Whenever I decide to get on top of things health-wise, which generally involves losing some weight, I get a new book. It’s just so helpful to have that book to turn to for advice and support during what is inevitably a stressful period — not eating what you want to eat is harder than most of us like to admit.
In the past, there have been books that have given me good advice, but also ones that (especially in my pre-vegan days) led me down some pretty bad paths. So if you are going to rely on that book, just as with a friend, you need to choose carefully.
If you know anyone who is struggling with food (or maybe you are yourself?) there are great resources available to help — not only to drop the pounds, but also to move toward a truly healthy, and compassionate, diet. Of course, when it comes to health, we have to give people more than just advice to go vegan. As we all know, contrary to popular belief, vegan food is not just carrots and celery. It can be voluptuous and scrumptious, decadent, and, sadly, fattening. But, while being vegan doesn’t necessarily, in and of itself, make you thin, the only way to eat really healthy is to eat vegan healthy.
One brand new resource is Crazy, Sexy Diet, by Kris Carr, whose successful battle with cancer has formed the basis of her documentary, her blog and this, her latest book, where she gives you the benefit of all she has learned. According to a Huffington Post review by Our Hen House’s own Ari Solomon,
Carr compiles all the information she’s gathered over the past 8 years with regard to keeping herself healthy and vibrant. She’s been to nutrition classes, spoken with experts, taken a million workshops, visited hospitals as well as ashrams — she knows her shit.
Another invaluable resource is Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s Eat to Live. If you listened to Our Hen House’s podcast when Dr. Fuhrman was our guest, you know how much this book means to me personally. As far as I am concerned, Eat to Live is the fundamental text on healthy eating, and everyone needs to have it. And now there is a new edition out, bringing you up to date on the latest nutritonal information from the doctor who knows it all.
Last, but definitely not least, the fabulous Isa Chandra Moscowitz has recently put out her latest cookbook, Appetite for Reduction. Isa is the best cook I know, and it’s so exciting to watch her put her skills toward making vegan food not only delicious, but incredibly healthy too. Also, check out our podcast that featured Isa (which, to this day, is our most listened-to episode).
In addition to these great new books, there are many, many others that provide people with the information and inspiration they need to get healthy and, of course, go vegan. Please feel free to tell me your favorites in the comments.