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The Happy Vegan: A Guide to Living a Long, Healthy, and Successful Life
Master entrepreneur, original hip-hop mogul, and three-time New York Times bestselling author Russell Simmons offers an inspiring guide to the benefits of conscious eating and veganism
From the Hardcover edition.
In the New York Times bestseller Success Through Stillness, Russell Simmons shared how meditation can be used as a powerful tool to access potential in all aspects of life, having seen himself how achieving inner peace led to outward success.
In The Happy Vegan, Simmons shares how once he started practicing yoga and meditation, he became more conscious of his choices, particularly the choices he made regarding his diet. Simmons first adopted a vegetarian and then vegan diet, and almost immediately began to experience the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of eating green and clean. He delves into research about mindful eating, the links between stress and poor eating habits, the importance of listening to your body, the well-documented problems associated with eating animal products and processed foods, along with tips on how to transition to a vegan diet.
Drawing on his own experience, the experiences of others, and science and research on the health benefits of conscious eating and veganism, The Happy Vegan is an accessible and inspiring guide to help others make the move toward a vegan diet and a more successful, focused, and purposeful life.
From the Hardcover edition.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2015
93 people are currently reading
976 people want to read
About the author
Russell Simmons
20 books102 followersRussell Wendell Simmons is an American entrepreneur, writer and record executive. He co-founded the hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings, and created the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and Tantris. Simmons' net worth was estimated at $340 million in 2011.
After producing or managing artists such as Kurtis Blow, Run DMC, Whodini, and Jimmy Spicer, Simmons joined forces with producer Rick Rubin to found Def Jam Recordings. Under Simmons' leadership as chairman, Def Jam signed acts including the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, L.L. Cool J., Jay-Z, DMX, and Kanye West. From 1992 to 1997, he also produced the Def Comedy Jam television program.
Simmons has promoted veganism and a yoga lifestyle. He also published books about healthy lifestyle and entrepreneurship. In 2017, Simmons was publicly accused of sexual assault by multiple women; he denied the allegations. Following these allegations, Simmons stepped down from his various business roles and charities, including his position at Def Jam.
After producing or managing artists such as Kurtis Blow, Run DMC, Whodini, and Jimmy Spicer, Simmons joined forces with producer Rick Rubin to found Def Jam Recordings. Under Simmons' leadership as chairman, Def Jam signed acts including the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, L.L. Cool J., Jay-Z, DMX, and Kanye West. From 1992 to 1997, he also produced the Def Comedy Jam television program.
Simmons has promoted veganism and a yoga lifestyle. He also published books about healthy lifestyle and entrepreneurship. In 2017, Simmons was publicly accused of sexual assault by multiple women; he denied the allegations. Following these allegations, Simmons stepped down from his various business roles and charities, including his position at Def Jam.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
October 19, 2015
Disclaimer: I received this book as part of the GoodReads First Reads program.
The Happy Vegan is a convincing argument for adopting a vegan lifestyle. Simmons begins by explaining the epiphany that led to his conversion. He then explains the health reasons, including meat's contribution to heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other diseases. He goes into detail how factory farming, which provides 99% (at least) of meat and dairy Americans consume, contributes to the destruction of the environment worldwide. Next he goes into the inhumane methods factory farms use to raise the cattle, pigs, chickens and fish that are consumed by humans. By the end of the book, only the most insensitive people will not at least consider changing their eating habits.
This book is very compelling and easy to read, and I think everyone should read it. Unfortunately, books like this tend to be preaching to the choir, as most people won't even consider giving up meat and dairy, and so won't even read the book.
The Happy Vegan is a convincing argument for adopting a vegan lifestyle. Simmons begins by explaining the epiphany that led to his conversion. He then explains the health reasons, including meat's contribution to heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other diseases. He goes into detail how factory farming, which provides 99% (at least) of meat and dairy Americans consume, contributes to the destruction of the environment worldwide. Next he goes into the inhumane methods factory farms use to raise the cattle, pigs, chickens and fish that are consumed by humans. By the end of the book, only the most insensitive people will not at least consider changing their eating habits.
