There are so many great books I want to read about health, wellness, nutrition and beyond. I keep thinking back to how much I enjoyed being part of the book club in my local library and how fun it is to talk about books I'm reading with others, that I thought I'd start an online book club with my friends at Engine 2, the Herbies and anyone else who wants in on the fun!

Each month we'll be reading a …

Last week we met Deanna, who went off her blood pressure medicine and has more energy now than ever. This week we met Kay, whose birthday was yesterday (happy belated!) and has lowered her cholesterol and lost almost 40 lbs!

HH: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I turned 74 years old on the 28th of February. In January, my husband and I celebrated our fifty-fourth wedding anniversary. We have four children and ten grandchildren. In 2009, we …

There are 7 new meals in this week's plan! More great new recipes than before plus fan favorites, like the Nachos with Quick Queso & Skinny Puttanesca!

New Meals & Recipes:

• Hawaiian Oatmeal
• Chickpea Love Wrap
• Greek Goddess Pita
• Cinnamon Apple Toast
• Teriyaki Chickpea Salad
• Spinach Tomato Pilaf
• Supreme Sweet Potato Bowl

Testimonials:

"They are so simple and so tasty! Seven weeks in and I've lost 22 lbs, and I'm never hungry. Whole foods are now so appealing …

Several months ago, when my friend Gin, a professional makeup artist, guest blogged on Happy Herbivore about vegan makeup and skincare, I mentioned in passing that I used baking soda to wash my face. 

Dozens of questions came in on how I did it -- and they're still coming in! so this morning, as soon as I woke up, I made a video.

I'm even in my pajamas.

I really do love washing my face …

Oh sugar, sweet, sweet sugar. There are so many ways to use you, from sweetening cakes to drinks to coating berries. Sugar is almost everywhere, even fruit naturally has sugar in it.

There are many people who choose to restrict or not consume sugar - whether it is a medical reason, like diabetes, or a personal one, like wanting something less processed.  

Several common sugar substitutes on the market, such as agave nectar, honey, stevia, and date sugar, just to …