The bagel shop by my apartment recently started carrying rice pudding. I'm social with the owner so I asked him about the new addition to their deli counter. He said "people love rice pudding when it's hot outside." Puzzled, and a bit surprised, I replied, "Really, creamy food in HOT weather? I'd peg rice pudding for more of a fall food..." The owner smiled and said, "Have you never eaten ice cream on a hot day?" Point taken.

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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 …

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 …