Back in November, Gina posted this beautiful picture of herself on Happy Herbivore's wall with the following caption:

"This time last year, I was telling everyone how thankful I was to have found you; I'd lost 30 lbs. cooking from your cookbooks and blog. Now, a year later, I can say I'm over 130 lbs. lost, due to your methods of cooking delicious food easily and quickly (and especially the meal plans!)! Thank you doesn't seem …

New recipes this week: Leek & Potato Soup (individual), Chickpea Gravy Bowl (both plans), and Spicy Black Bean & Corn Wrap (both plans). PLUS tons of fan faves that YOU keep requesting such as Chocolate Shake, Pecan Sweet Potato Bake, Hippie Loaf, Pineapple Quinoa Salad, and so many more easy "weeknight" recipes!

Individual Highlights

• Double Chocolate Muffin (single serving!)
• Hippie Loaf
• Cinnamon-Apple Oatmeal
• Leek & Potato Soup (NEW!)
• BBQ Rice & Veg
• Pecan Sweet Potato Bake
• Chickpea Gravy Bowl (NEW!)
• …

It's unfortunate, but most of us will come into contact with a "naysayer" when we switch to a plant-based diet. If that never happened to you, you are very lucky (and we're all jealous) but chances are you've experienced a naysayer, or you will at some point in your life.

Before I talk about ways to respond and deal with naysayers, there are two things you need to know (and keep in mind).

1. If someone is attacking you …

Recently, I complimented a stranger on an outfit she was wearing. It was as simple as "I just wanted to say how much I love your dress." The stranger practically broke into tears and said, "Thank you. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that today." 

It made me think back to an experience I had about a year ago when I'd told a cashier to "Have a nice day," as I always try to do, and …

After our Start Your Own Community Potluck post aired, several Herbies wrote in asking for more details on the "how to." Having not done one myself (I know! The shame!), I started thinking about suggestions and advice when Kelita emailed me saved the day! 

A few days after my potluck post, Kelita told me about a recent plant-based potluck at her church. Her experiences answered many of the questions I and other Herbies had about potlucks in general, so …