This book is very compelling and easy to read, and I think everyone should read it. Unfortunately, books like this tend to be preaching to the choir, as most people won't even consider giving up meat and dairy, and so won't even read the book.
March 14, 2016
As a fallen vegan, I definitely feel gross about the amount of meat I've been consuming lately. I am planning to cut back significantly and thought this book might help solidify my intentions. It did.
I've read dozens of books on the benefits of going vegan, and this one is less preachy than most. Simmons does a great job of coming across as chill and non-judgmental. My biggest roadblock to eating a predominantly plant-based diet (and cutting out cheese, ohmygod!) is my own perception that it will be boring. I needed a reminder that there are far more vegetables out there to choose from than types of meat. I mean, I don't even really enjoy beef, lamb, or anything besides poultry and fish, so this shouldn't be rocket science. After reading this, I'm inspired to dust off my many veggie/vegan cookbooks and chow down.
I've read dozens of books on the benefits of going vegan, and this one is less preachy than most. Simmons does a great job of coming across as chill and non-judgmental. My biggest roadblock to eating a predominantly plant-based diet (and cutting out cheese, ohmygod!) is my own perception that it will be boring. I needed a reminder that there are far more vegetables out there to choose from than types of meat. I mean, I don't even really enjoy beef, lamb, or anything besides poultry and fish, so this shouldn't be rocket science. After reading this, I'm inspired to dust off my many veggie/vegan cookbooks and chow down.
January 12, 2016
Nothing earth-shattering here that you won't have read elsewhere, but a good overview of the health/ethical/environmental reasons to go vegan. A bit preachy at times, but that's hard to avoid when talking about this topic. I liked how Simmons rolled together his yoga/meditation/food lifestyle into a coherent whole, instead of talking about each concept separately. A few recipes, or a week-long menu plan, would help those who are just making the leap.
September 10, 2018
Delightful and inspiring book. Incredibly upbeat but grounded as well. Touches on all aspects of veganism and he knows his stuff. Really nails it when he talks about animal abuse - he has a wonderful ability to stay light while delivering the most devastating facts. This is a great book for beginners and for people who are only considering being vegan, and it is still a good read for us veterans. It can encourage and inspire and keep you in touch with it all. The entire vibe of the book is an endorsement in itself of the vegan life style. I loved how I felt reading it. Russell has an almost magical vibe and it transmits itself all throughout the book. It's a winner. Finished reading on Beethoven's birthday. What a different life HE would have had, how much less suffering, if this had been his way. [fyi, I did NOT receive this book as a promotion or giveaway.]
January 6, 2018
Very informative book, and fairly inspirational in my quest to go vegan. Along with discussing the reasons and health benefits of going vegan, Simmons also discusses meditation and how it will help you become more synchronized with yourself. It's a pretty quick read as well.
January 10, 2016
This was a Goodreads firstreads giveaway win. Great resource on all the reasons why you should stop consuming animal products (really, there's no reason not to). Give it a chance, I'll even lend you my book.
October 17, 2018
A very informative and touching book! Russel Simmons is not a doctor or a nutrition expert, he is a normal person like us that discovered the true benefits of a vegan lifestyle and wants to share his thoughts and experiences. His words are sometimes provocative, but I felt always good intentions and desire to live in a better planet, a place where we care for our health and treat with respect animals and the planet we all live in.
March 23, 2016
Happy Vegan here
November 19, 2017
This is a powerful, approachable book and is a must-read for everyone who cares about healthy living, the environment, and the ethical and compassionate treatment of animals. I first explored veganism primarily because after my abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair surgery, my doctors strongly suggested I eat a plant-based diet. Initially, I worked on eating more fruit and vegetables than meat and dairy products but without success. Being raised in a culture of a meat/dairy-centric diet, it was hard to change my thinking and habits. So a few months ago, I decided to eat vegetarian and found myself feeling better with more energy. Then, after a bit and after watching the film, https://www.forksoverknives.com/the-f... I thought I'd go all in and remove dairy and fish from my diet. Well, after a couple of months, I'm still alive! I've lost about 7 pounds and feel even better.
