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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition
The healthy vegan diet-made easy.
Vegans face their own special challenges when it comes to nutrition and this book provides answers. There are about one million vegans in the U.S. and about 50,000 new ones every year. A growing number of physicians advocate a completely plant-based diet for many of their patients who suffer from diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Plant-Based Nutrition , readers will
• Where to get nutrients that others get from meat and dairy.
• How to avoid the vegan pitfall of overfed but undernourished.
• How to spot hidden animal ingredients in packaged foods.
• Tips for eating at restaurants.
• Special considerations for children and seniors.
Vegans face their own special challenges when it comes to nutrition and this book provides answers. There are about one million vegans in the U.S. and about 50,000 new ones every year. A growing number of physicians advocate a completely plant-based diet for many of their patients who suffer from diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Plant-Based Nutrition , readers will
• Where to get nutrients that others get from meat and dairy.
• How to avoid the vegan pitfall of overfed but undernourished.
• How to spot hidden animal ingredients in packaged foods.
• Tips for eating at restaurants.
• Special considerations for children and seniors.
332 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Julieanna Hever
10 books24 followersBest-selling author and Plant-Based Dietitian, Julieanna Hever, M.S., R.D., C.P.T., is the host of Z Living's wellness talk show, What Would Julieanna Do? and continues to travel the world to educate audiences on the myriad health benefits of a diet centered around whole plant foods. Hever is the author of The Vegiterranean Diet, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition, co-author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Gluten-Free Vegan Cooking, and the nutrition columnist for VegNews Magazine.
Recently featured on The Dr. Oz Show, Yahoo! TV’s Reluctantly Healthy, E! News, HLN Headline News and Steve Harvey’s daytime talk show, Hever also co-stars on The Chef and The Dietitian, numerous local TV & radio shows, and lectures extensively throughout the United States and select international cities. She is published in prominent journals, magazines, blogs, and newsletters. As co-producer and star of the “infotainment” documentary To Your Health, Julieanna interviewed a host of the plant-based world’s most respected doctors and researchers to bring this important information to film and television audiences. This is all part of her evolving mission to bring whole food, plant-based nutrition to the forefront of efforts to improve the current global health crisis.
Julieanna received her Bachelors degree from UCLA and Masters of Science in Nutrition at California State University, Northridge, where she also completed her Dietetic Internship. She has taught as part of Dr. T. Colin Campbell’s eCornell Plant-Based Nutrition Certification Program, worked as a clinical dietitian at Century City Doctors Hospital, and has consulted for numerous businesses.
Recently featured on The Dr. Oz Show, Yahoo! TV’s Reluctantly Healthy, E! News, HLN Headline News and Steve Harvey’s daytime talk show, Hever also co-stars on The Chef and The Dietitian, numerous local TV & radio shows, and lectures extensively throughout the United States and select international cities. She is published in prominent journals, magazines, blogs, and newsletters. As co-producer and star of the “infotainment” documentary To Your Health, Julieanna interviewed a host of the plant-based world’s most respected doctors and researchers to bring this important information to film and television audiences. This is all part of her evolving mission to bring whole food, plant-based nutrition to the forefront of efforts to improve the current global health crisis.
Julieanna received her Bachelors degree from UCLA and Masters of Science in Nutrition at California State University, Northridge, where she also completed her Dietetic Internship. She has taught as part of Dr. T. Colin Campbell’s eCornell Plant-Based Nutrition Certification Program, worked as a clinical dietitian at Century City Doctors Hospital, and has consulted for numerous businesses.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 19, 2018
Plant-Based Nutrition is an extensive guide. It’s an interesting angle, plant-based nutrition, because it leaves out the factory farming and other discussions that are often included in vegan books. Instead, the main focus is on the health benefits of plant-based eating and how you can regain optimal health by eating in this way. Many of the topics included were things I’m familiar with, but the review of things like vitamins and where and how to get them were especially helpful. My favorite chapter was “Stop counting and start eating,” where she has a healthy discussion about letting go of macros. Hever’s writing is both positive and encouraging. If you are considering transitioning to a plant-based diet, if you already eat this way and would like a reference, and/or if you would like to increase your consumption of plant-based meals, this book is comprehensive place to start.
Thank you to Julieanna Hever, Alpha/Penguin, and Edelweiss for the complimentary copy to review.
Plant-Based Nutrition was published on January 9, 2018.
Thank you to Julieanna Hever, Alpha/Penguin, and Edelweiss for the complimentary copy to review.
Plant-Based Nutrition was published on January 9, 2018.
August 5, 2018
As a vegetarian I constantly have people tell me I can't get enough protein w/out milk and dairy (which is a total scam perpetrated by the meat & dairy industry & a topic for a different day) or telling me that to do that they would have to live off of pasta and sandwiches. I'm always on the lookout for comprehensive guides that I can refer people to read to get all those myths out of their head.
This works really well as an education tool. It's an easy to read and well layed out book. The author goes into detail about nutrition and vitamins and what you get from plant based diets. She breaks things down in a very easy to understand manner. The book also includes recipes and ideas to get one started on stocking up their kitchen in preparation to switch their diet to plants. (I found that the hardest thing to do personally. Prep and organization is a must for getting off of meat, dairy and processed foods).
If you're looking to get some solid information about a plant based diet this is a very good place to start.
**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
This works really well as an education tool. It's an easy to read and well layed out book. The author goes into detail about nutrition and vitamins and what you get from plant based diets. She breaks things down in a very easy to understand manner. The book also includes recipes and ideas to get one started on stocking up their kitchen in preparation to switch their diet to plants. (I found that the hardest thing to do personally. Prep and organization is a must for getting off of meat, dairy and processed foods).
If you're looking to get some solid information about a plant based diet this is a very good place to start.
**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
February 13, 2018
Who's with me in throwing a frozen pizza in the oven for dinner filled with your favorite toppings for a quick and easy dinner. Yeah, me too. But not so quick you may just change your mind after reading this book. The content in the book is presented in a manner that is easy to understand and will not go over your head. Perfect for anyone not familiar with this nutritional lifestyle or someone such as myself that is familiar with it and needed a boost to get back on track nutritionally wise. Fabulous nutritional information telling you how and why to make your meals plant based from a nutritional and health point of view. Yummy recipes included. This book will benefit everyone.
Pub Date 09 Jan 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and DK for a review copy. I was not required to write a positive review.
Pub Date 09 Jan 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and DK for a review copy. I was not required to write a positive review.
March 19, 2018
I read this book because Ray Cronise is the co-author, and last summer I read Penn Jillette’s book on his weight loss story. Ever since then I’ve been on-again, off-again experimenting with a plant-based diet, and I’m now making another determined attempt to stick with it. I might add that for many years I was essentially a carnivore, and ate very little fruits and vegetables. Maybe that’s why I’m about 70 lbs overweight and struggling with hypertension. After years of mocking vegetarians, I’m now becoming one, or at least adoping more of a “Flexitarian” diet.
One thing I like about this book is that it’s written in a no-nonsense fact-filled style, and it doesn’t come across as “preachy” like a lot of vegetarian/vegan books. I consider myself a “Flexitarian” because I have no ethical qualms about eating meat. However, if eating plants will help me lose weight and improve my health, then I’m willing to eat mostly plants. I want to live to a ripe old age and not die of a heart attack before I’m 65.
The chapter on nutrition was very interesting, and I also liked the “food triangle” the authors proposed. They also offered an explanation of WHY an Atkin’s/Paleo/low-carb diet works. I know both approaches work, because I have lost weight with both, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen the big picture explained. The authors make it clear that they feel the plant-based approach is healthier, but they don’t dispute the fact that people can and do lose weight with a high-protein, low-carb approach.
Be warned that there are some format issues with the Kindle version, where the recipes aren’t formatted very well. I still think the book is worth reading. If you’re really concerned about the recipes, buy a printed paperback copy.
One thing I like about this book is that it’s written in a no-nonsense fact-filled style, and it doesn’t come across as “preachy” like a lot of vegetarian/vegan books. I consider myself a “Flexitarian” because I have no ethical qualms about eating meat. However, if eating plants will help me lose weight and improve my health, then I’m willing to eat mostly plants. I want to live to a ripe old age and not die of a heart attack before I’m 65.
The chapter on nutrition was very interesting, and I also liked the “food triangle” the authors proposed. They also offered an explanation of WHY an Atkin’s/Paleo/low-carb diet works. I know both approaches work, because I have lost weight with both, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen the big picture explained. The authors make it clear that they feel the plant-based approach is healthier, but they don’t dispute the fact that people can and do lose weight with a high-protein, low-carb approach.
Be warned that there are some format issues with the Kindle version, where the recipes aren’t formatted very well. I still think the book is worth reading. If you’re really concerned about the recipes, buy a printed paperback copy.
May 19, 2024
"Dieta roślinna na co dzień" to książka napisana lekko, czysta się ją szybko i przyjemnie. Z tą lekturą nie powinien mieć problemów żaden laik. Autorka dzieli się wieloma przydatnymi informacjami, przede wszystkim w pierwszej części tej książki, gdzie opisuje zasady zrównoważonego odżywiania się (Zalety diety roślinnej). W dalszych rozdziałach ( Życie na diecie roślinnej i Przypadki szczególne) odczułam dysproporcję w stosunku ilości tekstu do informatywnych treści na niekorzyść tego drugiego.
W książkce jest kilka niezgodnych informacji.
Autorka pisze: " Osoby z celiakią nie tolerują glutenu, czyli białka obecnego w jęczmieniu, życie, owsie i pszenicy."- Owies sam w sobie nie zawiera glutenu, natomiast może być nim zanieczyszczony przez obróbkę innych ziaren.
Normy do co wartości LDL i HDL nie są aktualne. Książka została wydana w 2011 roku a zalecenia w tym obszarze zostały zmienione.
Poza tym opisywany jest związek między suplementacją kwasu foliowego a działaniem prokarcynogennym, który a badaniach z 2013 roku nie został potwierdzony.
Na końcu książki spinane zostało kilka roślinnych przepisów, co uważam za miły i ciekawy akcent.
W książkce jest kilka niezgodnych informacji.
Autorka pisze: " Osoby z celiakią nie tolerują glutenu, czyli białka obecnego w jęczmieniu, życie, owsie i pszenicy."- Owies sam w sobie nie zawiera glutenu, natomiast może być nim zanieczyszczony przez obróbkę innych ziaren.
Normy do co wartości LDL i HDL nie są aktualne. Książka została wydana w 2011 roku a zalecenia w tym obszarze zostały zmienione.
Poza tym opisywany jest związek między suplementacją kwasu foliowego a działaniem prokarcynogennym, który a badaniach z 2013 roku nie został potwierdzony.
Na końcu książki spinane zostało kilka roślinnych przepisów, co uważam za miły i ciekawy akcent.
June 7, 2012
The Idiot's Guide format works well with Hever's friendly writing style. She provides succinct, engaging summaries of the health benefits of plant-based diets, and the process of switching to & maintaining that diet.
Some of the contradictions in her instructions, however, could be frustrating for readers. In one section, Hever argues that there's no need to count calories as a vegan; then a few pages later, stresses that calorie restriction is important to health and longevity. How is one supposed to restrict the calories they're supposedly not counting?
I haven't tried the recipes yet, so my opinion might change, but for now I think this is a reasonable starting point for the average person considering a low- or no-animal-product diet.
Some of the contradictions in her instructions, however, could be frustrating for readers. In one section, Hever argues that there's no need to count calories as a vegan; then a few pages later, stresses that calorie restriction is important to health and longevity. How is one supposed to restrict the calories they're supposedly not counting?
I haven't tried the recipes yet, so my opinion might change, but for now I think this is a reasonable starting point for the average person considering a low- or no-animal-product diet.
January 30, 2020
As the series title suggests, this is a complete idiots guide and it's wonderful! Information accessible to all.
December 5, 2017
Convinced you want to eat plant-based but have questions about whether you can get enough nutrition that way? Julieanna Hever to the rescue! She'll answer all your questions about nutrition as pertaining to a plant-based diet.
This book is perfect for someone who wants detail—for example, the book goes through every single vitamin, what it does for you, and what foods contain it.
I read the first edition a few years ago when I was starting my plant-based journey, and I'm happy to see this book updated with the latest research and a clean new design.
