Topic: Advice

Rachel asked this question on Facebook yesterday I thought I'd answer it here on the blog where I had a little more breathing room. (Comments feel too limited!)

Question: From the day you decided to transition to a plant-based lifestyle to when you were 100% eating a plant-based diet -- how long did it take? Did you give in to cravings along the way?

To understand my answer, I think it's important to see where I was coming from. and …

To sort of piggy back on my earlier post about dealing with negativity, this post is for Dave, who left this comment on the blog:

Dave said: "Please write a blog about how everyone treats us "Happy Herbivores" like we are freaks or something that don't like food."

Let me start by saying, I am guilty of sometimes forgetting what I was like as an omnivore. I've only eaten a plant-based (vegan) diet for 5 years. Five years ago I …

This comment was left on HH's Facebook wall the other day, and I felt inspired and motivated to talk about it (again). To put it in in context, we were talking about the terrific documentary, Forks Over Knives, which I can't recommend enough. 

Robert said: Now we need a film that teaches us how to withstand the negativity from our friends and family over our plant-based diet. Not just negativity, but real hostility. Why would someone get angry over …

Anytime I'm interviewed, this question comes up -- and it's a good one!

Where do you get inspiration for your recipes? 

 For me, it’s a mix of trying to recreate foods I used to eat that were either not vegan or maybe not so healthy, responding to requests and suggestions by Herbies and being moved by an ingredient. 

For example, I might spend all day playing around with chickpea flour because I think its a great alternative flour that …

When you see something, say something. Don't be embarrassed or afraid -- speak up.

I received the following message from a friend this morning:

"When I was walking out of the supply store yesterday, hands full of boxes, this older man, an employee, asked whether I was ticklish. I say "no" and start walking away fast. He then says "I was going to tickle you... do you have time? I say "huh? no..." and kept walking. He stayed behind me …