting and healthy plant-based diet through mindfulness meditation.

The book offers practical advice on the following topics and more:

  • How mindfulness can create a more resilient vegan lifestyle.
  • How the convictions of veganism reduce stress and increase happiness.
  • How to navigate conversations with others about eating—and living—vegan.
  • Tried and true mindfulness meditation tactics that lead to a happier, healthier life.

In addition to the above, Lani shared a few recipes from her new book, including one of our own personal favorites, Indian kitchari. Check out the recipe below and let us know what you think!

Indian Kitchari

Makes: 4+ servings

Created by Lani Muelrath, our fragrant Indian kitchari recipe is a perfect recipe for the fall and winter seasons when heavier, warmer foods go a long way towards keeping us grounded and balanced. Kitchari is a traditional Ayurvedic healing food and has been used for thousands of years in India to aid in the practice of yoga, meditation and other mindfulness exercises. Lani’s recipe is simple, authentic and tastes great!

Kitchari is one of our favorite go-to dinner recipes and we eat it regularly throughout the cold season. It uses simple, whole ingredients, a handful of digestive spices, requires very little preparation and just about everyone I know loves it. This is a great dish for when you’re feeling stressed and need something comforting to help bring you back into balance.

A few notes: If your spices are ground and not whole, that works well, too. You can also replace the rice with another ½ cup of dal if you prefer or if you plan to serve over rice instead of mixing it in. Lastly, you can find most, if not all, of the ingredients for this recipe at your local Asian or international food market.

Fragrant and Warming Indian Kitchari (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon whole black mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 cup mung dal
  • ½ cup brown basmati or other brown rice (see note)
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a nonstick pot over medium heat, roast mustard seeds, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and turmeric powder until the aromas start to mix and the seeds start to crackle and pop.
  2. Add mung dal and brown basmati rice, and roast lightly with the spices.
  3. Add water, garlic, ginger, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for roughly 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dal and rice are cooked.
  4. Before serving, add lemon juice and salt.
  5. Serve in a bowl or plate over brown rice or other whole grain, with a few sprinkles of fresh chopped cilantro on top and lemon wedges on the side.
https://www.truewellth.org/fragrant-and-warming-indian-kitchari

Enter To Win A Free Copy of The Mindful Vegan

The Mindful Vegan

Learn more about The Mindful Vegan

Lani has been kind enough to provide a copy of The Mindful Vegan to our community, and you can enter to win!

We’ll choose a winner by random drawing on November 30th, 2017.

Here’s how to enter:

  1. Sign up for the email list using the form below. If you are already subscribed, you do NOT have to subscribe again.
  2. Leave a comment below letting us know the following: What is one small change you make to start improving your health? What’s the biggest barrier that prevents you from following through?

*Note: Giveaway is only open to residents of the US and Canada

 

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Mushroom Sage Lasagna

Mushroom Sage Lasagna

Photo Credit: Heather Crosby

The majority of cookbooks do not capture the improvisational, casual cooking that most people do every day. In fact, most cooking done in homes doesn’t even involve recipes: we throw together dishes that we know and love while adding in our signature twists, and break out the cookbooks when we can get to the store.

Our friend Heather Crosby has a new recipe book out that celebrates the freestyle, stress-free type of cooking we pull off with regularity by proposing healthy “choose-your-own-adventure” templates for cooking. Her book is called YumUniverse Pantry To Plate: Improvise Meals You Love – from What You Have and it’s a one-of-a-kind plant-based, gluten-free recipe playbook that opens up a world of possibilities for home cooking.

One recipe that really stood out to us was the plant-based lasagna. Lasagna is one of those foods that just about everyone grew up eating and still loves today. Because of that, it fills a certain need when we’re craving something comforting that reminds us of mom’s home-cooking. Better still, Heather’s recipe is 100% plant-based and gluten free.

Check out the recipe below and let us know what you think!

Created by the talented Heather Crosby, our Mushroom & Sage Lasagna recipe is perfect for anyone who doesn’t feel like running out to the grocery store for a long list of ingredients or for those who enjoy a more spontaneous, freestyle approach to cooking.

Mushroom & Sage Lasagna

Makes: 8+ servings

People of all dietary preferences love this recipe! This would make a great dish for a potluck or for when catering for family and friends, even if they’re not plant-based. Per Heather’s style, substitutions with what you have available in the kitchen right now are welcome. Have fun experimenting and see what you can come up with!

