Well, when we're talking about the subject of a plant-based diet, something that's talked about frequently on KMIV - because that's the delicious, abundance, and fun diet we all live! - we often refer to many different resources that have helped us in our transition to and expertise-building of our vegan lives. It's time to add another resource to this invaluable collection: The Plant-Powered Diet.The Plant-Powered Diet, by Sharon Palmer, RD (a.k.a. "The Plant-Powered Dietitian"), is a massive and enjoyable book, which lays out every single facet, detail, and piece of advice pertaining to plant-based eating. Sharon presents the book as "The Lifelong Eating Plan for Achieving Optimal Health, Beginning Today," and continues on providing:
- stories, history, and anecdotes;
- tons of information, easy-to-read charts;
- bulletpoints representing the info in a condensed way, allowing you, the reader, to finish each chapter with the most important takeaways fresh in your head;
- lists of foods so comprehensive you'll never, ever think again: "What can I eat?";
- testimonials from people all over the country about journeys to health, tasty meals, and an exciting new way of living & eating;
- and, OF COURSE, lots of recipes you will want to make. If you're hungry as you read, lots of recipes you will want to make immediately.
I already have my Plant-Based Nutrition certification from Cornell, and I still had a great time reading this book. Here are some of my favorite parts:
- The detailed histories of the food. When you're buying your veggies, your tempeh, your grains, your spices, do you ever think about their origins/discoveries? Hundreds or thousands of years ago, people all over the world were consuming these foods as the core of their diet, for medicinal reasons
- The book is accessible for all levels of learning. Do you enjoy lots of information? Some of this, some of that, and some of the other (and some more of something else)? Well, there's plenty of it in here. However, if too much info overloads & overwhelms you, you can just stick to the bulletpoints and the featured lists and charts to keep it simple for yourself. The book is perfect for an in-depth read and also a light skim; either way, you're taking a lot out of it.
- The creative subtitles. They tell you exactly what you'll be reading about in a "informational chuckle" sorta way (does that make sense?). The humor is subtle - I think it adds to the experience. ("The Whole Fruit and Nothing But The Fruit," "Antioxidant Medicine Chest")
- The recipes. Duh. Appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, desserts, and beverages. For breakfast, lunch, dinner, a snack, or dessert. What more do you need?
- The math is done for you. Sure, you can approach your food in a relaxed, loose kind of way (which I highly recommend once you feel comfortable with everything), but I know some people enjoy tracking their food a bit. All the numbers you need are here. It's your perfect tracker. Protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, whatever - this resource will keep your foundation strong and help you in situations where you just want/need to know how much of what you're getting.
Sounds good to you? Hope so. It's a very beneficial book. Sharon lays it out for you wherever you are with your diet:
- if you're already vegan, it's a deeper exploration of food, making everything even easier for you, maybe even giving you a healthier direction in which to take your diet
- if you're vegetarian, it keeps you strong with your wonderful commitment to abstaining from meat, providing you with everything you need to continue your transition to completely plant-based
- if you're eating omnivorously, the info and approach is sensitive and gives you everything you need to reach Sharon's mission in writing the book - to share a lifelong eating plan so you can achieve your optimal health today.
Everyone has their own journey. Lindsay did, I did, you do too. We encourage everyone to enjoy the journey, as you learn what foods make you feel great, what foods you like, what dishes you're amazing at cooking, and the deeper connection that is what KMIV is all about - with a greater awareness for animals and the planet. Take the leap, go forth with your transition - the plant-based diet that we eat as vegans can provide optimal health. Sharon's book will help you there, wherever you are.
My book is highlighted all over and will be the perfect reference for me when I need it. Now it's your turn! Would you like your own Plant-Powered Diet for your optimal info and reference point? It's your lucky day... WE'RE DOING A GIVEAWAY FOR TWO COPIES OF SHARON'S BOOK!
You probably know how it goes by now, but if you don't: Check out the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of this post. Fill in your information and get started by earning yourself raffle entries. You get to have fun by getting involved and connected in social media with the simple tasks. Certain tasks you have to do to open up others; other tasks you can do every day; some tasks earn you more entries than the others!
All of this will be perfect timing for Sharon's Plant-Powered Challenge! starting Monday, August 5th. You can check out more info on the challenge and sign up at Go Plant Power!
After you toss in some raffle entries, prep for your winning book entry by reading Sharon's guest blog featured on KMIV last week, along with a Green Pea Hummus recipe!
Have fun getting Plant-Powered and good luck!