"The Happy Vegan" really reinforced my decision and even added more reasons for this lifestyle: Greater health benefits, lower carbon footprint, deeper compassion for our innocent animals, etc. No, I'm not planning to be a 'preachy vegan' and am not planning to be militant about my approach. But, I'm really going to be aware of how food gets to my plate and what I ingest.
Mr. Simmons writes in a very conversational way that I respect. Thanks, Russell.
Peace.
V
"The Happy Vegan" really reinforced my decision and even added more reasons for this lifestyle: Greater health benefits, lower carbon footprint, deeper compassion for our innocent animals, etc. No, I'm not planning to be a 'preachy vegan' and am not planning to be militant about my approach. But, I'm really going to be aware of how food gets to my plate and what I ingest.
Mr. Simmons writes in a very conversational way that I respect. Thanks, Russell.
Peace.
V
July 14, 2016
In Russell Simmons, newest book The Happy Vegan, he is telling you what he has learn when he started practicing yoga and meditation, and how he became more conscious of his many choices. Once he adopted begin a vegetarian and then to a vegan diet. Russell right away notice that he was starting to experience feeling better physical and mentally. Than he started to see the benefits of eating green and clean.
I am always looking for books to improve my life. Because I believe that you can always learn something every day with an open mind. For me I have all of Russell’s, book except this one, but this is on my list to own. I have been meditating every day, that also include yoga. By doing these things I have been able to find inner peace in my life. With everything that is going on in this world, you need to learn how to silence your mind of all the negative things around you.
I would say if you are looking for a book to read, and to be open minded, then this is a book you need to check out. Russell, shares some of his many techniques with you.
I am always looking for books to improve my life. Because I believe that you can always learn something every day with an open mind. For me I have all of Russell’s, book except this one, but this is on my list to own. I have been meditating every day, that also include yoga. By doing these things I have been able to find inner peace in my life. With everything that is going on in this world, you need to learn how to silence your mind of all the negative things around you.
I would say if you are looking for a book to read, and to be open minded, then this is a book you need to check out. Russell, shares some of his many techniques with you.
August 24, 2016
Russell Simmons shares his journey to becoming a vegan along with stories of his friends and other celebrities. He dispels common misconceptions, explains the health benefits of a plant-based diet, the destruction of the environment, the horrors animals endure to feed us and even provides a helpful how to guide to changing your lifestyle.
*Received free through Goodreads Giveaways.*
*Received free through Goodreads Giveaways.*
August 16, 2018
What an eye opening book. I thought it would be about how he became a Vegan, boy was I wrong. He really got into the negative effect on the environment the meat industry was causing and the way these animals are killed.
November 21, 2015
at the end of the book, the author talks about the app called "holycow". i believe the author actually means happy cow.
February 20, 2016
Excellent book.
June 7, 2017
So good. I'm now a vegetarian. 3 weeks strong. Will be working toward being vegan. Very inspiring book.
December 21, 2017
Loved this! I highly recommend the audiobook!
September 11, 2022
It’s a natural time for change: new school year, new season, new job. So, I decided to freshen up my routines across the board. Since I’ve felt sluggish, lately, I’m trying to switch up what I’m eating. Libraries have like a million food books, so I just ran through that aisle and threw all of them in my cart, Supermarket Sweep-style.
The Happy Vegan had a great title, so it’s the first one I read. It’s written by mogul Russell Simmons. I don’t know much about him, so I didn’t really come into the book with any expectations.
I enjoyed the book because it’s a quick, non-judgmental read. It has the normal stuff you’d expect – why a plant-based diet can make you less sick and more well, the various reasons eating meat causes trouble (environment, water, cruelty), etc.
However, there are three things in this book that I really liked. One, SImmons’ thoughts about disentangling eating meat from one’s own culture. Simmons talks about the place of food in Black culture and how initially he was ostracized for not eating certain foods. I’m not Black, but I live in the South, so his observations about being different (but also the same) resonated with me.