Mushroom & Spinach Lasagna would be great served with a simply dressed side salad and a loaf of gluten-free bread. To add to the base recipe, feel free to include extra veggies in the lasagna, such as artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, red bell peppers or squash.

Mushroom & Sage Lasagna (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (70 g) raw, unsalted almonds
  • ¼ cup (25 g) raw, unsalted pecans
  • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons unrefined coconut oil
  • 1¼ teaspoons sea salt, plus more to taste
  • Fresh-cracked black pepper
  • Pinch of fresh-ground nutmeg
  • 3 large leaves kale, chopped into small pieces
  • One 9-ounce (255 g) package gluten-free lasagna noodles
  • 2½ cups (340 g) cashews, soaked 4 to 6 hours, drained, and rinsed
  • 1½ cups (360 ml) water
  • ½ cup (65 g) pine nuts, toasted
  • 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 5 to 6 sage leaves
  • 1½ pounds (680 g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 large shallots, sliced or diced (about 1 cup/80 g)
  • 1 tablespoon Sucanat or coconut palm sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons dry white wine (optional)
  • 1 batch Maudie’s Tomato Sauce, or two 24-ounce (680 g) jars pasta sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a food processor, pulse together the almonds, pecans, 1 teaspoon of the oil, ¼ teaspoon of the salt, a few grinds of pepper, and the nutmeg until dusty. Add the kale and pulse 3 times.
  2. Prepare the noodles according to the box instructions—layer them in rows on sheets of parchment to keep the noodles from sticking to each other.
  3. Make a cashew cream sauce by blending the cashews, water, pine nuts, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of the oil, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and the sage until smooth; set aside.
  4. Place the remaining 2 teaspoons oil, the mushrooms, shallots, Sucanat, and a pinch of salt in a skillet heated to medium. Stir occasionally for 7 to 10 minutes, until they caramelize and brown. Add the wine (if using), stir for 2 more minutes or until it cooks off, and remove from the heat.
  5. Add 3 spoonfuls of tomato sauce into a lasagna pan; spread it around and top with noodles side by side. Spread a few spoonfuls of tomato sauce and cashew cream sauce over the noodles. Sprinkle with the mushrooms, season the layer with a pinch of salt and fresh pepper, then top with another layer of noodles. Repeat these steps, seasoning each layer with a pinch of salt and pepper, until all the noodles, sauces, and mushrooms are used. Sprinkle with the almond-pecan-kale topping, cover with parchment, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the parchment and bake 20 more minutes until bubbling.
https://www.truewellth.org/mouth-watering-mushroom-sage-lasagna-vegan-gluten-free

Enter To Win A Free Copy of Pantry to Plate

Pantry to Plate

Learn more about Pantry to Plate

Heather has been gracious enough to provide a copy of Pantry to Plate to our community, and you can enter to win!

We’ll choose a winner by random drawing on August 31st, 2017.

Here’s how to enter:

  1. Sign up for the email list using the form below. If you are already subscribed, you do NOT have to subscribe again.
  2. Leave a comment below letting us know the following: What is one small change you make to start improving your health? What’s the biggest barrier that prevents you from following through?

*Note: Giveaway is only open to residents of the US and Canada

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michaelgreger-hownottodie

We are giving away a free copy of Dr. Greger’s book! To enter, fill out our 2015 reader survey.

I was shocked when I found out that the leading cause of death in the United States could be eliminated by changing what’s on our plates.

One out of every four Americans currently dies of heart disease — a condition that can be not only prevented, but REVERSED with a whole-food, plant-based diet.

If that was the only benefit of the plant-powered path, it would still be a strong argument for making veggies the main course.

But it doesn’t stop there.

Obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood-pressure and other chronic conditions can all be improved by simple changes in diet and lifestyle.

And sometimes these kinds of lifestyle interventions are more effective than prescription pills and surgeries.

These powerful statistics carry a personal touch. I don’t know a single person who hasn’t been affected by one of these diseases, whether personally or through a close friend or family member.

It’s absolutely heart breaking. But we can do better.

