I've been getting a lot of emails asking for an explanation of the term "processed" — what is a processed food exactly? Is X food more processed than Y food? Is Z food processed? 

Here's an example of a recent email:

My sister contends that both wine and oils are processed, so is wine not okay as oil is not okay? Any suggestions?

Anything that isn't a whole food is technically processed. For …

Productivity has been a popular topic on Minimalist Monday. It's one of those things I keep trying to get better at, especially as I dive deeper and deeper into my minimalism.

My big breakthrough was when I stopped multi-tasking and started to single task. It's shocking how much more productive you are when you narrow in and stop jumping between tasks. It goes against all logic, but you accomplish so much less when you multi-task. (If you haven't read …

If you've been reading this blog for awhile (or cooking from my cookbooks!), this probably won't surprise you, but — I love biscuits.

They're great for breakfast, packed into your lunch, on the table with dinner, or slathered with a little jam for a snack. 

American-style biscuits are just so easy and they always add a little something extra to any meal. (The biscuit is also my primary vehicle for getting gravy — which I also LOVE! — into …

You've got questions...

Q: I want to introduce more plant-based meals to my family. My son is particularly picky when it comes to fruits and veggies. If I were going to pick 2 of the Happy Herbivore cookbooks to start, which 2 would you recommend for the transition?

A: My advice is to thumb through the tables of contents of each (at the bookstore or online, Amazon has a generous "look inside" feature, especially if you are logged in — …

Would you like to sample 14 recipes from my new cookbook? 

And would you like to get Happy Herbivore Light & Lean in NOVEMBER instead of December (Official release date Dec. 3rd 2013)..... ???

You can! 

Here's how: Once you've preordered Happy Herbivore Light & Lean (from any online or physical vendor), send your payment confirmation email (or any copy of your receipt) to hhlightandlean(at)gmail(dot)com and my publisher will send you a digital copy …