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The Happy Herbivore Guide to Plant-Based Living
Every day, Lindsay S. Nixon, author of the popular Happy Herbivore blog and cookbook series, is sent dozens of questions from readers about living a plant-based What do you do in social situations outside of the home? At restaurants? Potlucks? Weddings? What about traveling and vacation? How do you deal with negativity and naysayers? How do you talk to your family and friends about this way of life?
Nixon has put together a practical guide to address questions like these and to help with the many other challenges that come with a plant-based or vegan diet. Whether you're already living the Happy Herbivore lifestyle or simply thinking of switching to a plant-based way of life, The Happy Herbivore Guide to Plant-Based Living is for you.
Nixon has put together a practical guide to address questions like these and to help with the many other challenges that come with a plant-based or vegan diet. Whether you're already living the Happy Herbivore lifestyle or simply thinking of switching to a plant-based way of life, The Happy Herbivore Guide to Plant-Based Living is for you.
279 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2014
About the author
Lindsay S. Nixon
22 books785 followersAuthor of the Happy Herbivore Cookbook series and CEO of Meal Mentor, the first and best vegan (plant-based, no oil) meal planning and recipe app!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 24, 2015
I picked this up from the "recently returned" display at the library thinking it was more recipes, but it's more the author trying to convince people to buy her products with mediocre profiles of people who tried her advice and felt healthier afterwards.
The best thing about this book is the resources lists at the end, including recs for kids and adults and a variety of media, and organized by usefully descriptive categories (for athletes! for food justice! for animal rights! for health! and so on!)
The worst thing about this book is that it's super anti-nuts/seeds/avocado/healthy plant based fats.
This gets one star on its merits as a book and one star because I can't completely hate something that encourages healthy lifestyles and/or because I was mildly interested in a couple of the recipes.
The best thing about this book is the resources lists at the end, including recs for kids and adults and a variety of media, and organized by usefully descriptive categories (for athletes! for food justice! for animal rights! for health! and so on!)
The worst thing about this book is that it's super anti-nuts/seeds/avocado/healthy plant based fats.
This gets one star on its merits as a book and one star because I can't completely hate something that encourages healthy lifestyles and/or because I was mildly interested in a couple of the recipes.
June 2, 2015
This isn't a book, it's an excuse to write a very long sales pitch for the products (meal plans) the author sells on her website. The book is full of anecdotes from her fans - most of whom used her website or her meal plans or her other cookbooks - and very little actual information.
Other than many references to the author's website, facebook page, or the fact that you too can buy her meal plans (!) - skip this book, it's not worth your time.
Instead of this sales pitch, check out "The Campbell Plan" (by Thomas M. Campbell II) for a much better resource.
Other than many references to the author's website, facebook page, or the fact that you too can buy her meal plans (!) - skip this book, it's not worth your time.
Instead of this sales pitch, check out "The Campbell Plan" (by Thomas M. Campbell II) for a much better resource.
May 3, 2015
Practical and accessible! People who know me know that I've been a vegetarian for 33 years and have eaten a vegan diet for the last 5 years. For reasons of health, concern for the environment and compassion, I have settled on a low fat, whole foods plant based diet. Although I'm sold on this way of eating, I still eagerly look forward to reading the books that come out from doctors and people with similar thoughts about the best way to eat, including the doctors T. Colin and Thomas Campbell, Dr. Esseltyn and his son Rip, and Dr. John McDougall. I have found good information in all of them, but I am really pleased with Lindsay Nixon's book on plant-based living. It goes over all the misconceptions and clears them up (including a bibliography to back the information up), gives you plenty of practical advice and lists for getting started and handling social situations and includes the testimonies of many who have made the switch with amazing results. I'm going to keep this book at home to lend to any friends of mine who might be curious about why I eat this way or who might be interested in finding out more for themselves.
July 15, 2015
I read this book mostly because my daughter has chosen to be a vegetarian. I personally already eat about 75% vegetarian just because I love veggies and beans and rice.
I guess I didn't look over the book well enough before purchase because it is more of a rah- rah book about becoming vegan and contains fewer recipes than I had hoped for.
The message of the book is perfectly fine for those considering this lifestyle but the actual practical uses gained from this book are few.
I think I would recommend just buying a full vegetarian and/or vegan cookbook.
This was an easy read, though, and surely motivating. Just not really practical.
I guess I didn't look over the book well enough before purchase because it is more of a rah- rah book about becoming vegan and contains fewer recipes than I had hoped for.
The message of the book is perfectly fine for those considering this lifestyle but the actual practical uses gained from this book are few.