How Not To Die

Today, I’m thrilled to share an interview with Michael Greger, MD,  internationally-renowned nutrition expert and founder of what I consider to be the best evidence-based nutrition site on the web, www.NutritionFacts.org

Dr. Greger released his latest book last week which is taking this life-saving message to the mainstream.

In How Not To Die, Dr. Greger reviews an incredible amount of medical literature in order to find the best nutrition and lifestyle interventions for the fifteen leading causes of death — diseases that claim the lives of 1.6 million Americans each year.

The book is a great reference if you are looking for specific recommendations, such as the best foods for treating hypertension.

Greger also provides actionable advice on how to make lifestyle changes stick, and a daily dozen checklist of foods to add to your diet to get the biggest benefit.

I hope you enjoy the interview. But most importantly, please help get this critical message out.

Together we can begin to fix a broken food system, a broken healthcare system, and literally save a million lives. Share this with someone that could benefit from the information.

Watch the interview and learn:

  • (3:50) The 3 biggest killers that can be reversed by changing your diet
  • (10:20) The two guidelines to radically simplify conflicting health information
  • (16:10) The biggest deficiency in modern diets, and how it makes us fat
  • (26:11) The shocking reason why we may choose medication and surgery over lifestyle
  • (28:31) The single most important foods that should be added to every diet

Show notes:

If you like this video, please subscribe to our youtube channel!

Enter To Win A Free Copy Of The Book!

Dr. Greger has been gracious enough to provide a copy of How Not To Die to our community, and you can enter to win!

To enter, fill out our 2015 reader surveyWe’ll be randomly selecting a recipient from the entires and notifying the winner on Tuesday, December 29th.

UPDATE: The giveaway has now ended. Congrats to Karen R!

*Note: Only open to residents of the continental US.

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GreenJuiceRecipe-KrisCarr-315

Photo credit: Kate Lewis

I once juiced an onion. Yes AN ONION! What was I thinking???? Blood cleanser?! DO NOT DO THIS.

This is just one…let’s say telling…example of my many experiments with smoothies and juicing. And my experience has given me a different viewpoint than most.

Today we are going to laser in on this juicy subject in celebration of Kris Carr’s new book, Crazy Sexy Juice. We have a recipe to share from the book, as well as a free copy to give away!

For starters, it’s important to understand the difference between blending and juicing. Here’s a handy infographic from Kris that outlines the differences.

KrisCarr-Juicing-vs-Blending1kris-carr-smoothie_infographic
Now that we know the difference between these two methods, the essential questions remain: Should we be juicing? Should we be making smoothies? Or should we skip them altogether?

Some say yes, others say no. For me, I say it depends on your goal. Let’s dive in.

Are Smoothies and Juicing Good For Weight Loss?

One of the most common arguments against smoothies and juicing is that it is better to eat whole foods in their natural state, particularly when it comes to weight loss.

For example, a typical smoothie may contain 2 bananas, 3 cups of spinach, 20 almonds worth of almond butter, and a cup of blueberries.

If you were to pour those smoothie ingredients out of the blender and onto a plate, it would take at least 20 minutes of fastidious chewing to finish your meal. I’d also wager that you’d feel quite full afterwards.

Once blended, you can slurp it all down in about 30 seconds, and here’s the important part: You may or may not feel full.

Typically a smoothie will fill me up for about 15 minutes before I’m hunting for something else to munch on, so I rarely use them as a meal replacement.

This is based on the concept of satiety and caloric density. When weight loss is your goal, it’s best to choose foods that leave you feeling the most satisfied for the least amount of calories.

For example, Chef AJ talks about the value of eating 1 pound of veggies for breakfast. Are you going to feel (and stay) full after eating a pound of veggies? You better believe it.

So if weight loss is your goal and you have the luxury of choosing between a smoothie and a pound of veggies, make the veggies your top choice.

However, most of us are insanely busy and overwhelmed as it is.

Our mornings are often a race against the clock to get the kids ready for school, put some food on the table and get out the door in time for work.

In fact, we created our minimalist food prep course the 12 Minute Kitchen in order to provide quick and easy plant-based meal options for just these kinds of situations.

If you are overwhelmed trying to prepare plant-based meals and continually falling short, green smoothies are a fantastic (and realistic) option. It’s one of the best ways to fill your belly with delicious nutrient dense plant foods in a hurry.