Second, I liked that Simmons gives the reader permission to ease into a plant-based lifestyle. It’s not a cold-turkey (so to speak) change for many, and he acknowledges that it can take months and may involve some setbacks. Instead, he gives some suggestions on not just cutting out meat, but adding in plant-based options, new spices, etc. He is gracious in his timing and posture.
Finally, I thought it was funny he chose not to add in any recipes. He explains that beyond sauteeing spinach with garlic and throwing some hot sauce on it, he doesn’t actually cook all that much. Instead, he provides practical snack advice, and some helpful websites and recipe books from people who actually cook. I appreciated the honesty. (I enjoyed the HappyCow website the most – found some great vegan and vegetarian places in my suburb I never knew about!)
One kind of funny thing – this book was published in 2015. A lot of the celebrities that Simmons quotes would probably not be quoted, now: Ellen, Casey Affleck, Dr. Oz. Yeesh. That’s neither here nor there – just a reminder that maybe we shouldn’t put our faith in celebrities or influencers or whatever we call salespeople these days.
The Happy Vegan had a great title, so it’s the first one I read. It’s written by mogul Russell Simmons. I don’t know much about him, so I didn’t really come into the book with any expectations.
I enjoyed the book because it’s a quick, non-judgmental read. It has the normal stuff you’d expect – why a plant-based diet can make you less sick and more well, the various reasons eating meat causes trouble (environment, water, cruelty), etc.
However, there are three things in this book that I really liked. One, SImmons’ thoughts about disentangling eating meat from one’s own culture. Simmons talks about the place of food in Black culture and how initially he was ostracized for not eating certain foods. I’m not Black, but I live in the South, so his observations about being different (but also the same) resonated with me.
Second, I liked that Simmons gives the reader permission to ease into a plant-based lifestyle. It’s not a cold-turkey (so to speak) change for many, and he acknowledges that it can take months and may involve some setbacks. Instead, he gives some suggestions on not just cutting out meat, but adding in plant-based options, new spices, etc. He is gracious in his timing and posture.
Finally, I thought it was funny he chose not to add in any recipes. He explains that beyond sauteeing spinach with garlic and throwing some hot sauce on it, he doesn’t actually cook all that much. Instead, he provides practical snack advice, and some helpful websites and recipe books from people who actually cook. I appreciated the honesty. (I enjoyed the HappyCow website the most – found some great vegan and vegetarian places in my suburb I never knew about!)
One kind of funny thing – this book was published in 2015. A lot of the celebrities that Simmons quotes would probably not be quoted, now: Ellen, Casey Affleck, Dr. Oz. Yeesh. That’s neither here nor there – just a reminder that maybe we shouldn’t put our faith in celebrities or influencers or whatever we call salespeople these days.
October 20, 2021
It isn't written in prose, but it's direct, easy to understand, and sells a crucial idea.
I picked up this book because I'm currently exploring a plant based diet to improve my health, inspired by Dr. Michael Gregor's "How Not to Die". The more I read, the more I want to share with my friends and family my lessons learned...between the effects on health, climate, and the moral burden of condoning a society that treats life in the manner we do, I think it's important people consider how their diet can make a major impact on our world. But to do that, I wanted to hear from Russel Simmons- a successful capitalist, a pragmatic sales person, and proud vegan. He conveys the virtues of vegan life in a way that actually sticks to even the most resistant minds.
The undertone of the book is Russell speaking to other members of the black community. There are moments where he blatantly calls it out, but he is clearly seeing how issues of health and morality can disproportionately affect Black Americans.
The most powerful part of the book--and despite simply writing, what demands a read--is the analogy Russell draws between the way our society regards slavery and animal rights. Basically, the way we look at slavery today is how we'll look at the treatment of these animals in 100 years. More poignantly--the way an American views Animal rights today is likely how they would have viewed slavery in their time...using some justification (or blinders) to get through a comfortable life on the backs of other living beings. Caused some serious shame and reflection.