I think I would recommend just buying a full vegetarian and/or vegan cookbook.
This was an easy read, though, and surely motivating. Just not really practical.
June 2, 2015
Lindsay is a wonderful mentor for both the vegan/plant-based curious, and the long-term vegan. This book caters to the beginning stages of transition, as you can imagine, but has some recipes, resources, inspirational stories, and tips that I loved too. I would honestly support anything she wrote, haha.
Oh, and my friends are featured in this book! So proud of their transition and clean bill of health after cancer.
Oh, and my friends are featured in this book! So proud of their transition and clean bill of health after cancer.
January 21, 2016
Great starter guide.
August 9, 2017
I enjoyed the The Happy Hervivore Guide to Plant-Based Living by Lindsay S. Nixon. She did a good job of discussing the many positive benefits of adopting a plant-based lifestyle, including a thorough discussion of what exactly it means to eat plant-based. The success stories from people who adopted a plant-based lifestyle sprinkled throughout the book were encouraging and interesting to read. The book is an easy, bright book to read with lots of pictures throughout the book. There are some recipes included at the back of the book but the recipes are definitely not the focus or primary purpose of this book. Lindsay S. Nixon has written several other plant-based cookbooks if one is looking primarily for recipes. I would recommend this book for somebody who is new to or interested in a plant-based lifestyle and enjoys hearing about personal experiences with plant-based eating as well.
July 16, 2017
What I like about the book:
- It contains really useful tips about substitutes and recommended brands.
- It provides an awesome perspective about how to eat in travel and restaurants.
What I d0n't like:
-The science in the book because If I really want to read about the science behind the PBD, I will read Dr. Campbell , Dr. Neal , Dr Mcdougall books.
- The long and useless interviews. Most of the interviews didn't add anything new to me. it was repetitive and long.
I really wish if it was focus on the food and cooking experiences, because that what I was expecting when I choose to read for a cookbooks' writer.
- It contains really useful tips about substitutes and recommended brands.
- It provides an awesome perspective about how to eat in travel and restaurants.
What I d0n't like:
-The science in the book because If I really want to read about the science behind the PBD, I will read Dr. Campbell , Dr. Neal , Dr Mcdougall books.
- The long and useless interviews. Most of the interviews didn't add anything new to me. it was repetitive and long.
I really wish if it was focus on the food and cooking experiences, because that what I was expecting when I choose to read for a cookbooks' writer.
January 19, 2018
Really enjoyed this book, as I found it was extremely helpful to gain insight into a plant based diet. Beyond getting to know what a plant based diet consist of, this books gives you tips and tools of how to transition to this diet. It helped me answer a number of questions, I pondered about when thinking of transitioning. Overall, I found it very informative and useful. Would highly recommend to anyone who is interesting in a plant based diet.
April 12, 2018
I think this is a really great resource for first day PLANT BASED people. Just be aware it is a big piece of self propaganda from the author for her HH series and also FORKS OVER KNIVES; you'll notice the pattern. The personal testimonies were a little too repetitive for me, and it could have been a max of 100 pages. I was looking more for a vegan lifestyle/animal welfare piece but it was an ok read overall. Would recommend for first day friends who are transitioning from an omnivore plate.
January 30, 2019
Easy to read. Friendly, approachable. Some scientific details are presented, but if that's what you are after, you're better off checking out the "More Info" section at the end and going to the source material. But if you're looking for reassurance that going plant-based is achievable, this is worth reading.
January 15, 2017
This is a great book for anyone interested in pursuing a plant-based lifestyle.
It's got great information about why a plant-based lifestyle is a healthy choice and how to transition to a plant-based lifestyle and deal with various difficulties that plant-based people often face.
It's got great information about why a plant-based lifestyle is a healthy choice and how to transition to a plant-based lifestyle and deal with various difficulties that plant-based people often face.
May 22, 2019
Enjoyed practical tips and suggestions. Nice pictures and testimonials. A few too many invitations to try the (purchasable) weekly menu plans. I haven't tried any of the recipes yet but am not super excited by the 2 person serving size for all of them.
February 15, 2018
This was the first book I bought of Lindsay's. It helped to answer many questions I had about beginning a plant-based lifestyle.
January 12, 2020
Doesn’t seem to be credible. Hated it.
February 18, 2020
This is a read to get to the point book. It is full of information and, like most things, you will pick and choose what you like and don't like about the diet advice given herein.
August 25, 2022
3.5 stars
Good for those starting out on their vegan journey.