Here’s the take away: Choose green smoothies if you are having trouble getting your greens, are not yet 80-100% plant-based, or have trouble finding the time or energy to prepare a plant-based meal.

If you find yourself going through the drive through, or indulging in junk food because you didn’t manage to make the perfect breakfast, then go for the green smoothies!

If your primary goal is weight loss, you aren’t seeing the results you want, and you’ve already cut oil, then skip the green smoothies in favor of a whole food plant-based meal that will leave you feeling fuller, longer.

When Should You Drink Smoothies and When Should You Juice?

Photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/notahipster/7429094062/in/photolist-cju3QE-5HVmU6-dgnCJV-biHh74-biHh5D-jrKRxa-eTVfZs-acjFjj-2RqBQx-jJdv2G-jrKVnp-jrJnuR-dovpBk-beVdS4-dwAhwA-4vTjKM-7yuNCv-beVdPT-4K1S6r-4K66FG-7VfTtz-cWEMSA-bm6qi4-cZfn2u-boVsST-782yXM-bbvpg2-9toe8v-dgnEUj-dgnCPt-dgnESA-eTGXnR-eTHrdF-9ipy7z-62cVWj-eTHSjR-eTH9BR-aWfoXD-biHh34-beVdTB-9esntf-aoLXwC-9xhYDE-gAo2CB-x3YCC2-e4VTXT-jrJu9x-jrMPXf-dgnEL7-noGLbg">Stacy Spensley</a>

Photo credit: Stacy Spensley

As I mentioned above, I love smoothies because they are just so darn realistic.

They are a fantastic way to get the good stuff into your diet, are quick and easy to prepare, and you don’t have to be a chef to make a delicious smoothie.

So when should you choose a green juice over a smoothie?

If you haven’t yet had your first juicing experience, you’ll quickly find that it takes considerable more time, effort and produce to make a glass of juice.

When is it worth it to invest all that additional energy? When you need to pull out the big guns.

A green juice is like a concentrated injection of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. You are delivering the nutritional potency of several pounds worth of veggies directly into your system.

This can help create and maintain the systemic conditions that promote health and healing, such as creating an alkaline environment and reducing inflammation.

The body is a complex system, and modern life presents many obstacles to radiant health. Between depleted soils, questionable food production practices, and more toxins in the environment than ever before, sometimes we need a boost beyond healthy food.

Do you have a chronic health condition or health crisis? Are you already eating 100% plant-based and not losing weight? Struggling with food addiction?

These are the situations when it becomes especially worthwhile to invest the time and energy in juicing.

When I first went plant-based, I drank a minimum of 16 oz of green juice a day for close to two years.

I have no doubt that this accelerated the change towards a physiology of health and well-being that began when I put plants first.

And during my time at the Tree of Life Center in Patagonia, Arizona, I watched hundreds of people experience profound healing and transformation on a 7-day green juice fast.

But here’s the catch: I spent close to an hour every morning making my daily juice, and it was not an inexpensive endeavor.

I, of course, saw it as a valuable investment, but it just may not be possible for everyone to devote that kind of time and energy towards juicing.

If you’d like to learn more about the ins and outs of juicing, check out the Ultimate Guide To Green Juice.

CrazySexyJuiceWithKrisCarr

Photo credit: Kate Lewis

Here’s the takeaway:

Green juice is a powerful tool, but it requires a large investment of time and energy.

When changing our diets, we usually have limited time, energy and willpower. If you are exceptionally busy or overwhelmed just trying to put healthy food on the table, focus on eating more plant-based meals and don’t worry about juicing for now.

If you are in the midst of a health crisis, doing everything right and still not losing weight, or struggling with severe cravings then it’s especially worthwhile to invest in juicing.

Juicing Disclaimer:

As I’m sure you’ve noticed, this is a less than scientific explanation of juicing. I’m still not a doctor or nutritionist, and I am just relating my personal experience and observations.

Consult a qualified medical professional before adopting any of these practices, and do not attempt a green juice fast without medical supervision. Especially if you are on medications.

Smoothie and Juicing Pro Tips

Smoothies are a great medium for superfoods and supplements

Smoothies are a great way to get in superfoods, such as protein powder, tonic chinese herbs, or any other supplements or superfoods you are including in your diet.

Increase satiety with flax and chia or slowly sipping your smoothies.

According to a study mentioned by Dr. Greger, adding a tablespoon of flaxseed to your green smoothies can increase satiety and suppress appetite up to four hours after consumption.

And according to Regan, too much flax or chia can ruin a tasty smoothie so it’s best to start with a teaspoon or two. Also the longer the flax or chia sits the more gelatinous it will become, so add it in just prior to drinking or grab a spoon.

Sipping your smoothie, rather than gulping it down, can also increase satiety and leave you feeling full longer.

Watch out for sugar

Juicing and blending concentrates the natural sugar content in fruit and makes it more absorbable. You can end up consuming a large amount of sugar very quickly and spike your blood sugar.

Be mindful of the amount of fruit (or other sources of sugar) that you are including in your juice and smoothies. Make it palatable with the least possible amount of sugar, and aim to reduce the sugar content as your taste buds adjust.

I used to include a whole apple in every green juice, but I now think that green juice is incredibly delicious without any sweetener at all.

Up Your Smoothie and Juice Game with Kris Carr’s New Book — Crazy Sexy Juice!

CrazySexyJuiceCover-600

Learn more about Crazy Sexy Juice

Regan and I have had a crush on Kris Carr for a long time. Her Crazy Sexy Kitchen recipe book is one of our favorites, and we are super excited for her new release Crazy Sexy Juice.

We asked for a sneak peek recipe to share with you and Kris came through. Not only do we have a recipe to share, but Kris also has a number of bonuses available if you purchase the book, and we have copy of Crazy Sexy Juice to give away! Details on how to enter the giveaway are at the bottom of this post.

But first, here’s a great recipe to get you started with green juice.

Get Started With This Recipe — A Classic Green Lemonade

Green lemonade is the Cadillac of juicing recipes. This is my take on the beloved classic. The juice is a little sweet (thanks to the apple) and a little spicy (gracias to the ginger). The natural bitterness of leafy greens is cut by a bright squeeze of lemon.

You can use almost any type of leafy green in place of chard or kale. Romaine, baby spinach, collard, bok choy, broccoli—you name it! In fact, I love adding broccoli stems to this recipe. Get creative.

This juice is a perfect vehicle for all of your greenest fridge scraps.

GreenJuiceRecipe-KrisCarr

Photo credit: Kate Lewis

Classic Green Lemonade

Yield: Makes 2 Servings (16 to 20 Ounces)

Ingredients

  • 2 stalks celery
  • 1 small cucumber
  • 1 apple, cored and seeded
  • 1-inch piece ginger, peeled
  • 3 leaves Swiss chard or kale
  • 1/2 lemon, peeled

Instructions

  1. Wash and prep all ingredients.
  2. Juice all ingredients.
https://www.truewellth.org/crazy-sexy-juice-kris-carr

Enter to Win a Copy of Crazy Sexy Juice

UPDATE: The giveaway has now ended. Congratulations to Anna, the winner of the Crazy Sexy Juice giveaway!

We’ll be randomly selecting one recipient (see entry details below) and notifying the winner on Thursday, November 5th.

Here’s how to enter:

  1. Sign up for the email list using the form below. If you are already subscribed, you do NOT have to subscribe again.
  2. Leave a comment below letting us know the following: Do you make smoothies or juice? Which do you prefer and why? Give an example and be specific.

*Note: Only open to residents of the US and Canada

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How To Succeed On A Plant-Based Diet With Lindsay S. Nixon Of Happy Herbivore

How To Succeed On A Plant-Based Diet With Lindsay S. Nixon Of Happy Herbivore

I’ve never been much of a chef. So it drives me crazy when someone says something like, “oh, just taste it and see what it needs.”

I flashback to spending all this time in the kitchen trying to fix a sauce that wasn’t turning out.

Here’s what “just see what it needs” looked like to me:

  • I’d add a little more lemon juice. Blend. Taste. Hmm, that didn’t help much.
  • So then I’d pick a random spice out of the drawer, smell it, taste it, add it. Blend again. Taste. Hmm, that’s actually a little bit better!
  • Then I’d add another teaspoon of the spice that was helping. Blend. Taste. OH NO, THIS TASTES AWFUL! HOW DO I FIX IT?
  • Start the randomly adding and tasting procedure over again.

