The 30-Day Vegan Challenge: The Ultimate Guide to Eating Cleaner, Getting Leaner, and Living Compassionately [Paperback]

Colleen Patrick-Goudreau (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 23, 2011

Take the 30-Day Vegan Challenge and see the difference a plant-based diet can make in your life!
 
Whether you want to improve your overall health, shed a few pounds, demonstrate your compassion for animals, or help the environment, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau holds your hand every step of the way, giving you the tools you need to make the vegan transition—healthfully, joyfully, and deliciously. In this one-stop, comprehensive guide, Patrick-Goudreau
 
• debunks common nutrition myths and explains the best sources of such nutrients as calcium, protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids
• helps you become a savvy shopper, restock your kitchen, read labels, and prepare nutrient-rich meals without feeling overwhelmed
• offers practical strategies for eating out, traveling, hosting holiday gatherings, and attending social events
• empowers you to experience the tangible and intangible benefits of living a healthful, compassionate life

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[Patrick Goudreau] excels in demystifying something that feels unobtainable to many people--vegan living--and...distills it into practical steps and information without dumbing it down. Colleen is like your best friend: supporting you but also encouraging you to live up to your potential....I recommend [this book] for anyone who has struggled with trying to go vegan in the past, or would like to try it for the first time. For those of us who are tried-and-true vegans, I also recommend the book for its...common sense approach to...compassionate living. Plus, recipes! Get this book as a gift for yourself, your friends, and family." —The Chicago Examiner

"What a delicious way to get more energy, say good-bye to those stubborn pounds, and get healthy for good." —Neal D. Barnard, M.D., president, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, and author of 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart 
 
"If you’ve ever asked Where would I get my protein?, How would I bake without eggs?, or Is there really life after cheese?, then this book is for you!" —Rory Freedman, co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Skinny Bitch

"This is a gorgeous, smart, insightful book to guide you through the ins and outs of eating a healthful vegan diet." —Rip Esselstyn, author of The Engine 2 Diet

About the Author

Colleen Patrick-Goudreau is the award-winning author of five books, including the bestselling The Joy of Vegan Baking, Color Me Vegan, and Vegan’s Daily Companion. Through her writing, inspiring lectures, and popular podcast “Food for Thought,” she has guided thousands of people to living compassionately and healthfully. Visit her at www.colleenpatrickgoudreau.com.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; Original edition (August 23, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345526171
• ISBN-13: 978-0345526175
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (105 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,750 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #62 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Diets & Weight Loss > Vegetarian
  • #92 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Conservation

More About the Author

Colleen Patrick-Goudreau has dedicated her life to empowering people to make informed food choices, to debunking myths about veganism, to being a voice for animals, and to giving people the tools and resources they need to live according to their own values of compassion and wellness. Using her unique blend of passion, humor, and common sense, Colleen adeptly addresses the ethical, social, and practical aspects of a compassionate lifestyle.

A powerful writer, talented chef, and exhilarating speaker with a master's in English Literature, she is the author of six books, including the award-winning The Joy of Vegan Baking, The Vegan Table, Color Me Vegan, Vegan's Daily Companion, and On Being Vegan. With a command of traditional and new media, Colleen is the creator of the popular online multimedia program, The 30-Day Vegan Challenge; the host and producer of the life-changing podcast Vegetarian Food for Thought; and she delivers inspiring lectures around the country. She has appeared on the Food Network and PBS and is a contributor to National Public Radio and The Christian Science Monitor.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

101 of 101 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I've never used this hackneyed phrase before, but this book is worth its weight in gold. More than gold, actually. August 25, 2011

By Katrina

Format:Paperback

If you asked me 6 months ago if I'd ever go vegan, I'd have told you that you were off your rocker. Give up meat? Maybe. Give up butter, eggs, cheese, and cream? Nope. No way.

Long story short, five months ago I watched a video showing what animals went through in the meat, dairy, and egg industries. My world changed instantly and I knew I'd never touch another animal product again. So I was left to fumble about a bit on my own and gradually educate myself on how to do this healthfully and sanely, all while hearing dire warnings from well-meaning family and friends. Luckily, I discovered this author's podcast pretty early on in the process (Vegetarian Food for Thought at compassionatecooks.com), so that helped me enormously. (She has, however, ruined other podcasts for me, as hers are so good.) I have never been happier. That sounds trite, but I could not put it any simpler. I am a very happy person now. (And much much healthier!) But I really wished I had had this book five months ago. How lucky are you, soon-to-be-reader?

It is amazing on many counts, but I'll narrow it to four:

1) The chapters in this book hit all the points a person in transition would ask or be asked. All the nutritional aspects are covered. Types of products are covered. Tips on making cooking easier, quicker, and more enjoyable are covered. But just as important, the social aspects are covered. In fact, the advice about social situations may be one of the ways this book is most helpful. It's hard to put into words, but she has a way of explaining things that makes you really understand where your concerned loved ones are coming from.... Her words can help you toe the fine line between speaking your truth and being compassionate to all people in a very non-kumbayah-way; no drumming circles or tie-dye necessary. :) I've benefited from following her advice -- my family and friends have relaxed and are even trying my (her) recipes. Which is a good segue to point number 2.

