I could not have been more thrilled when I learned that Lani Muelrath was working on The Plant-Based Journey -A Step-by-Step Guide for Transitioning to a Healthy Lifestyle and Achieving Your Ideal Weight.* I had a HUGE hunch that this book would be filled with endless, helpful knowledge regarding this amazing Plant-Based lifestyle. I was right!! As long as I have known Lani, she has never hesitated to put herself out there, by reaching out to so many of us with suggestions, tips, and even her own personal experiences, to help guide us in our path to lead a healthier life. You guys are going to fall in love with this book. Promise.
I began my plant-based journey four years ago, and I feel as though my experiences (good and bad) have been plenty. If only I could turn back time to four years ago (actually, to when I was born would be nice, lol), and have this book planted in my lap (Ha~I made a funny). WOW!!! In the book, Lani mentions that she has been on this journey for over four decades. Say WHAT?? Four decades? Now that is someone I want to learn from. That is someone I want to hang onto every word regarding this lifestyle, and soak up all of her knowledge I possibly can. THAT is someone who can help ME along in my journey.
How about you? Are you new to this lifestyle? Have you been plant-based for a while? Leave a comment below to enter our GIVEAWAY of The Plant-Based Journey. Open to U.S. and Canada readers only. Tell us why you are interested in learning more about a plant-based lifestyle, or why you chose to pursue your plant-based journey. Winner will be chosen randomly, and announced on the blog Tuesday, September 8th. (Update at the bottom of this post -Winner of our Giveaway)
Ok, back to the book. Check out the complete Table of Contents here, so you can see for yourself why I am so excited.
I enjoyed many sections in this book. I was shaking my head, at all of the information that Lani covers, that I learned the “hard way” on my journey. Information that would have been great to know, prior to beginning this lifestyle. For example, in Chapter 4, Lani discusses fiber. For those that are plant-based already, you KNOW where I am headed with this. I was one of those peeps that jumped straight into this lifestyle, and went from eating pretty much ZERO fiber (I mean come on, I ate fast food everyday -is there fiber in fast food? There you have it), to everything I started eating had fiber. Talk about tummy issues, and more tummy issues, and did I mention tummy issues? I will spare you the details, lol. Well, Lani discusses in the book the importance of fiber in our diet, and how it impacts our health. She also mentions that if you were like I was prior to eating plant-based (fyi -fiber deficient), that it might take some time for our body to adjust, and work our way up to the higher fiber content that a plant-based lifestyle entails. Basically, ease in more slowly. Great info to know. I know that may sound silly to some, but this is info I would have loved to have read, and learned about prior to all those tummy issues in the beginning.
That was just an example of one small section that hit home to me. The entire book is filled with inspiration, motivation, along with the “why’s”, the “how to’s”. Lani gives us readers every opportunity to jump in, and give this amazing lifestyle a try. As she eloquently points out, we do not need to worry about being “plant perfect”, just “perfect enough”. I LOVE that! Honestly, just take it one day at a time, one meal at a time, one vegetable at a time. Lani gives us all of the knowledge, and tools needed to set us up for plant-based success. The choice is ours if we want to use it.
Lani also gathered over 1,200 responses to surveys about personal experiences on the plant-based journey. She asked specific questions regarding what readers found helped them successfully advance along this path, and what worked for them. I do not know about you, but I am always inspired, and motivated by others that are living this lifestyle successfully. She shares many stories, and readers tips from those just like you and I.
Another favorite section in this book was Chapter 8: Creating Systems for Success. She includes easy plant-based meal planners, go-to meals, and numerous recipe templates. Most of the time, all I need is a great template to start with, so I can create healthy, delicious, plant-based meals. These templates will definitely be used frequently. She has included templates for breakfast, salads, burgers, sauces, spreads, bowls, soups, etc… The opportunity for delicious, plant-based meals are definitely there if you choose to give it a whirl.
Speaking of healthy, delicious meals. Here are a couple of recipes I devoured from the book. They paired well together, and I am always in the mood for some yummy chili. Pictured below is Lani’s Game-Changer Chili, and Country Comfort Corn Bread. Recipes shared with permission from publisher, BenBella Books, Inc.
CLICK HERE for recipe
Whether you are new to this lifestyle, been on this journey for a bit, or just curious about it, I could not recommend this book enough. Lani has answers to your questions, suggestions, and tips on what will work best for your journey. Lani provides you all the resources to support this lifestyle that you could ask for. Curious to what a plant-based plate looks like? Grab this book. Lani’s book will help you, and support you every step of the way.
What are you waiting for?? Give it a GO!! Share with your friends, and family. Most importantly, do it for YOU. You deserve it.
Update 9/8/15: Congrats to Sarah O, the winner of our giveaway!! Enjoy your Plant-Based Journey 🙂
CLICK HERE* to grab your very own copy.
CLICK HERE* for the Kindle Version. You do not necessarily need a kindle to read the kindle version of this book. Download the free Amazon Kindle App, and you can view the book from your smartphone, pad, computer, etc…
(P.S. If you pre-order now, Lani will send you bonus gifts. More info here.)
NOTE: Every day for the month of September – Journey’s launch month – a blogger will feature a review and profile of the book. Check out the blogs below, during Lani’s #pbjblogtour. Follow along HERE.
We would LOVE for you to connect with us on Twitter @laurayblack, Pinterest, Instagram @plantbasedjunkies, or Snapchat @pbjunkies. Feel free to use hashtag #plantbasedjunkies, so we can stay connected.
Disclosure: The publisher sent me a copy of the book to review. This post contains affiliate links, indicated by a *.
Cindy Read says
September 2, 2015 at 8:32 amI feel my best eating a plantbased diet. Making the changes gradually I think made it alot easier. My husband as well is plantbased and he cooks more now than he ever did!!
Dee kilgore says
September 2, 2015 at 10:01 amStarted this journey two years ago to lower cholesterol. Lost weight and lost the pain of arthritis in hips and knees! For the arthritis alone I could never go back. Oh yeah, cholesterol lowered and ratios ideal!
Sarah says
September 2, 2015 at 1:38 pmThis book looks so interesting! I had my third child two months ago and have been eating a clean diet for my health, weight loss and well being. Lately I have been looking into a whole food plant based diet and so far I feel incredible! I can definitely tell the difference and I’d love to learn more!
Lani Muelrath says
September 13, 2015 at 8:03 amSarah, Congratulations and promise to let me know when your copy of The Plant-Based Journey arrives!
And thanks to everyone for joining in the fun here. And especially to Laura, for being such a gracious and generous host!
Lani
Lani Muelrath recently posted…Can You Eat Plant-Based While on Safari in Africa? (pictures!) PLUS feeding baby elephant and giraffe from a bottle (video!)
Laura Runs a Latte says
September 2, 2015 at 2:00 pmI went vegan May 2010 for the animals. Since then I’ve transitioned to a whole foods, plant-based diet to more easily maintain my (125-pound) weight loss. This lifestyle has also been tremendously beneficial to my running endurance!
Laura Runs a Latte recently posted…Wordless Wednesday
sheri says
September 2, 2015 at 3:22 pmI’ve been plant based for 3 1/2 years, but I always feel I can learn to be better! I love Lani’s positive attitude and she seems to get younger everytime I see her, so I’d like her book to learn her secrets! 🙂
Lani Muelrath says
September 2, 2015 at 6:23 pmSheri – you must tell me where we’ve met! I always love to find out how our paths cross! Thanks for your lovely comments!
Nikki Books says
September 2, 2015 at 4:00 pmI am making the change. I started with slow steps followed up with some giant steps. I am so proud of all of the negative and toxic things I am eliminating from my diet. And I have been able to make huge strides in my fight with overeating or mindless eating. I am not perfect but I am content with the progress. Most of all I am thrilled to be influencing my wonderful husband, 6 y.o. daughter and 5 y.o. son to eat more fruits and vegetables. I love to eat clean and try new recipes. Pick me, pick me!!!!
Lani Muelrath says
September 2, 2015 at 6:56 pmNikki, you make such an important point with your post. You say:
“I started with slow steps followed up with some giant steps.”
Everyone has a different transition trajectory, and you make that point so simply. Some people can only make small microchanges at a time, some can make many. And some, a combination thereof!
” I am so proud of all of the negative and toxic things I am eliminating from my diet. ”
Recognizing our progress and even small changes we have made is huge! Congratulations on this.
“And I have been able to make huge strides in my fight with overeating or mindless eating. ”
Spectacular. I can tell we have a lot in common.
Thanks for sharing!
Lani
Lani Muelrath says
September 2, 2015 at 4:22 pmThank you Laura for this spectacular review! I’m so excited that you like Journey – and can see how helpful she is going to be as a new additoin to plant-based book collections everywhere.
Good luck everyone with the giveaway!
Sheila says
September 2, 2015 at 4:25 pmI watched Forks Over Knives over two years ago and it changed my life. Then I read Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease and realized that my genes do not control my destiny. I’m never going back to the way I used to eat, and I feel great.
Cyd Notter says
September 2, 2015 at 6:22 pmMy journey began over 20 years ago. I was eating an unhealthy vegetarian diet, then graduated to an unhealthy vegan diet. The lights finally came on in 2008. A whole foods, plant-based diet is satisfying, delicious, and SO nutritious! Let me encourage others whose journey may have started poorly…..remember, it is just that: a journey. Keep pressing on. It becomes second nature and you will NEVER regret it.
Jasmine says
September 3, 2015 at 9:21 amAfter years of being vegetarian, I went plant based 18 months ago to better support animal welfare. Can’t say that I mind the improved personal health benefits!
Texas Susan says
September 3, 2015 at 4:15 pmI’ve been off-and-on vegan for years. I need help to stay ON for life!
Lydia Claire says
September 5, 2015 at 11:10 pmI have been vegan for a few years but I want to transition to a healthier non-processed plant based diet.
Kate Marlowe says
September 7, 2015 at 10:01 amI am transitioning back to a plant-based diet after diagnosis of SIBO and being led by western medicine to believe a meat-based diet was mandatory. Resources such as this will help me in making the transition gradually so that I feel the least amount of withdrawal and side effects.
Rhonda Ramsey says
September 7, 2015 at 10:10 amI am a Vegan, but could really use some new ideas. This Chili & Cornbread recipe looks delicious! My hubs is on the border of being Vegan, and I am trying to come up with something other than beans & rice to persuade him to jump in!
Lani Muelrath says
September 7, 2015 at 10:41 amHey Rhonda – you are right, Game Changer Chili and Country Comfort Cornbread are so named for a reason! These would be great to serve your guy!
Lani Muelrath recently posted…Are You In My New Book? PLUS The Plant-Based Journey Blog Tour and Complete Table of Contents
Terri Cole says
September 7, 2015 at 10:26 amI went vegan 3 and a half years ago, after being “almost veg” AKA pescatarian for at least 15 years. Ostensibly I had stopped eating meat for the animals. I reached the point where I had to call bullshit on myself. I weighed nearly 300 pounds and I knew that my diet was not healthy or humane. So it was pretty much eggs and cheese (and the occasional piece of fish) that I quit eating.
I have managed to lose more than 80 pounds, but I need to lose at least 40 more. I struggle with staying away from junk food. I know it’s sabotaging my efforts to lose weight and be healthy, but I still give in to french fries and vegan goodies.
Lani Muelrath says
September 7, 2015 at 10:43 amTerri, impressive on the 80 pounds and congratulations. It can take a new inspiration to get going further along the journey – hope that you find The Plant-Based Journey to be just the ticket for the next leg of your ride.
Good luck on the entry and thanks for posting!
Lani Muelrath
Lani Muelrath recently posted…Are You In My New Book? PLUS The Plant-Based Journey Blog Tour and Complete Table of Contents
marsha schauer says
September 7, 2015 at 10:37 amI have been plant strong for over 4 yrs now and have even converted my friend, fitolddog, a 70+ Ironman competitor to eating plants. I enjoy new recipes, more knowledge and ideas, for this wonderful gift. Plus, hoping for more safari pictures! Thanks.
DJ says
September 7, 2015 at 10:57 amThese recipes look amazing, especially using bulgur as an ingredient in the chili. I debated whether I could commit to a plant-based diet, trying it off and on for a couple of years, before finally jumping in this summer, fully convinced. Finding tried-and-true recipes, cookbooks and websites has been a godsend. Thanks for posting these.
Tammy says
September 7, 2015 at 11:30 amI’m having allot of issues with food sensitivities and digestive troubles (IBS, High and low acid, breaking down protein, etc) and know that I would really benefit from switching to a plant-based diet, as I feel my best when I cut out sugar and animal products. This is something I am working towards, so I could really use all the help I can get. Winning this would certainly set me on the right path!
Jim keegan says
September 7, 2015 at 11:59 amMy journey began three years ago with a goal of healthy eating and living a strong life. Although my journey has not been perfect, I have enjoyed every step along the way. I also take comfort in knowing a I am playing a small part in alleviating the suffering of other living things. Where do I get my protein?? Let me tell ya. Got an hour?
Diane says
September 7, 2015 at 12:50 pmI have always had a weight issue and have worked very hard to stay at healthy weightand eat healthy. Now that I have entered into my 60 it is more important than ever to eat healthy. I am very interested in learning more about plant based eating and see if this is the answer for me.
Lani Muelrath says
September 10, 2015 at 9:12 pmDiane, me too! I’m now 63 and struggled with weight for over 30 of those, and have now kept 50 lbs off for over 17 years. Even though a vegetarian for over 40 years, it wasn’t until I really ‘got’ whole food plant-based together with the other tools of lifestyle transformation – the frame of mind and physical activity – that it all came together for me. I’m very excited about the possibilities for you!
Lani Muelrath recently posted…Protected: BenBella Vegan Bites Launch QA
Fay Eastwood says
September 7, 2015 at 4:15 pmLooks like a great addition to my plant based library!
Jenny N says
September 7, 2015 at 5:51 pmI love eating plant based and I learn so many new things everyday. Would love to check this cookbook out!
Angie johnson says
September 7, 2015 at 10:42 pmDoc said I needed to be on pb diet so I’m trying to change my lifestyle and Try new approach. Starting to enjoy the new taste adventures. I’m hoping to find recipes to demo using my Tupperware items so I can help shown others if I can do it and enjoy the changes of a pb diet they can too 🙂 enjoy your day 🙂