This book is perfect for someone who wants detail—for example, the book goes through every single vitamin, what it does for you, and what foods contain it.
I read the first edition a few years ago when I was starting my plant-based journey, and I'm happy to see this book updated with the latest research and a clean new design.
September 4, 2016
After we read The China Study we decided to switch to a whole foods, plant-based diet, but it was hard at first to know what to eat to make sure we got all the right nutrients. This book was very helpful in that regard. Now instead of looking at food and just thinking about how it will taste, we also are more conscious about its nutritional properties.
January 23, 2012
Clearly written, well presented argument for, basically, eating more plants instead of heavily processed meat substitutes, dairy, and other unhealthy food. I've already started enjoying some of the recipes and plan to cook more of them.
November 6, 2014
I am glad to have an understanding of what it means to eat only plants in contrast to other health-focused nutrition. We're not going to do this in its entirety by any means, but it will definitely color my choices for what I purchase and what I cook from day to day.
November 21, 2014
Just what I was looking for.
Lots of good info I recommend this book to everybody. Julieanna explains everything you need to know. Can't wait to read all her books.
Lots of good info I recommend this book to everybody. Julieanna explains everything you need to know. Can't wait to read all her books.
July 22, 2015
Wasn't looking to go vegan, but this is helpful in learning about plants and their nutrition values.
December 26, 2018
The book debunks about certain foods like dairy, soy, etc. and raw diets aren't perfect, and there's no perfect diet. I have read numerous books on raw diets in the past, vegetarian, and now plant-based books or videos. I know since I was 18 have started getting acid reflux to name one condition that has stuck with me regardless of taking pills to stop or eliminate the issue in years when really you are relying on these meds that can cause other health related issues. I know I have been quite unsure about going vegan or vegetarian eating and tried/attempted in 2018 but plan to take it more seriously in 2019 because of health conditions which stemmed up in the past 4 years or so.
This book is quite informative, and packed with loads of information which I just want a simplified book on plant lifestyle. With that note, I am reading through it quite fast because I've read similar concepts or information in other books, or can be quite a bore when you are trying to get to the gist of it.
"Salmonella is 100% natural, organic, and locally fresh but it will make you sick and even kill you (page 106)." We know this to be true since we are having an issue with Romaine lettuce in 2018 with this illness and some deaths have happened (reported on the news). Now restaurants had to substitute their salads with green leaf lettuce instead of Romaine but other stores are still selling with disclaimers, yet right now, I will go with cabbage and green leaf salads.
I agree with reading the labels--I have became sick from eating foods with vital wheat gluten in vegan meats I've purchased this year and realized it was not the pasteurized eggs but the vegan meat! It took me nearly 10 months to realize this. Sometimes substitutions can do your body worse than better. Find those hidden ingredients. We get fooled with casein (seen in vegan so called products, which is a milk protein) and sugars using chemical names instead. We are also fooled by the term "natural" it is best to go with "organic"!
Overall, the book was okay.
Disclaimer: I am borrowing a copy from the local library and giving an honest opinion on the book (using for research purposes on diet/nutrition).
This book is quite informative, and packed with loads of information which I just want a simplified book on plant lifestyle. With that note, I am reading through it quite fast because I've read similar concepts or information in other books, or can be quite a bore when you are trying to get to the gist of it.
"Salmonella is 100% natural, organic, and locally fresh but it will make you sick and even kill you (page 106)." We know this to be true since we are having an issue with Romaine lettuce in 2018 with this illness and some deaths have happened (reported on the news). Now restaurants had to substitute their salads with green leaf lettuce instead of Romaine but other stores are still selling with disclaimers, yet right now, I will go with cabbage and green leaf salads.
I agree with reading the labels--I have became sick from eating foods with vital wheat gluten in vegan meats I've purchased this year and realized it was not the pasteurized eggs but the vegan meat! It took me nearly 10 months to realize this. Sometimes substitutions can do your body worse than better. Find those hidden ingredients. We get fooled with casein (seen in vegan so called products, which is a milk protein) and sugars using chemical names instead. We are also fooled by the term "natural" it is best to go with "organic"!
Overall, the book was okay.
Disclaimer: I am borrowing a copy from the local library and giving an honest opinion on the book (using for research purposes on diet/nutrition).
February 18, 2021
This is regarding the 2nd Ed of this book, co-written with Raymond Cronise: the ex-NASA scientist that guided Penn Jillette in his weight-loss journey documented in his book Presto!
As with Healthspan (also by Cronise) this book is science heavy, which the geek in me really loves. It helped reaffirm my decision to copy Jillette’s journey with my husband (he is unable to exercise due to disability and very limited mobility due to pain, yet the Dr recommends weight loss with no ideas on how he can achieve it). He and his co-author break down nutritional science in a way that’s easily digestible (pun intended).
Same complaint as with his other book- although he recommends this book when people ask about Jillette’s diet, it really isn’t detailed in either book and included recipes are NOT compliant with Jillette’s Phase 2 or 3.... which is Nutritarian (like Fuhrman’s Eat to Live plan- NO salt/oil/sugar), these recipes aren’t.
I think we will be following the science of things like the fed window and WFPB eating but our Phase 2 & 3 will be Nutritarian... mostly steamed veg Phase 2 (until we hit goal weight) and more seasonings and actual Nutritarian recipes added to the meal plan for Phase 3.
The book is intense and such a great read from the fact based science perspective, I’d definitely recommend it.
I wish I could get friends to read this stuff back when they all decided paleo and keto were their digs 🙄🙄🙄
Fad diets with high consumption of animals and their by-products are just horrible- for animals, for the earth, and for your body.
Fear of soy is irrational and traces directly back to the Weston A. Price Foundation, whose mission statement used to include that they were trying to get people to eat more animal products. It’s propaganda 🤷🏻♀️ Sad to see smart people fall for it.
As with Healthspan (also by Cronise) this book is science heavy, which the geek in me really loves. It helped reaffirm my decision to copy Jillette’s journey with my husband (he is unable to exercise due to disability and very limited mobility due to pain, yet the Dr recommends weight loss with no ideas on how he can achieve it). He and his co-author break down nutritional science in a way that’s easily digestible (pun intended).
Same complaint as with his other book- although he recommends this book when people ask about Jillette’s diet, it really isn’t detailed in either book and included recipes are NOT compliant with Jillette’s Phase 2 or 3.... which is Nutritarian (like Fuhrman’s Eat to Live plan- NO salt/oil/sugar), these recipes aren’t.
I think we will be following the science of things like the fed window and WFPB eating but our Phase 2 & 3 will be Nutritarian... mostly steamed veg Phase 2 (until we hit goal weight) and more seasonings and actual Nutritarian recipes added to the meal plan for Phase 3.
The book is intense and such a great read from the fact based science perspective, I’d definitely recommend it.
I wish I could get friends to read this stuff back when they all decided paleo and keto were their digs 🙄🙄🙄
Fad diets with high consumption of animals and their by-products are just horrible- for animals, for the earth, and for your body.
Fear of soy is irrational and traces directly back to the Weston A. Price Foundation, whose mission statement used to include that they were trying to get people to eat more animal products. It’s propaganda 🤷🏻♀️ Sad to see smart people fall for it.
January 8, 2018
"Plant-Based Nutrition" provides the basic information needed to understand the benefits of eating a whole-food, plant-based diet and how to do it. The authors kept the information pretty basic--what you need to know to eat healthy in a practical sense rather than lots of scientific discussions. The authors talked about why a whole-food, plant-based diet is desirable, the nutrition you need (protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals) and how it's generally easy to meet the minimum requirements from whole, plant foods. They talked about what supplements you might need to take and which do more harm than good.
They talked about dietary guidelines, nutrition myths and controversies (obviously just the most common ones), understanding nutrition claims on products at the store and how to shop successfully. They described the benefits of exercise and some basics about length and types of exercise. They talked about special nutrition considerations during pregnancy and for babies, children, seniors, athletes, and weight loss. They covered how a whole food, plant-based diet helps heal chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, and more.
They provided tips for eating out at restaurants, for the holidays and such, and information on how to convert recipes to animal-product-free versions (with dairy, egg, meat, oil substitutes). Then we got 45 recipes from various people. In general, they seemed to serve about 4 people and didn't look too complicated. Overall, this book is a good resource if you want basic information about a whole-food, plant-based diet.
