Happy Herbivore Blog

Back in December, Deb left the following comment on Happy Herbivore's Facebook page: "I turned 55, went vegan and ran my first 5K!"

I was so inspired that I reached out to Deb and asked her if I could interview her as part of the Herbie of the Week series. Thankfully, this incredible woman agreed!

HH: What was your health like before you went vegan?

I was overweight, with high blood pressure, heartburn and chronic sinus infections. Also, there is high risk of cancer in my family; my mom had breast cancer and my sister had it 12 years ago and was recently diagnosed with it again. So, of course, I always have the fear that I will get it.

HH: How did you find your way to a plant-based (vegan) lifestyle?

My oldest daughter and her family started eating healthier and she started a blog. My daughter told me I had to watch the movie FOK in October of 2011. I watched it and I was really impressed. I decided to go vegan for 28 days. I did do it thanks to my daughter posting on her blog that her mom was going vegan for 28 days; I might have been tempted to quit if she hadn't put the pressure on me.  

HH: Was the 28-day challenge hard for you? Did you quit after the 28 days?

It was a lot easier than I thought. I decided to keep going to become even healthier. I have 3 grandkids and I want to be able to keep up with them. 

HH: You mentioned you ran a 5K, which is incredible. Have you experienced any other benefits?

I have lost 20 pounds, am off 1 blood pressure med and hope to be off the second one soon. I only very rarely have heartburn even without medication. I almost immediately get heartburn if I start to eat dairy more. I have also had less sinus infections.

HH: Tell us more about the 5K! What prompted you to train for — and complete— a 5K?
 
My youngest daughter started training for a 5K, and I started the Couch to 5K program as well so I could keep her motivated. When I started, I could hardly run 3 minutes — but before I knew it, I was running 20 minutes with no problem. My daughter quit training but once I start something, I don't stop — so in October 2011, just after my 55th birthday, I ran my first 5K and ran the whole way in 44 minutes. Not the best time, but I did it. One funny thing about the run was that it was held at a retirement village! My oldest daughter was training to run a half marathon at the time and ran the race with me. It was awesome, my whole family was there to cheer me on and my 2 granddaughters, ages 3 and 5 ran with me at the end. 

HH: That's amazing! So I'm guessing your family is totally on board and supportive of your diet and lifestyle change?

My family is very supportive and most of my friends are too. I enjoy cooking vegan and trying different recipes and ingredients. I use your cookbooks a lot. My husband isn't vegan, so I do cook 2 different dishes lots of the time, but he is pretty good about trying new things. My youngest daughter asked me how I can give up cheese — I told her I don't really miss it that much, and I would rather give up cheese than health.

HH: Thanks, Deb, for sharing your story with us! I hope you have many more 5Ks in your future! You are an inspiration!

UPDATE: "I also suffered from migraines and since I became plant-strong, I hardly ever have them anymore."

Prepare for a fiesta in your mouth with Cinco de Mayo recipes like Black Bean Tostadas with Crema (both plans), Nachos, and Mexican Mac & Cheese. Plus, welcome May with more amazing new recipes such as Raspberry Bliss Smoothie (both plans), Cowboy Caviar (family), Black Bean & Pineapple Quinoa Salad (individual) and Maple Sweet Potato (both plans), alongside favorites like Pizza and Broccoli Marinara.

Individual Highlights

• Maple Sweet Potato (NEW!)
• Nachos with Queso
  
• Berry Berry Quinoa
  
• Mexican Bowl
  
• Raspberry Bliss Smoothie (NEW!)
  
• Easy Enchilada Bake
  
• Mexican Mac & Cheese
  
• Black Bean Tostadas with Crema (NEW!)
  
• Skinny Puttanesca
  
• Black Bean & Pineapple Quinoa Salad (NEW!)

Get this meal plan now.

Family Highlights

• Raspberry Bliss Oatmeal (NEW!)
• Broccoli Mac & Cheese
  
• Easy Enchilada Bake
  
• Nacho Night
  
• Cowboy Caviar (NEW!)
  
• Cool Noodle Bowl
  
• Black Bean Tostada with Crema (NEW!)
  
• Blueberry Bliss Oatmeal
  
• Make Your Own Personal Pizza
  
• Maple Sweet Potato (NEW!)

Get this meal plan now.

Testimonials

"Thanks for all the health gains I've made by using your meal plans. Since using them in combination with regular exercise, I've lost 25.4 inches!" - Sammi J.

"Ok, so I'm signed up for your family meal plans and we've loved everything so far!!! I wouldn't have ever put BBQ and chickpeas together, but we love them! Even my 20=month toddler! Yummy yummy!" - Lou S.

Get the current meal plan now.

Rip says he and I are kindred spirits, and I couldn't agree more. I adore Rip (and his entire family!). 

When I was visiting him in Austin last year, he spilled the beans on his new book, My Beef with Meat. I was practically jumping around in his kitchen I was so excited. I even wrote a few recipes for the book!

Anyway, a few months ago, Rip emailed me an early copy of his new book (that he co-authored with his "razzle dazzle" sister Jane!), asking if I'd write an endorsement. I curled up on the couch that night and read the entire book in a few hours. I just couldn't put it down. I kept fist pumping the air screaming "YES!" 

Here's my endorsement for the book: 

"This book is revolutionary! It dispels all the nutrition myths that cause sickness and confusion in our society. Rip is straight-forward, succinct and caring with his delivery of information that will save your life. Arm yourself with knowledge and delicious plant-strong recipes!"

Yep. That sums it up. Seriously — this book is INCREDIBLE and tackles every "myth" you've heard. This book is great for those looking to go plant-strong but that have questions or concerns, those who want to give the gift of health and inspire a loved one to eat more plants OR those who are already plant-strong and are hungry for more recipes!

Today, Rip is graciously giving away two (2!!) copies of his new book, My Beef with Meat, to two lucky Herbies! (The book's not even out yet!!!) 

AND he's sharing a new recipe from the book: Kale Ceviche Salad!

Rip's Kale Ceviche Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes
Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

1 bunch kale, stripped and chopped
1/4 cup oil-free hummus
½ lemon, juiced
¼ - ½ tsp salt
½ tsp red chili flakes
½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 small carrot, grated
½ purple onion, diced
11 oz. mandarin oranges (about 3 oranges)

Instructions:

Throw stripped and chopped kale leaves in a large bowl with hummus, lemon juice, salt, and red chili flakes. Mash and massage the hummus into the kale with your hands until the hummus is spread evenly — like a dressing — throughout the kale. Stir in red bell pepper, carrot, purple onion, and mandarin oranges. If you can, let the salad sit for 30 minutes before serving — if not, dive in!

For a chance to win a copy of Rip's new book out May 14th, post a comment below sharing your favorite way to eat kale! (This contest is limited to the U.S. and Canada — Sorry!)

For an extra entry, follow @Engine2Diet on Twitter. (Make sure to follow me, @HappyHerbivore, on Twitter too!) and leave a comment sharing your Twitter handle. 

P.S. You can also "like" Engine 2 Diet and Happy Herbivore on Facebook!

And don't forget to pre-order your copy of My Beef with Meat today!!!