I'm now about 2-3 weeks into my vegan life and absolutely loving it. I encourage others to read more on the benefits. If for no other reason--you cannot call yourself an environmentalist while eating meat. The grazing and feeding requirements for modern meat production accounts for more greenhouse gases than all transportation combined. Driving that Tesla is nice, but trying a black bean burger does much more in the long haul.
I picked up this book because I'm currently exploring a plant based diet to improve my health, inspired by Dr. Michael Gregor's "How Not to Die". The more I read, the more I want to share with my friends and family my lessons learned...between the effects on health, climate, and the moral burden of condoning a society that treats life in the manner we do, I think it's important people consider how their diet can make a major impact on our world. But to do that, I wanted to hear from Russel Simmons- a successful capitalist, a pragmatic sales person, and proud vegan. He conveys the virtues of vegan life in a way that actually sticks to even the most resistant minds.
The undertone of the book is Russell speaking to other members of the black community. There are moments where he blatantly calls it out, but he is clearly seeing how issues of health and morality can disproportionately affect Black Americans.
The most powerful part of the book--and despite simply writing, what demands a read--is the analogy Russell draws between the way our society regards slavery and animal rights. Basically, the way we look at slavery today is how we'll look at the treatment of these animals in 100 years. More poignantly--the way an American views Animal rights today is likely how they would have viewed slavery in their time...using some justification (or blinders) to get through a comfortable life on the backs of other living beings. Caused some serious shame and reflection.
I'm now about 2-3 weeks into my vegan life and absolutely loving it. I encourage others to read more on the benefits. If for no other reason--you cannot call yourself an environmentalist while eating meat. The grazing and feeding requirements for modern meat production accounts for more greenhouse gases than all transportation combined. Driving that Tesla is nice, but trying a black bean burger does much more in the long haul.
January 14, 2021
I enjoyed the book and the actual content was worth 4 stars, although I did find Simmons very obnoxious and pretty much damned anyone who isn't 100% vegan, so the 3 stars is down to his self-righteous tone as well as the discomfort I had reading the rest of the book after hearing of the allegations against him
May 6, 2021
This is just a really good all-around book about why to be vegan. If you know someone who is interested in veganism or is a vegetarian but hasn’t made the transition, this covers all the points from health and nutrition studies to treatment of animals and the environment in a clear, compelling way.
October 4, 2018
Beginning on Tuesday August 1, 2017 I decided to take the 30 day vegan challenge. As much I am curious about new experiences and learning, I typically would not explore a book like, The Happy Vegan: A Guide to Living a Long, Healthy, and Successful Life. However, since embarking on this new 30 day vegan journey I decided to learn as much as possible. I purchased the audible version of the book and was disappointed that Russell Simons did not perform the narration.
Black Ice was an excellent narrator and I look forward to hearing more fiction books performed by him, but I have strong feelings that authors of non-fiction literature should perform the narration of their audible book. Especially, if the non-fiction literature is a memoir or autobiography. Looking past that…I liked this book! Below you will find my 5 points of learning/random thoughts I had while reading this book:
1. I entered this book primarily wanting to learn about health benefits. I am not particularly passionate about animal rights but after learning about CAFO’s, I was feeling a tad bit emotional and sad…
I was definitely under a an illusion about farms, farm animals, and production of farm animals for human consumption.
2. Your taste buds change after you stop eating animal products?!?! Well hallelujah!
I really hope this is true, because I am primarily a carnivore and I don’t care for eating vegetables. Making this change will inevitably take quite a bit of adjusting, but I know it definitely needs to be done. I am praying that not consuming all of the sodium and sugar placed in processed meats/foods will have a positive effect on my taste buds.
3. WAYMENT…Chickens are fed PROZAC!
Chicken has been one of my all-time favorite foods and I don’t even want to talk about this or the other multiple drugs fed to the birds.
4. The average American eats over 86 lbs of chicken every year!
I really don’t know how I feel about this in correlation to #3 and that fact that I have followed a high protein diet for the past 4 years and consumed primarily CHICKEN. Let just talk about the fact that I am 39 years old and the second I got teeth there was a good chance I was eating chicken.
So 86 lbs. a year multiplied by at least a good 37 years equals over 3,182 pounds. GROSS! How much prozac have I unknowingly consumed? Once again, I don’t want to talk about it.
5. Casein that makes up 80% of a cows milk, is such a great binding agent that it is used in glue, concrete, and fabrics?
Please, say it ain’t so?
I liked this book. I gave it 3 out of 5 stars. I felt like parts of the book felt a little too preachy for my taste. Like I mentioned I chose the vegan challenge for health reasons. So the animal rights/environmental factors were extreme eye openers for me and I valued the learning experience. Tell me, what did you think of this book?
Black Ice was an excellent narrator and I look forward to hearing more fiction books performed by him, but I have strong feelings that authors of non-fiction literature should perform the narration of their audible book. Especially, if the non-fiction literature is a memoir or autobiography. Looking past that…I liked this book! Below you will find my 5 points of learning/random thoughts I had while reading this book:
1. I entered this book primarily wanting to learn about health benefits. I am not particularly passionate about animal rights but after learning about CAFO’s, I was feeling a tad bit emotional and sad…
I was definitely under a an illusion about farms, farm animals, and production of farm animals for human consumption.
2. Your taste buds change after you stop eating animal products?!?! Well hallelujah!
I really hope this is true, because I am primarily a carnivore and I don’t care for eating vegetables. Making this change will inevitably take quite a bit of adjusting, but I know it definitely needs to be done. I am praying that not consuming all of the sodium and sugar placed in processed meats/foods will have a positive effect on my taste buds.
3. WAYMENT…Chickens are fed PROZAC!
Chicken has been one of my all-time favorite foods and I don’t even want to talk about this or the other multiple drugs fed to the birds.
4. The average American eats over 86 lbs of chicken every year!
I really don’t know how I feel about this in correlation to #3 and that fact that I have followed a high protein diet for the past 4 years and consumed primarily CHICKEN. Let just talk about the fact that I am 39 years old and the second I got teeth there was a good chance I was eating chicken.
So 86 lbs. a year multiplied by at least a good 37 years equals over 3,182 pounds. GROSS! How much prozac have I unknowingly consumed? Once again, I don’t want to talk about it.
5. Casein that makes up 80% of a cows milk, is such a great binding agent that it is used in glue, concrete, and fabrics?
Please, say it ain’t so?
I liked this book. I gave it 3 out of 5 stars. I felt like parts of the book felt a little too preachy for my taste. Like I mentioned I chose the vegan challenge for health reasons. So the animal rights/environmental factors were extreme eye openers for me and I valued the learning experience. Tell me, what did you think of this book?
October 26, 2015
First I would like to state that I have received this book through the Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. When I received this book I began reading it at once.
This book is a very compelling and easy to read book, and I feel that everyone really should read this book. Most people won't even consider reading it or even giving to give up meat and dairy. Sadly they will not even read this book. Most books like this do tend to be rather preachy, but I do not feel this is one of those books. It is one that I have enjoyed reading.
This book is a very compelling and easy to read book, and I feel that everyone really should read this book. Most people won't even consider reading it or even giving to give up meat and dairy. Sadly they will not even read this book. Most books like this do tend to be rather preachy, but I do not feel this is one of those books. It is one that I have enjoyed reading.
July 13, 2017
This is an easy read. Russell doesn't try to push the vegan lifestyle on anyone, just talks about why he became one.
March 30, 2020
This was a different take on the usual vegan conversion/ info book. It covered environmental, health and ethical reasons (mostly ethical) to go vegan. Also, this is the only vegan book I've read that specifically addressed the African American community, which I thought was interesting (in a good way). Other food options were suggested, but no recipes were included. Most of this book was personal anecdotes, and as such isn't well cited. Resources are limited to websites and cookbook recommendations (both of which were fine/ useful); I would've appreciated an additional page for all the books/ videos discussed (major missed opportunity). I do have a few issues with it, though. 1) I've never been to a Taco Bell that would exchange cheese for guacamole; everywhere I've been, TB won't even exchange sour cream for guacamole and implying that they would as a normal accommodation is -- quite frankly -- wrong. 2) Don't gaze at candles. Your eyes will thank you. 3) Don't quit all exercise except yoga. I felt his comments against running and lifting were incredibly bad recommendations (p50). 4) His thoughts about the major precautions enacted to prevent an Ebola outbreak in America are uninformed at best. I'm writing this during COVID-19, and thank my stars that this isn't Ebola (p73). 4) Perhaps my biggest pet peeve was how he would simultaneously slam Meatless Mondays and Meatless 'til 6, because that's only a half-measure (and folks should go full vegan), but then admit to and rationalize occasionally eating fish and chicken (and note other celebrities that do the same). It just makes him sound like a hypocrite and arguably defeats the purpose. (Instead, I would argue, one should encourage others to eat fewer animal-based products. Maybe that's eating plant-based one day a week, or one meal a day, or 24/7, or other variation -- but to ridicule good-faith attempts at a partial vegetarian/ vegan diet while simultaneously embracing going off-the-wagon is not a good message. I don't care if someone has an occasional piece of meat (that's their business), but I'm not going to discourage anyone from eating a plant-based diet -- in its many variations and forms -- by saying it isn't extreme enough. The way he wrote this book about becoming vegan, but also slammed gateway vegans, really frustrated me. Does he not realize he's insulting his target audience? 2.2*
January 12, 2018
Good introduction to giving up meat, with a lot of emphasis on how to change your routine and how to deal with social stigma. However, this is very introductory, if you are already well educated on the health benefits, environmental benefits, and the obvious benefits to animals, then this book is a bit repetitive to what you probably already know. In other words, good introduction for people who know little about veganism, but maybe too basic for most others.
Also, one thing I will say, is that rather than strong citations on medical studies/doctors, most of the quotes and endorsements come from high profite figures in entertainment/media, and business (e.g., athletes, musicians, celebrates etc). While I can see the relationship between showing that an athelete can thrive on a vegan diet and be competitive (i.e., therefore so can you), the relationship between business owner Steve Wynn and health advice is tenuous at best. However I can also see that some people are more easily motivated when they see rich and successful people endorsing a lifestyle, so this might be a good gift for them. As a side note, I don't give a _[insert random useless body part or expletive metaphor here]___ about what celebrities are doing with themselves, so to me this was just a distraction to the core of veganism (improve your health, save the environment, reduce animal suffering).
Also, one thing I will say, is that rather than strong citations on medical studies/doctors, most of the quotes and endorsements come from high profite figures in entertainment/media, and business (e.g., athletes, musicians, celebrates etc). While I can see the relationship between showing that an athelete can thrive on a vegan diet and be competitive (i.e., therefore so can you), the relationship between business owner Steve Wynn and health advice is tenuous at best. However I can also see that some people are more easily motivated when they see rich and successful people endorsing a lifestyle, so this might be a good gift for them. As a side note, I don't give a _[insert random useless body part or expletive metaphor here]___ about what celebrities are doing with themselves, so to me this was just a distraction to the core of veganism (improve your health, save the environment, reduce animal suffering).
January 29, 2019
If you've ever considered adopting a plant based diet, this book is for you. Simmons takes readers on a journey that begins with his personal introduction to a vegan lifestyle and travels chapter by chapter through the reasons why others should consider this lifestyle as well. He appeals to all fronts by exploring the health benefits of veganism, the environmental impact, animal suffering, and the subconscious, emotional impacts of veganism. And, he does all of this with a very direct, no nonsense approach. He does not sugar coat the truth out of fear of upsetting the reader. This is particularly true in the section about animal abuse that contains graphic descriptions of the conditions inside factory farms and rendering plants. Although difficult to read at times, the graphic descriptions serve as a catalyst for action and force the reader to at least acknowledge, if not fully accept, the truth about where their meat comes from.
But, despite this direct approach, Simmons does allow that a plant based lifestyle will look different for everyone. Some may choose to be strict vegans. Some will make exceptions and eat this, but not that. For example, Simmons concedes that he'll eat something cooked in fish stock, but not beef stock. Simmons encourages readers to find a space on the spectrum that works for them and to do their best at doing the least amount of harm possible. The book ends with tips on beginning a plant based diet, and it includes an appendix that takes readers through the practice of meditation. Highly recommended.
