Today's inspirational interviewee is coming to us from sunny, California, only not so long ago Candice a.k.a. HealthOC was facing much darker days.

HH: Let's start with the million dollar question. How long have you been following a vegan diet and why did you go vegan?

I've been a vegan since August 2008. In October 2007 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and after 10 months of hormone therapy I sought other alternatives which lead me to veganism.

HH: Was the …

Remember when I did that big Review Palooza? Here are the last of my cookbooks to review!

This wonderful cookbook opens up with a cliff's notes version of the philosophy's in books like Eat to Live, engine 2 and the McDougall Program: it explains nutrition and the science behind a low fat plant-based diet and how this diet can cure diseases like diabetes. It's also written with a very motivational "I can do it!" tone complete with examples of …

**the contest is now over -- thanks everyone who participated!!**

HH's e-cookbooks are just a heartbeat away from being discontinued --- forever. Some, but not all of the recipes are in my upcoming cookbook. Buying an e-cookbook (only $5!) means you won't miss out and you'll get to take a peak at some of the upcoming recipes! Plus, you'll be helping support happyherbivore.com!

Here are the e-cookbook recipes that are in my upcoming cookbook:

Banana Bread, Low Fat …

Today is the day for the Global Happy Herbivore Meetup! I'm really, really excited! There are 47 meetups scheduled across six countries! Find a meetup near you or start one!

I'm hosting the NYC Happy Herbivore Meetup at my apartment -- and I'll be streaming it live on Happy Herbivore's Ustream channel. Please join us -- either virtually with a webcam or by chatting in the chatroom!

The NYC "theme" is Summer & Mexican inspired... I'm serving up a mix …

I'm starting a new column here on Happy Herbivore that features inspirational interviews from people who changed their life when they changed their diet. I'm also really excited to kick this column off with an interview of my friend Natala a.k.a. Vegan Hope. I hope Natala's story inspires you as much as it has me!

HH: Let's start with the million dollar question. How long have you been vegan and why did you go vegan?

I have been vegan for …