I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
They talked about dietary guidelines, nutrition myths and controversies (obviously just the most common ones), understanding nutrition claims on products at the store and how to shop successfully. They described the benefits of exercise and some basics about length and types of exercise. They talked about special nutrition considerations during pregnancy and for babies, children, seniors, athletes, and weight loss. They covered how a whole food, plant-based diet helps heal chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, and more.
They provided tips for eating out at restaurants, for the holidays and such, and information on how to convert recipes to animal-product-free versions (with dairy, egg, meat, oil substitutes). Then we got 45 recipes from various people. In general, they seemed to serve about 4 people and didn't look too complicated. Overall, this book is a good resource if you want basic information about a whole-food, plant-based diet.
I received a free ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
January 19, 2018
If you are making an idiot's guide to plant-based nutrition, the single most important obstacle is going to be the food. You can't make this a lifestyle with a handful of mediocre recipes. This has 45 of them, which sounds like a lot until you break it into a section on smoothies (really?), deserts (again, really?) hummus & dips (again?). I'm not hosting a 6-course meal for Martha Stewart. Just give me some friggin grub to eat. This comes up short.
I got this because of Ray Cronise's name on it. If you don't know him, he's the mastermind behind Penn Jillette's weight loss. I followed it based on what I could figure out from Penn's book and dropped 80 lbs myself. I did it with 31 vegetable recipes I found. I had more practical recipes than this did. And among the 15 "main" dishes in this, you had plenty with grains, which I believe Penn said he did not eat while dropping weight. One dish had 622 calories, which was about 2 entire meals for me.
I wanted to drop another 15 and was hoping to get 45 great recipes since I was getting bored with mine. This was a big-time fail. The knowledge was good, but the food is boring. Vegetarians never seem to get that aspect. When I find cookbooks, they are full of processed garbage or fake meat-wanna-be food. Vegetarian sausage is as absurd as calling a hot dog a meat cucumber. If you are going to eat vegetables, then own it. The message I get is that it is a great way for rapid weight loss but not a practical lifestyle.
Your mileage may vary, but ultimately, I was really sad when I went through the recipes and returned the book.
I got this because of Ray Cronise's name on it. If you don't know him, he's the mastermind behind Penn Jillette's weight loss. I followed it based on what I could figure out from Penn's book and dropped 80 lbs myself. I did it with 31 vegetable recipes I found. I had more practical recipes than this did. And among the 15 "main" dishes in this, you had plenty with grains, which I believe Penn said he did not eat while dropping weight. One dish had 622 calories, which was about 2 entire meals for me.
I wanted to drop another 15 and was hoping to get 45 great recipes since I was getting bored with mine. This was a big-time fail. The knowledge was good, but the food is boring. Vegetarians never seem to get that aspect. When I find cookbooks, they are full of processed garbage or fake meat-wanna-be food. Vegetarian sausage is as absurd as calling a hot dog a meat cucumber. If you are going to eat vegetables, then own it. The message I get is that it is a great way for rapid weight loss but not a practical lifestyle.
Your mileage may vary, but ultimately, I was really sad when I went through the recipes and returned the book.
April 21, 2018
Good but not always completely clear
When I say not completely clear, I mean it in a couple ways. First, the information itself at times isn’t generally written enough for idiots. Yes, I know that Idiots books aren’t literally for idiots, but I didn’t always understand the explanations given. Having just finished Penn Jillette’s book (in which he sang the praises of one of this book’s authors and kind of explained a lot of the principles), I was hoping to understand a lot of the ideas Penn introduced better, but I’m not sure I do. Penn used lots of helpful metaphors and concepts that weren’t really addressed in this book.
The second way things aren’t completely clear is that I wasn’t totally convinced by some of the almost cultish health claims throughout the book about the benefits of their plant-based regime and the harms of animal foods they describe. I’m not saying the authors are wrong, it’s just that they didn’t give much writing effort to convincing skeptical readers of their claims. I felt like this would have helped, especially given how much of their advice is somewhat unconventional.
Nevertheless, I think it’s a refreshing diet and health book that is full of practical tips for changing over to an eating style that is very likely to improve one’s health and quality of life.
