Meet Monica, our Herbie of the week! Monica is a plant-based mom, who was even plant-based during her fourth pregnancy! She's talking to us about raising a plant-based family. Thanks, Monica!



Q: Please give us a little history about yourselves?

My sister-in-law and my nephew became vegan (eating a lot of vegan "crap", though!) around 2005 and I, like many others, were pretty skeptical of their choice, even though I had always struggled myself with the …

We've included 12 new recipes in this week's meal plans, but we've also included an exclusive e-book on minimalist meals. I've written this e-book on how to make simple, fast, meals that are hassle free. New in the Individual Plan: Chocolate Oatmeal Tri-Color Scramble Tofu Scramble Portobello Wraps Mexican Broccoli & Potato Bowl “Steak” Tacos New in the Family Plan: Chocolate Oatmeal Portobello Wraps Tri-Color Wraps Mexican Broccoli & Potato Bowl Easy Beans & Rice “Steak” Tacos Get the …

I've been getting a few emails and messages lately along these lines:

* I went 100% plant-based last week. I have more energy and feel great except I feel bloated, have gas and sometimes my stomach really hurts. What gives?

* I went vegan, but I feel really tired, I thought I was supposed to be full of energy? I'm also HUNGRY.

* I'm happy I cleaned up my diet and eat whole foods, but the cravings …

I used to be the kind of person that wouldn't allow myself to deal with the emotions I was feeling- when I was feeling them. I would bottle them up and they would show their head in ways that I hadn't intended. I'd take my anger out on the wrong person, or would cry at even the simplest thing like feeling as though someone gave me a rude look.

Coming from a minimalist position, all this extra emotions being carried …

When Scott and I were driving across country,we headed to Chicago. Scott went to see the White Sox play and I met up with Andrea :)

After the game, Scott & I went to Chicago Diner with Andrea. We'd been there before on a previous trip and were looking forward to a repeat.

I ordered the country fried steak, mostly because it had mashed potatoes and gravy (I LOVE mashed potatoes and gravy) and country fried steak is an inside …