But, despite this direct approach, Simmons does allow that a plant based lifestyle will look different for everyone. Some may choose to be strict vegans. Some will make exceptions and eat this, but not that. For example, Simmons concedes that he'll eat something cooked in fish stock, but not beef stock. Simmons encourages readers to find a space on the spectrum that works for them and to do their best at doing the least amount of harm possible. The book ends with tips on beginning a plant based diet, and it includes an appendix that takes readers through the practice of meditation. Highly recommended.
January 24, 2021
I thought this was really informative, though I will say the middle was probably the main meaty part (pun intended) for me because I wanted to learn more about about what we're REALLY eating when we eat animal products, especially in the US. It's information you've probably heard bits and pieces of from other sources but I like how he weaves everything together and explains big picture stuff as well as details, e.g what "cage free" or "free range" actually means vs what we're led to believe it means... He does a good job of lifting the lid on the hard work that goes into making sure the average person doesn't think too hard about what goes on behind the scenes. If we did it would be much harder for the meat and dairy industry to continue profiting from torture.
Tone sometimes feels aggressive or like you've hired a life coach, but I also listened to it as an audiobook so that might be a part of it. I would recommend only the middle part to a skeptic, but I would recommend the whole book to anyone who's already curious about a plant-based diet and meditation.
Tone sometimes feels aggressive or like you've hired a life coach, but I also listened to it as an audiobook so that might be a part of it. I would recommend only the middle part to a skeptic, but I would recommend the whole book to anyone who's already curious about a plant-based diet and meditation.
January 7, 2024
Many years ago I had a vivid dream where I told myself I would not truly start to feel well until I "stopped eating death". I have made strides since then to limit my intake of meat and wanted to make the committment to be fully vegan by the end of this year. I have also spent the last year deepening my yoga practice and loved that this book spoke on Ahimsa.
I don't know if I was the target audience for this book, because I didn't need "convincing" to become Vegan, but I did really enjoy the read (very rarely do I rate a book 5 stars). I believe it touched on a lot of key points and loved the emphasis on being able to make mistakes in the journey. This book offered a lot of grace and didnt do the shaming I've seen in other books, which I appreciated.
I'd recommend this to anyone starting their journey, who has a family/friend on this journey who you maybe want to understand better, or if you have already started your journey and want to read a little inspiration.
I don't know if I was the target audience for this book, because I didn't need "convincing" to become Vegan, but I did really enjoy the read (very rarely do I rate a book 5 stars). I believe it touched on a lot of key points and loved the emphasis on being able to make mistakes in the journey. This book offered a lot of grace and didnt do the shaming I've seen in other books, which I appreciated.
I'd recommend this to anyone starting their journey, who has a family/friend on this journey who you maybe want to understand better, or if you have already started your journey and want to read a little inspiration.
August 13, 2017
This is an amazing book to read if your considering or on track to become a vegan. I've read this book while already being vegan for maybe 3 weeks so the first 2 chapters were just motivation for those who were considering. I would the last three chapters to be extremely helpful & although it maybe tough to read I found it important to read the in depth description to how the animals are being used as food & the standard procedures companies go thru. The additional resources & recommendations of documentaries were helpful. Overall an amazing honest straight to the point book for those who are starting out as vegans or wish to consider learning more why you should be Vegan for the animals/ your health & the environment!!!!
March 12, 2024
4.5 - I have read many go vegan books and this is the one I like the most. Sure it’s intense and preachy in some parts but this topic is polarising and kinda calls for it. I liked that he acknowledged that he is rich and making the move to veganism is easier for him, but also possible for us mere non-millionaire mortals. I like the empathy and wholeness (mind, body, environment, energy, happy aura etc) in this book. It’s definitely encouraging me to go more in the way of veganism even though I’m not there yet. I’m a vegetarian struggling to say bye bye to cheese, but the more books like this I read then the more inspired I am to take the plunge.
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