When I say not completely clear, I mean it in a couple ways. First, the information itself at times isn’t generally written enough for idiots. Yes, I know that Idiots books aren’t literally for idiots, but I didn’t always understand the explanations given. Having just finished Penn Jillette’s book (in which he sang the praises of one of this book’s authors and kind of explained a lot of the principles), I was hoping to understand a lot of the ideas Penn introduced better, but I’m not sure I do. Penn used lots of helpful metaphors and concepts that weren’t really addressed in this book.
The second way things aren’t completely clear is that I wasn’t totally convinced by some of the almost cultish health claims throughout the book about the benefits of their plant-based regime and the harms of animal foods they describe. I’m not saying the authors are wrong, it’s just that they didn’t give much writing effort to convincing skeptical readers of their claims. I felt like this would have helped, especially given how much of their advice is somewhat unconventional.
Nevertheless, I think it’s a refreshing diet and health book that is full of practical tips for changing over to an eating style that is very likely to improve one’s health and quality of life.
December 12, 2018
This book is hands down the BEST guide to plant-based nutrition! It is extremely lengthy, but well written and incredibly informative. I follow a plant-based lifestyle and am familiar with a lot of the topics that were discussed but it was nice to be able to read about them more in-depth. I was very impressed by the Pregnancy and Beyond section as that's something not discussed much in the plant-based world, but yet so important. There is also a large section on Athletes which I found helpful for my husband.
Oh and of course, this book includes lots of delicious recipes from Julieanna! I had the pleasure of hearing her speak at a Food Is Medicine conference last year and she was spectacular! Julieanna is incredibly friendly and energetic--her passion for plant-based eating shines through her personality and everything she does. The only thing that could make this book better would be photographs of the recipes, as my husband usually judges what we cook based on what the final dish looks like.
*Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. However, all opinions are my own.*
Oh and of course, this book includes lots of delicious recipes from Julieanna! I had the pleasure of hearing her speak at a Food Is Medicine conference last year and she was spectacular! Julieanna is incredibly friendly and energetic--her passion for plant-based eating shines through her personality and everything she does. The only thing that could make this book better would be photographs of the recipes, as my husband usually judges what we cook based on what the final dish looks like.
*Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. However, all opinions are my own.*
February 23, 2018
I like how this is focused on the science behind the nutrition instead of relying on emotional dialogue. The medical journal paper (referenced in the book) is a good companion piece to the book if you are interested in the actual measurements. Also listening to talk/podcasts with Ray Cronise help to solidify the approach/ data that led to the conclusions asserted this book. If the book were complete to include these things I would be able to give it a 5. If I only had this book to go on and hadn't read the references I think it would feel incomplete. This is coming from a long-time plant based eater though so I'm probably outside of the target audience. It's a good intro and included some ideas and data that I hadn't thought about yet too. I'm super analytical and skeptical so I really need all of the hows and whys before I buy in to a conclusion- this book kind of skips along the surface- but again- if it had gone deeper it would have likely lost most of the intended audience so if you need it- download a copy of the paper published in the medical journal.
December 1, 2017
DK has published a very scientific view of following a plant-based diet, and outlines all of the benefits and nutritional information associated. Though the book was very thorough and full of facts, the eARC was lacking in the magnificent photographs and other illustrations for which DK is famous.
I liked the chapter ‘Controversies Clarified,’ which explained commonly held beliefs about excluding animal products from your diet, and the ‘Finding Hidden Ingredients’ section, which helps identify what does and does not contain animal products.
Also includes chapters on supplements, fitness, plant-based pregnancy, raising children, feeding seniors nutritionally, meat replacements and a few recipes.
A great, factual, unemotional reference for following a plant based diet.
*eARC Netgalley*
I liked the chapter ‘Controversies Clarified,’ which explained commonly held beliefs about excluding animal products from your diet, and the ‘Finding Hidden Ingredients’ section, which helps identify what does and does not contain animal products.
Also includes chapters on supplements, fitness, plant-based pregnancy, raising children, feeding seniors nutritionally, meat replacements and a few recipes.
A great, factual, unemotional reference for following a plant based diet.
*eARC Netgalley*
March 14, 2018
Plant based diet is supported by research and sound reasoning. It’s a health focus avoiding the tendency to promote a cause. I’ve always been told that vegetarians and vegans get enough protein. However, no one ever adequately explained how it happens. Ms. Hever s explains it very well, succinctly, and in an easy was to grasp the concept. Her approach is a “can do” approach versus “ you can’t do”. This is a lifestyle that is doable for me. A lifestyle I’ve wanted to do. I have made such attempts, even made it for two years. However, it was always a struggle and challenge. I have been implementing these ideas for three weeks now. It has been so much easier to do and I started feeling better within two days. My body is moving better, I’m sleeping better, and my bones are feeling stronger.
June 25, 2018
I came across this book after listening to the authors on the Rich Roll podcast. It was a lot of science to digest, but personally that is exactly what I need to fully buy into a concept. I wish I had bought it as a paperback instead of on kindle as it will act as a reference book that I need to go back to again and again. If plant based diets, health, nutrition, weight management or disease prevention are things you’re curious about or need help with, I’d definitely recommend this book. There are also specialist sections for athletes, pregnancy, how to raise children on a plant based diet, etc.
February 15, 2018
I have read a lot of Plant-Based Nutrition books ( I have been following the Forks over Knives and Engine 2 plans for years now) and this one is Bloody Brilliant. I plan on buying the paperback version of this book (my current is an ebook from Netgalley) for myself and for a couple of my friends. It is really that good! Not only does it explain and map out everything you need to know about plant-based nutrition, eating and diet. BUT it has some fabulous recipes as well. If you have been contemplating the plant-based lifestyle start here, then expand.
July 21, 2021
I would say an average book on par with many other nutrition guides. I rate it below average though because she didn't list her sources for many of the research studies she referenced. She did have a lot of alarmist type views on some things and her opinion is clearly written into this book. Not a bad thing but without source citation it is hard to take seriously. I did really enjoy the "The Least You Need To Know" sections at the end of each chapter to succinctly wrap it all up and remind us of what was most important.
October 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I switched to an Alkaline Plant Based diet and this book helped explain what we are missing from meat, how to make sure we are getting all our nutrients. It's not alkaline based but it had very good information in here. I'm saving this one for future reference. If you are thinking about going vegan, plant based, or alkaline, read this book and it will clear up alot of confusion.
August 27, 2019
I have been researching different diets to reduce inflammation and reduce fibromyalgia pain. I have cut out red meat, most carbs, and dairy. I was interested in this book to get more recipes and continue my research on eating mainly vegetables.
I was very pleased with the recipients in this book and I enjoyed the section on vitamins. I plan to read her “The Vegiterranean diet” book next.
I received this galley from NetGalley.
I was very pleased with the recipients in this book and I enjoyed the section on vitamins. I plan to read her “The Vegiterranean diet” book next.
I received this galley from NetGalley.
February 9, 2018
Good information and I liked the format of the chapters. I especially like the "Least You Need to Know" section at the end of each chapter.
My only issue is the authors are extremely fat phobic. They do a good job of explaining their position but I think there is solid evidence to the contrary. They even manage to take anti-fat shots at olive oil.
:(
My only issue is the authors are extremely fat phobic. They do a good job of explaining their position but I think there is solid evidence to the contrary. They even manage to take anti-fat shots at olive oil.
:(
February 17, 2018
This is "Da Bomb"!!!
What a surprise! What I thought was a simple guide turned out to be a concise, well written cornucopia of facts. Written by Julieanna Hever and Raymond I Cronise, this book is exactly what I needed to start my journey to better health. Nevah thought I'd give up bacon, but needs just sometimes.
What a surprise! What I thought was a simple guide turned out to be a concise, well written cornucopia of facts. Written by Julieanna Hever and Raymond I Cronise, this book is exactly what I needed to start my journey to better health. Nevah thought I'd give up bacon, but needs just sometimes.
February 27, 2018
This will be the bible on plant based nutrition. Hever and Cronise are going to be the next rockstars of plant based eating. Their research and knowledge of the subject is deep and thorough. Julianna Hever is online as The Plant Based Dietitian and Ray is the person who helped Penn Jillette lose his 100 pounds in 85 days.
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