Ah the joy of learning how to cook! Eventually I did get better, but I still lack that innate skill that others have.

And it’s funny because when you become proficient at something, you totally forget what it was like to be a beginner.

There is an actual term for this phenomenon — psychologists call it the Curse of Knowledge.

It basically means that once you learn the ropes, you lose touch with what it was like to be a novice starting from scratch. It becomes difficult to relate.

I think this is one of the reasons why so much of the health advice out there doesn’t hit home. The experts have totally forgotten what it’s like when you are just starting out!

I recently had the opportunity to interview Lindsay Nixon of Happy Herbivore fame, and she talked about the process of helping her parents go plant-based.

She said it was eye-opening to see just what it meant to completely revamp your diet at 60, and she was able to gain a whole new perspective and appreciation for what it truly means to be a beginner.

I still remember what it was like having no idea what I was going to eat, shopping for ingredients that I had never heard of, trying to figure out if I was indeed going to spend $20 on this strange substance in a jar called “coconut oil.”

And is it any different than coconut butter?!?! I’m still not sure…

Luckily, there are more resources than ever to make transitioning to a plant-based diet as easy as possible.

And today I’m thrilled to share my interview with Lindsay, where we discuss the joys, trials and travails of our plant-based journeys, and her latest book The Happy Herbivore Guide to Plant-Based Living.

Watch the interview and learn:

  • (1:47) The best way to transition to a plant-based diet and why this method is more successful.
  • (6:57) The strange reason why trying to be perfect can often sabotage our progress.
  • (21:07) How Lindsay convinced her parents to go plant-based after her Dad had a heart attack.
  • (24:11) The one book that Lindsay reads every New Years Day, and why it has been so life-changing.
  • (28:58) The surprising side effect of creating and following meal plans, and how they can change your relationship with food.

If you like this video, please subscribe to our youtube channel!

Show notes:

The Happy Herbivore Guide To Plant-Based Living

Lindsay has gained some serious wisdom over the past several years, helping hundreds if not thousands of people transition to a plant-based diet.

Her guide is the resource that I wish I had as a beginner. Heck, I might even have avoided all those painful (and pretty ridiculous) mistakes I made along the way!

I joke that she has put together the bible on plant-based living. I highly recommend it, especially if you are just starting out on your plant-based journey.

She covers all the common questions on nutrition, how to transition, traveling, etc.

But my favorite aspect of the book is the focus on how to deal with social situations. She has extremely helpful advice on how to attend or host dinner parties, what to do when your friends ask you out to eat, and what to do if your family and friends are unsupportive.

The social aspect continues to be the most difficult thing for me, so I was excited to see so much good info in the book.

If you are interested in learning more about her book, it is available on Amazon.

Enter To Win A Free Copy Of The Book!

Lindsay and her publisher BenBella Books have been gracious enough to provide two copies of her book to our community, and you can enter to win!

We’ll be randomly selecting two recipients (see entry details below) and notifying the winners on Saturday, June 27th.

UPDATE: The give away has now ended. Congratulations to Stacy and Casey!

Here’s how to enter:

  1. Sign up for the email list using the form below. If you are already subscribed, you do NOT have to subscribe again.
  2. Leave a comment below letting us know the following: Do you (or did you) struggle with the learning curve of healthy eating? What is the most overwhelming part of getting started? Give an example and be specific.

*Note: Only open to residents of the US and Canada

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DreenaBurtonPlantPoweredFamilies
If you ask me, raising kids is nothing short of heroic.

My brother and his wife just had their fourth, and whenever I visit I am humbled by how much selfless devotion goes into caring for their children.

Regan and I often get questions from parents about how to help their kids eat better, but the truth is that we don’t have any firsthand parenting experience as of yet.

Here in DC, we live close to Regan’s niece and nephew and are blessed to get to spend time with them on a regular basis.

But I’m pretty sure being the fun aunt or uncle isn’t quite the same as raising your own!

So today, I’m thrilled to defer the questions on pregnancy and parenting to the very knowledgeable and articulate Dreena Burton.

Plant-Powered Families

I had the opportunity recently to talk with Dreena about her new book Plant-Powered Families and ask her lots of juicy questions about the nuance and challenges of raising plant-powered kids.