2) The recipes are incredible. My husband, a former big animal-meat-eater is addicted to the Better-than-Tuna salad. And they're very do-able. The ingredients can be found in any supermarket. I've never had to scurry to find that elusive (and expensive) ingredient that I'll never use again. (We've all been there, right?)

3) The whole tone is very non-judgmental. You never feel bullied or guilted into making these changes. I got quite excited, in fact, to change. Moreover, I know that I (one little person on this vast planet) am making a remarkable difference in the world. I see it every day.

4) It's extremely organized, gorgeous, and easy to use. No fluff here. This book is such a bargain for what you are getting. I actually feel a little guilty -- like I should have paid much more.

So that's it in a nutshell. If you aren't sure if going vegan is for you, look at it this way: It's just 30 days. And you're paying the same price you'd pay for one month at a really cheap gym.

Go for it. You will be amazed. Read more ›

165 of 172 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely phenomenal! Colleen cements her place as a leading vegan voice. August 23, 2011

By Ryan Thibodaux

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've been a vegan for 8 years, and for the last 7.9 or so of those years, I've been an unabashed and exuberant vegan advocate.

The problem is I've always had difficulty identifying that "one book" I would want to give to someone who, for one reason or another, has become interested in veganism and a compassionate lifestyle. For the spiritual, I might recommend Will Tuttle's "The World Peace Diet". For animal lovers, perhaps Gail Eisnitz's unflinching "Slaughterhouse" is the way to go. For someone health-focused, I might recommend something by Barnard or Esselstyn or McDougall. If I didn't know the veg-curious person that well... well, you can't go too wrong with something by John Robbins, right?

But no more. There is a single book that I can recommend anyone, and that book is "The 30-Day Vegan Challenge".

What a beautiful and astonishing book this is. I was lucky enough to get a copy two days before the rest of the world at book's release party in San Francisco, and I devoured it in two days. It's all here: the health arguments, the environmental arguments, and, of course, the arguments on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. Oh, and there are the recipes. The recipes are a "greatest hits" collection from Colleen's previous (awesome) cookbooks, and they're fantastic.

But delicious "vegan food" is easy. The hard work is in the arguing, and in the convincing, and in the hand holding, and in the encouraging of those who are just beginning their more compassionate path - the path upon which they align their values with their actions. And that is where this book excels. Colleen answers every objection, every question, and every excuse that any vegan has ever heard, and she does it swiftly and conclusively. It's a wonder to witness.... If you're vegan, play a little game and count the number of times when you say to yourself, "Wow. She nailed that."

More importantly, if you're not vegan (yet), play a little game and count the number of times when you say to yourself, "Wow. She nailed that."

Are you vegan? Then get your hands on this book, and join me in celebrating that everything we've ever wanted to have in one place is now available to us in one place. What a feeling!

Are you not vegan, but curious why nearly any vegan you ever encounter always says something like, "choosing this lifestyle is the best decision I've ever made"? Pick up a copy of this book. Take the 30-day challenge! You might not believe me now, but there's a decent chance you'll be one of us - one of the many who Colleen calls "joyful vegans" - by the time you get to the epilogue. I'd bet on it. Read more ›

52 of 52 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book! Get yourself a copy! August 23, 2011

By Many Jens

Format:Paperback

I'm a huge fan of Colleen's cookbooks and absolutely love her wonderful, informative podcasts. She does amazing work and is a fabulous, joyful spokesperson for a vegan lifestyle! I'm so pleased that's she's written a "how-to" guide to going vegan!

This book is aimed at those interested in trying out a vegan diet or those ready to transition to veganism, but is a worthy addition to any vegan library. Each chapter tackles new issues, ranging from stocking your healthful vegan pantry to menu planning to handling social issues. Each step of the way, Colleen packs in nutrition and health information, as well as ethical considerations. There are more than 100 vegan recipes, so you don't even need to buy a cookbook to take the challenge! Her recipes are easy to follow and execute; they don't have huge, long lists of ingredients with multiple steps. In other words, even if you haven't made a lot of vegan dishes in the past, you'll be able to make some delicious meals! I can't wait for more people to eat meatless and now you've got a guide to help you get there!

I also want to add that it's a well put together and thought out book with beautiful photos. The author does a great job of answering questions and addressing concerns in making a transition to a vegan diet. I'm a 30 year vegetarian turned vegan about a decade ago and even though most of the information wasn't new to me, I still really enjoyed this book. If you are just beginning your transition, know that this book will be a valuable tool.

If you are even thinking of moving to a more compassionate diet, run to your nearest bookstore or order from Amazon. This is the book you need to hold your hand on your journey to vegan diet and lifestyle.... Even if you aren't sure you can do it or aren't ready to be fully vegan, this book will help you to incorporate more animal-free meals into your diet. Highly recommended! Read more ›