Good for those starting out on their vegan journey.
March 1, 2017
So what is The Happy Herbivore Guide To Plant- Based Living?
It’s target audience are individuals that are new to plant- based eating or just curious about plant- based eating and its benefits. Nixon helps readers understand what plant- based eating is, and compares it to the traditional non plant- based foods and snacks consumed and how they are harmful to the body. In addition, she has chapters that cover how to convert to a plant based diet, and how to deal with curious (and sometimes discouraging) friends and family. In this book she includes recipes (I found the recipes for the Mushroom & Potato Soup and the Indian Lentils & Cabbage easy and delicious.) There is also a shopping list to get one started on their new journey. If there is one thing readers will take away from this book: there is no need to go on a diet when you can just change your diet.
Now for my thoughts: I liked the book for the information it provided. I am two years into my vegetarian lifestyle and this is a book I would have wanted in my early stages. So for those curious readers looking for a push in the right direction, start here. This book is an easy read with lots of pictures and side notes for emphasis. My favorite part of the book is the shopping list and the references (but that is just appealing to the researcher in me that likes to look into things further).
What I did not like, and most of the reviews on GoodReads agreed, were the incessant plugs for her other social mediums as well as links to sites where she charges for the same information. I mean…really, Lindsay?
Overall, it’s a great guide for “newbies” in the plant- based world. Nothing here is too technical, scholarly or boring. Just good sound advice provided in a friendly, non- threatening manner.
Pages: 282 (Kindle) 279 (paperback)
Purchase price: $11.46 (paperback) $7.99 (Kindle)
April 1, 2016
Eating a plant-based diet has never been easier than it is today! For readers who are interested in eating healthier, a good “guidebook” is essential for success, and who better to write one that Lindsay Nixon, author of the popular "Happy Herbivore" cookbook series? Now, with "The Happy Herbivore Guide to Plant-Based Living," Nixon offers readers answers and advice about how to truly live the happy herbivore lifestyle. From the basics of what a plant-based diet entails (it’s similar to a vegan diet, but goes even further into the realms of healthiness, eschewing oils and consisting of only unprocessed plant foods) to pantry staples, from eating right while on the go to dealing with negativity and questions from others, Nixon covers most every question readers might have about how to make a plant-based diet work for them. She discusses reasons for ditching animal products (mentioning health, environmental, and ethical concerns) and busts common myths about getting enough nutrients and the so-called “dangers” of soy. There is a ton of information packed into this book, and all of it is delightfully user-friendly and accessible to anyone. Also included are inspirational stories of people who have reclaimed their health through better eating and fourteen recipes to get readers started. This is an excellent resource for anyone considering going plant-based!
Review originally written for San Francisco Book Review.
Review originally written for San Francisco Book Review.
May 15, 2014
The Happy Herbivore Guide to Plant-Based Living is a good starting point for people who are interested in eating a meat-free and dairy-free diet without eating a bunch of fake things.
There are no recipes. It is about how to deal with external influences (social situations,etc.) and problem solving such as food substitutes and feeding kids.
If you have read books like the China Study or other heavy "sciency"books this will feel like a light read, If you feel well-grounded and know what you are doing, this book might be beneath your level of expertise. If you "know"what you are supposed to do but can't quite stick to it, reading this book may help.
It is a quick read. It only took me 2-3 hours split up over the last day or so. The conversational tone made me lose track of the time that I spent reading.
There is no "conclusion", after some troubleshooting topics--wham! appendix. Just like my review.
There are no recipes. It is about how to deal with external influences (social situations,etc.) and problem solving such as food substitutes and feeding kids.
If you have read books like the China Study or other heavy "sciency"books this will feel like a light read, If you feel well-grounded and know what you are doing, this book might be beneath your level of expertise. If you "know"what you are supposed to do but can't quite stick to it, reading this book may help.
It is a quick read. It only took me 2-3 hours split up over the last day or so. The conversational tone made me lose track of the time that I spent reading.
There is no "conclusion", after some troubleshooting topics--wham! appendix. Just like my review.
February 11, 2017
If you are new to plant-based eating, or need new ideas, this is going to be your go-to reference! I love this book. It is quickly becoming dog-eared and is pocked with Post-It notes. Love all of Lindsay's books.