Dreena has three wonderful, busy, hockey-playing girls, and has accumulated a mountain of hard won wisdom on how to make healthy eating work in the midst of fast-paced family life.

Her book is a treasure trove of kid-tested recipes and features tremendously valuable tips on how to navigate birthday parties, pack lunches, prepare kid-friendly snacks and more.

Plus, it’s gorgeous. I’ve seen a lot of beautiful plant-based recipe books and this is right up there with the best of them.

Ok enough of me gushing about Dreena and her book. If you are interested in learning more or pre-order her book, you can do so here.

In either case, check out the interview! We cover:

  • (2:25) Pregnancy and why it’s so important to work with someone who supports your lifestyle
  • (7:10) The best way to introduce new healthy foods to your kids
  • (9:05) The number of times you may have to introduce a new food before your kids will try it (this blew me away!)
  • (11:45) What foods Dreena sends with her kids when they go to a party
  • (20:25) How Dreena stays organized while running a busy household

If you like this video, please subscribe to our youtube channel!

 

Enter to win a copy of Plant-Powered Families

UPDATE: The giveaway has now ended. Congrats to Donna and Danielle! We’ll be in touch to send you a copy of Plant-Powered Families.

Dreena has been gracious enough to provide a copy of her book to our community, and you can enter to win!

We’ll be randomly selecting two recipients (see entry details below) and notifying the winners on Friday May 8th, 2015.

Here’s how to enter:

  1. Sign up for the email list using the form below. If you are already subscribed, you do NOT have to subscribe again.
  2. Leave a comment below letting us know the following: Do you have trouble getting your kids, friends, or other family members to eat healthy? What are some of the issues you face? What has worked and what hasn’t? Give an example and be specific.

*Note: Only open to residents of the US and Canada

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InterviewWithThomasCampbellMD

We have a special interview and book giveaway to share with you today.

But first we wanted to say thank you to everyone who took the time to send us travel questions and well wishes on our move! We made it safe and sound and are enjoying getting settled here in the DC area.

Next time, we’ll go behind the scenes and share all the tips and tricks we use to eat well on the road.

But for now, on to the feature du jour…

If you are at all interested in nutrition, you’ve likely heard of The China Study.

This landmark book has sold over a million copies and the New York Times called it the “most comprehensive large study ever undertaken of the relationship between diet and the risk of developing disease.”

The China Study was co-authored by legendary nutrition researcher T. Colin Campbell, PhD, and when it was time to write the book he asked that his son Tom move back home to help out.

This supposed one year project ended up taking four years to complete, and during the process Tom developed such a passion for the subject that he went on to become a physician.

The Campbell Plan

Fast forward to the present, and the now Thomas Campbell, MD has released a new book that offers a practical follow-up based on The China Study principles.

His book The Campbell Plan explores the science behind recent dietary confusion, feeding kids as well as what to stock in your kitchen, how to read labels and shop, and what to watch for in social and eating out situations.

And of course recipes! 55 delicious and easy recipes to be exact.

You already know how nerdy I get about behavioral psychology, so I was especially excited to see that the book addresses some of the behavior change principles behind making and sustaining healthy eating habits.


If you liked this video, subscribe to our youtube channel.

Show Notes:

  • (1:35) How strong is the evidence showing the correlation between the consumption of animal products and chronic disease?
  • (5:57) Why is there so much dietary confusion and how do we navigate it?
  • (14:50) Why information alone is not enough to change our behavior, and the three most important factors that help us change.
  • (19:00) The surprising reason why making a 100% commitment is sometimes easier than making gradual changes.
  • (22:30) What Dr. Campbell thinks is the most important thing to eliminate from the Standard American Diet and why.

Enter to win a copy of The Campbell Plan

Dr. Campbell has been gracious enough to provide a copy of his book to our community, and you can enter to win!

We’ll be randomly selecting one recipient (see entry details below) and notifying the winner on Monday April 6th, 2015.

UPDATE: The giveaway has ended. Congrats to Tracy C! We’ll be in touch to send you a free copy of The Campbell Plan.

Here’s how to enter:

  1. Sign up for the email list using the form below. If you are already subscribed, you do NOT have to subscribe again.
  2. Leave a comment below letting us know the following: How has your decision to eat healthy impacted your relationships with friends and family? Give an example and be specific.

*Note: Only open to residents of the Continental U.S.

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