February 5, 2016
Before getting this particular book, I already owned a few Happy Herbivore cookbooks and have followed her blog for recipes for quite awhile. This one does have some recipes in the back, but it isn't exactly a cookbook like her other ones. Most of the book is about a whole foods plant-based diet and how to navigate it. Most of it was derivative (The China Study and Dr. McDougall's books come to mind) and anecdotal, so I've found it somewhat redundant in my own library. It could be a good place to start for a newcomer to a WFPB diet, however. I did appreciate the section on travel and camping-- there were some really helpful tips there that I hadn't seen elsewhere in the WFPB lit. As always, her recipes are yummy, quick and uncomplicated to make, which is why I keep coming back for more.
January 19, 2016
This might be good for someone completely new to the idea of going plant-based. As for myself, I have read all this information in many Happy Herbivore blog posts and other books. There are many, many books that can help. It would seem they might be redundant, but the other books I have read (and shelved under "food") usually had something new to teach me. But again, this kind of book might be useful when you want to go and check an idea to get yourself ready for a new experience as a plant-based eater. It might be easier than looking up a blog post, but then again, even the book references some of those posts.
I am a huge fan of Lindsay's cookbooks. I might keep this one to lend to friends who are interested and need an easy reference.
I am a huge fan of Lindsay's cookbooks. I might keep this one to lend to friends who are interested and need an easy reference.
May 6, 2015
What a great book!
I was wondering what this book would really be about the second Lindsay announced it. I thought it would be more like "30 Day Vegan Challenge" by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. But, I'm happy to say that this book complements Colleen's nicely.
It's not a surprise to anyone who has been following a vegan lifestyle for a while, but it's got a lot of great information and testimonials in it. The layout is very nice, too. Lindsay always brings such joy and passion to her books and it definitely shows in this book.
Anyone who is thinking of a vegan or whole foods plant based diet should definitely check this book out!
I was wondering what this book would really be about the second Lindsay announced it. I thought it would be more like "30 Day Vegan Challenge" by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. But, I'm happy to say that this book complements Colleen's nicely.
It's not a surprise to anyone who has been following a vegan lifestyle for a while, but it's got a lot of great information and testimonials in it. The layout is very nice, too. Lindsay always brings such joy and passion to her books and it definitely shows in this book.
Anyone who is thinking of a vegan or whole foods plant based diet should definitely check this book out!
October 26, 2015
WOW, what an excellent book on transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle. Lindsay does a great job keeping everything simple, straight-forward yet still comprehensive. She covers the WHY of the plant-based lifestyle as well as the HOW-TO(20%why,80%how-to). Ive personally been vegan for 3yrs now yet I still found useful advice and new perspectives that expanded my knowledge base. This is definitely one of the best plant-based lifestyle resources out there.
Tony Rogers Jr
Author of Visionary:Making a difference in a world that needs YOU
Tony Rogers Jr
Author of Visionary:Making a difference in a world that needs YOU
January 31, 2016
I found it interesting to read her perspective and to consider the changes that she recommends. Since I am already dairy free (allergy) I was curious to see what other changes would be involved. I might reduce my consumption of meat, since they say all food is going to be much more expensive this year because of the drought conditions in so many places. But completely and absolutely? I don't see that happening yet.
But I have to say that many of her recipes are very appealing, whether you want to go vegan, plant based, vegetarian ... or not.
But I have to say that many of her recipes are very appealing, whether you want to go vegan, plant based, vegetarian ... or not.
October 1, 2014
I enjoyed it. While it's more of an overview of available material/research than a primary source, I appreciated the more social tips Nixon wrote about. Losing friends and having one's life choices threaten others is something one has to deal with when one chooses to become vegan, or to eat a WFPB diet, and very few books delve into those issues. I actually wouldn't mind a book that simply dealt with that side of the story!
October 14, 2014
As an already vegan of near three years and a fan of Lindsay Nixon for two of those years, there was nothing new.
But for those coming into this style of eating for the first time, her upbeat, supportive, and forgiving tone is a breath of fresh air in a world of pick-at-you omnivores and hyper vigilant vegans. I highly recommend the audible version, which she voices over herself.
But for those coming into this style of eating for the first time, her upbeat, supportive, and forgiving tone is a breath of fresh air in a world of pick-at-you omnivores and hyper vigilant vegans. I highly recommend the audible version, which she voices over herself.
May 18, 2015
I love what Lindsay has to say about becoming plant based. I am not there yet, but working on it. Suggestions on how to deal with questions are great. I would love more help finding good vegan ingredients in my local area, but ordering off the internet is a great suggestion. Progress, not perfection.
November 24, 2014
I got this on audiobook and while I enjoyed it I think it would work better as a book-book or ebook. Really good guide for anyone transitioning or exploring eating plant-based. Practical, flexible and not preachy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews