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OMD: The Simple, Plant-Based Program to Save Your Health, Save Your Waistline, and Save the Planet
Change the World by Changing One Meal a Day
Suzy Amis Cameron—environmental advocate, former actor, and mom of five—presents a clear-eyed and accessible guide for you to improve your health and shrink your personal carbon footprint simply by swapping one meat- and dairy-based meal for a plant-based one every day.
The research is clear that a plant-based diet is the healthiest diet on Earth. But what many people don’t realize is that nothing else we do comes close to the environmental impact of what we eat.
Now Suzy Amis Cameron explains how we can boost energy, feel better, live healthier, and heal the Earth, starting with just one meal a day. Developed at MUSE School, the school she founded with her sister Rebecca Amis, Suzy’s program makes it possible for anyone and everyone to reverse climate change while they embrace a healthier lifestyle. This one simple step will begin to help you lose weight and stay naturally thin, reverse chronic health concerns, improve overall wellbeing, enjoy newfound energy, and slash your carbon footprint in half.
In OMD , Suzy shares her field-tested plan, outlining the latest science and research on why a plant-based diet is better for one’s health and the environment. Featuring fifty delicious, nourishing recipes and complete with inspiring success stories, shopping lists, meal plans, and pantry tips, OMD is an all-in-one resource for anyone who wants to take care of their body and our beautiful planet at the same time.
Suzy Amis Cameron—environmental advocate, former actor, and mom of five—presents a clear-eyed and accessible guide for you to improve your health and shrink your personal carbon footprint simply by swapping one meat- and dairy-based meal for a plant-based one every day.
The research is clear that a plant-based diet is the healthiest diet on Earth. But what many people don’t realize is that nothing else we do comes close to the environmental impact of what we eat.
Now Suzy Amis Cameron explains how we can boost energy, feel better, live healthier, and heal the Earth, starting with just one meal a day. Developed at MUSE School, the school she founded with her sister Rebecca Amis, Suzy’s program makes it possible for anyone and everyone to reverse climate change while they embrace a healthier lifestyle. This one simple step will begin to help you lose weight and stay naturally thin, reverse chronic health concerns, improve overall wellbeing, enjoy newfound energy, and slash your carbon footprint in half.
In OMD , Suzy shares her field-tested plan, outlining the latest science and research on why a plant-based diet is better for one’s health and the environment. Featuring fifty delicious, nourishing recipes and complete with inspiring success stories, shopping lists, meal plans, and pantry tips, OMD is an all-in-one resource for anyone who wants to take care of their body and our beautiful planet at the same time.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published October 23, 2018
93 people are currently reading
938 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 28 reviews
October 25, 2018
Written at about a fifth grade level with a gee-whiz take on the science. I guess if you've never taken a science course, read an international news source, or been alive after 1995, then maybe this is all a big surprise? But probably not.
There's nothing wrong with the idea of one plant-based meal a day; I don't like to eat meat, but am allergic to nuts and almost all seeds, so one more recipe involving sunflower seeds and cashews isn't helpful. At all. Also, a book with decent ideas that's predicated on logical fallacies is still a book predicated on logical fallacies.
I actually had no idea who Suzy Amis Cameron was before this, but fortunately she reminded me on every other page about her career or that of her husband (you know, *that* James Cameron). There are celebrities who write (or cause to have written) highly entertaining and humble books. This isn't one of them.
There's nothing wrong with the idea of one plant-based meal a day; I don't like to eat meat, but am allergic to nuts and almost all seeds, so one more recipe involving sunflower seeds and cashews isn't helpful. At all. Also, a book with decent ideas that's predicated on logical fallacies is still a book predicated on logical fallacies.
I actually had no idea who Suzy Amis Cameron was before this, but fortunately she reminded me on every other page about her career or that of her husband (you know, *that* James Cameron). There are celebrities who write (or cause to have written) highly entertaining and humble books. This isn't one of them.
January 7, 2020
Read most of this in November but decided to wait to review it until I tried some of the recipes and meal plan in the back of the book. All of the recipes I tried were delicious, though the meal plan portion of the book suggested a lot of processed plant-based meats rather than other plant-based sources of protein (e.g., beans, lentils, tofu, etc.) which is not my preferred way to eat. However, I do understand that this book is meant to provide a way to ease into plant-based eating and that can look different for different people.
Overall, I LOVE the simple idea of OMD (One Meal a Day) and have integrated that into my dietary habits prior to reading this book. Through reading this however, I have found myself more inspired to seek out and try more fully plant-based recipes and try full days of plant-based eating. Suzy talks about health as well as environmental benefits to plant-based eating and describes that even though she went "all-in" when it came to switching to a plant-based lifestyle, she acknowledges that it is not for everyone and doing what we feel is best for us is more important than stressing to do it perfectly.
During the first couple chapters of the book, Suzy describes that watching the documentary Forks Over Knives changed her perception on plant-based eating and I can agree that if you are interested in learning more it is a good place to start. I would also recommend listening to Oprah's SuperSoul podcast where she interviews Suzy if you are interested in reading this book, as she talks about a lot of what is contained in this book. I was initially interested in the MUSE school (i.e., environmental school which has adopted plant-based lunches as part of OMD) and found the section in this book about the school extremely interesting as well.
Overall I would recommend reading this book if you are interested in nutrition, health, and/or the environment. It is evidence-based and very readable and easy to understand.
Overall, I LOVE the simple idea of OMD (One Meal a Day) and have integrated that into my dietary habits prior to reading this book. Through reading this however, I have found myself more inspired to seek out and try more fully plant-based recipes and try full days of plant-based eating. Suzy talks about health as well as environmental benefits to plant-based eating and describes that even though she went "all-in" when it came to switching to a plant-based lifestyle, she acknowledges that it is not for everyone and doing what we feel is best for us is more important than stressing to do it perfectly.
During the first couple chapters of the book, Suzy describes that watching the documentary Forks Over Knives changed her perception on plant-based eating and I can agree that if you are interested in learning more it is a good place to start. I would also recommend listening to Oprah's SuperSoul podcast where she interviews Suzy if you are interested in reading this book, as she talks about a lot of what is contained in this book. I was initially interested in the MUSE school (i.e., environmental school which has adopted plant-based lunches as part of OMD) and found the section in this book about the school extremely interesting as well.
Overall I would recommend reading this book if you are interested in nutrition, health, and/or the environment. It is evidence-based and very readable and easy to understand.
November 4, 2018
This book is a good idea for those in the beginning stages of wanting to eat a plant-based program in order to improve their health, shrink their waistline, and help save the planet. A little too basic for me, as I am quite knowledgeable already, but interesting reading nonetheless. There were some good recipes, but most of them seemed very basic and for the beginner crowd.
December 29, 2018
Some good ideas but the recipes are really more vegan than whole food plant based. Too much oil and fake meats and cheeses. Probably best for people just starting out on this journey.
September 8, 2019
Today I'm reviewing Changing the World by One Meal a Day by Suzy Amis Cameron.
Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft. I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 412,000 views.
As usual, I'm going to start my review with my opinion on the physical book. I received a hard cover dust jacketed book as a gift for contributing to the OMD Blog project. You can find my interview here. The forward of the book is written by Dr. Dean Ornish, MD. A well renowned advocate for living a healthy lifestyle. While not completely plant based I respect Dr. Ornish for his work related to helping create a holistic approach to lifestyle management. I have read many of his books and recommend them often. My particular way of living is more in line with Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. I am a firm believer that oil is at the root of the majority of the diseases of affluence that impact our society today. This book boasts a nice since index and notes section. It even includes a list of packaged foods that are acceptable to those living a vegan lifestyle.
The premise of this book and the mission statement of OMD is to save the planet by switching one meal a day to a plant based meal. The book lists vegan options for reaching this goal. To me, I believe in a whole food plant based approach to eating. While it does fit the "vegan" moniker, it isn't your traditional vegan menu. There are so many foods that are vegan but are not good for you. Oreo cookies are vegan but are completely unhealthy. The book is a great resource for information on how much of our resources are used each day by continuing to eat meat and meat products. The author explains that having only one plant based meal a day for a year will save 675,250 gallons of water. To put that in perspective, it is the same amount of water to fill an Olympic size pool.
I enjoyed the section of the book that included the lists of plant based sources for common vitamins and minerals. Page 113 for example, gives a pretty good list of Omega-3S sources. A common source of Omega 3 is attributed to consuming fish. The list contains 23 options for plant based sources of Omega 3 fatty acid. Personally, I try to include chia seeds, sesame seeds and walnuts in my diet daily.
Chapter five kicks off your journey to OMD living. The author provides a list of tips and tricks for making your experience a success. The table of grab and go options are a life saver for those just starting on this journey. The idea here is you're only switching one meal a day. As you begin to see how much better you feel, you'll want to change more and slowly remove meat and animal products completely from your diet. I started out my journey by ordering HungryRoot food delivery service. This is a vegan home meal delivery kit that provides a great way to slowly wean yourself off of highly processed animal fat and chemical laden foods. The same holds true for the new craze of the Beyond Meat and the Impossible Burger which are making their way around fast food establishments across the united states. While not on my menu, this is a great way to begin the path to removing animals from your diet.
Chapter seven is where the fun begins. The author takes us on a culinary journey to delight the vegan taste buds of every newly transitioning foodie. From Jasper's Red Shake to Food Forest Organics Coco-Mint Slice you'll find a tasty plant based recipe to fit any taste level. You'll learn how to use tofu and coconut cream to make a delicious meal that will convert even the most strict meat eater. There are recipes for chili sauce, pesto and even spring rolls! Eating a plant based meal doesn't have to be bland and boring. After all, most of the meat prepared today has herbs and spices added to it to make it flavorful. Herbs and spices are plants! This book includes a 14 day All-In Meal plan and shopping list to get you ready for the big move to a healthier plant based life style.
Over all this is a great book and I applaud the author for providing, to me, one of the most important parts of the book. The Great Eater Meter on page 293 offers the reader a chance to see the impact of animal based foods on our environment. One stick of butter for example, takes 173 gallons of water to produce. One cup of milk takes 43 gallons of water. When you begin to look at the impact of the individual choices we make everyday on our planet, you really can see how you can be the change you want to see in this world.
If you're on the fence about this, I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book and taking the time to really learn about a plant based lifestyle. You can look up several documentaries on the subject such as Devour the Earth, Eating You Alive, Forks Over Knives and The Game Changers just to name a few.
Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft. I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts over 412,000 views.
As usual, I'm going to start my review with my opinion on the physical book. I received a hard cover dust jacketed book as a gift for contributing to the OMD Blog project. You can find my interview here. The forward of the book is written by Dr. Dean Ornish, MD. A well renowned advocate for living a healthy lifestyle. While not completely plant based I respect Dr. Ornish for his work related to helping create a holistic approach to lifestyle management. I have read many of his books and recommend them often. My particular way of living is more in line with Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. I am a firm believer that oil is at the root of the majority of the diseases of affluence that impact our society today. This book boasts a nice since index and notes section. It even includes a list of packaged foods that are acceptable to those living a vegan lifestyle.
The premise of this book and the mission statement of OMD is to save the planet by switching one meal a day to a plant based meal. The book lists vegan options for reaching this goal. To me, I believe in a whole food plant based approach to eating. While it does fit the "vegan" moniker, it isn't your traditional vegan menu. There are so many foods that are vegan but are not good for you. Oreo cookies are vegan but are completely unhealthy. The book is a great resource for information on how much of our resources are used each day by continuing to eat meat and meat products. The author explains that having only one plant based meal a day for a year will save 675,250 gallons of water. To put that in perspective, it is the same amount of water to fill an Olympic size pool.
I enjoyed the section of the book that included the lists of plant based sources for common vitamins and minerals. Page 113 for example, gives a pretty good list of Omega-3S sources. A common source of Omega 3 is attributed to consuming fish. The list contains 23 options for plant based sources of Omega 3 fatty acid. Personally, I try to include chia seeds, sesame seeds and walnuts in my diet daily.
Chapter five kicks off your journey to OMD living. The author provides a list of tips and tricks for making your experience a success. The table of grab and go options are a life saver for those just starting on this journey. The idea here is you're only switching one meal a day. As you begin to see how much better you feel, you'll want to change more and slowly remove meat and animal products completely from your diet. I started out my journey by ordering HungryRoot food delivery service. This is a vegan home meal delivery kit that provides a great way to slowly wean yourself off of highly processed animal fat and chemical laden foods. The same holds true for the new craze of the Beyond Meat and the Impossible Burger which are making their way around fast food establishments across the united states. While not on my menu, this is a great way to begin the path to removing animals from your diet.
Chapter seven is where the fun begins. The author takes us on a culinary journey to delight the vegan taste buds of every newly transitioning foodie. From Jasper's Red Shake to Food Forest Organics Coco-Mint Slice you'll find a tasty plant based recipe to fit any taste level. You'll learn how to use tofu and coconut cream to make a delicious meal that will convert even the most strict meat eater. There are recipes for chili sauce, pesto and even spring rolls! Eating a plant based meal doesn't have to be bland and boring. After all, most of the meat prepared today has herbs and spices added to it to make it flavorful. Herbs and spices are plants! This book includes a 14 day All-In Meal plan and shopping list to get you ready for the big move to a healthier plant based life style.
Over all this is a great book and I applaud the author for providing, to me, one of the most important parts of the book. The Great Eater Meter on page 293 offers the reader a chance to see the impact of animal based foods on our environment. One stick of butter for example, takes 173 gallons of water to produce. One cup of milk takes 43 gallons of water. When you begin to look at the impact of the individual choices we make everyday on our planet, you really can see how you can be the change you want to see in this world.
If you're on the fence about this, I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book and taking the time to really learn about a plant based lifestyle. You can look up several documentaries on the subject such as Devour the Earth, Eating You Alive, Forks Over Knives and The Game Changers just to name a few.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2019
The premise is good, that we can best help the environment by shifting to a plant based diet. I like the idea of shifting one meal a day to entirely plant based. I don't like the idea that we should all be vegan. Those who want to can, of course. But vegan diets must be supplemented as one cannot get everything one needs just from vegan food (B-12, for example). Her zeal to convert everyone to a vegan diet glosses over this. Also her reliance on vegan substitutes doesn't work for everyone, like me as I have food additive allergies that make many of these substitutes impossible for me to eat. I felt at the end of the book as though I had been scolded for refusing to consider a vegan diet even though it simply isn't possible for me.
Having said that, if you want to reduce the animal products you consume, this isn't the worst place to start. She does have some good ideas about making the transition, although I recommend doing research outside of this book.
The other issue she doesn't deal with at all is that of access. She discusses how more products are becoming widely available but doesn't discuss or even acknowledge the enormous privilege she enjoys that allows her to eat as she pleases.
This is not by any means the worst book of this sort I have read, which is why I've given it 3 stars, really 3.2 rounded down.
Having said that, if you want to reduce the animal products you consume, this isn't the worst place to start. She does have some good ideas about making the transition, although I recommend doing research outside of this book.
The other issue she doesn't deal with at all is that of access. She discusses how more products are becoming widely available but doesn't discuss or even acknowledge the enormous privilege she enjoys that allows her to eat as she pleases.
This is not by any means the worst book of this sort I have read, which is why I've given it 3 stars, really 3.2 rounded down.
May 18, 2019
I looked over this book and decided not to pursue it in detail. While it's nice to be in favor of changing one's diet for the good of the earth and I believe that should be done, there are problems with the diet as proposed. The author includes processed food, no doubt to help reluctant meat eaters to ease into a plant-based lifestyle in order to help the environment. However, she also includes at least one recipe that contains blue-green algae, a "no-no" according to Dr. Greger on nutritionfacts.org, who says this algae contains liver toxins and neurotoxins. Other recipes contain oil so if one is WFPB, multiple recipes in this book do not comply with a low-fat WFPB way of eating, said by many dieticians to be the healthiest diet to follow for health and longevity.
November 21, 2018
The book was simple and engaging. Plant base diets are better for every persons health and the planet. The core message is repeated throughout out the book. If this books doesn't get you to try more a plant base diet nothing will.
There a ton of recipe to help you get started as well as a list of foods to get your pantry started. It really takes all the thinking for you. But the only downside is its an American author meant for American readers so it might be a problem getting some of the things in Asia marketplace.
But overall its a concise books that waste no time and a comprehensive read for anyone who always wondered if going plant base is worth it.
There a ton of recipe to help you get started as well as a list of foods to get your pantry started. It really takes all the thinking for you. But the only downside is its an American author meant for American readers so it might be a problem getting some of the things in Asia marketplace.
But overall its a concise books that waste no time and a comprehensive read for anyone who always wondered if going plant base is worth it.
January 3, 2019
Some good motivation if you are having a hard time giving up meat. It reminded me that the reason there are no wolves in Utah & Idaho is because of cattle ranchers. This helped me give up meat for good. I want the wolves back so the rivers can return to their natural flow and I don't have to worry about hitting deer when I am driving and we don't have to spend millions of dollars on an animal footbridge over I 80! Just bring the wolves back and they will take care of everything!
February 9, 2019
Amazing, life changing material! The biggest insights:
1. Nothing you can do will be more beneficial to our planet than eating less of animal products.
2. Eating less of animal products doesn't just help fight global warming but half a dozen other environmental crises.
3. Everyone can do it and make an impact. It doesn't take money (in fact it can save you money), expertise or time.
1. Nothing you can do will be more beneficial to our planet than eating less of animal products.
2. Eating less of animal products doesn't just help fight global warming but half a dozen other environmental crises.
3. Everyone can do it and make an impact. It doesn't take money (in fact it can save you money), expertise or time.
August 10, 2020
Since I have been plant based for the past 7 months I was not reading this for the science or to be convinced to change my diet. What I appreciated was Suzy's honestly about how people reacted to her and her family going plant-based and how they responded. I also liked all the recipes and suggestions as to how to veganize everyday recipes.
December 29, 2018
Has just a browse through this one. I'm big on eating less meat in an effort to use fewer natural resources (raising cattle takes huge amounts of water). I wanted to see how the author dealt with this topic
January 15, 2019
Technically, I knew most of this (hence why I'm vegan), but for someone contemplating even reducing how many animal products you have in your diet, this walks you really well through the why and the how in an easy-to-understand format and writing style. Complete with recipes at the end.
June 25, 2019
Suzy states in this book that eating plant base food can cure cancer and other type of disease, that people can through away there pills, can cure heart disease. I am not sure of all her belief in this.
January 3, 2020
Chapters 4 & 5 are where the “meat” of this book lies. The first few chapters are a lot of convincing you to do it and why. Chapter 6 also lends some knowledge. I wasn’t inspired much by the recipes they are mostly substituting in plant based meat substitute.
Read
January 18, 2020A great book to read if you are just starting on your plant based diet journey. One meal a day is easy to do...anyone can do this, right? It's easy. This book is well researched -- I actually read it by the pool while on vacation and enjoyed it a lot.
October 31, 2018
Well written and full of excellent information. It is a great basis for someone looking to start a plant based eating plan.
December 23, 2018
Loved this informative, alarming, and ultimately inspiring book.
January 31, 2019
Never got time to read it from A to Z but stuffed with very interesting info and will certainly encourage the reader to change one or two things from their normal habit!
March 3, 2020
I suggest listening to her interview on Oprah Super Soul Sunday as an intro to the book.
September 14, 2021
The idea of the book is great but the practice needs to be redefined. It suggests too much processed food just bcz they are plant-based, and also too much canned beans.
September 1, 2021
Me apunto al OMD.
Buen plan para cambiar hábitos de vida e introducir más alimentos de origen vegetal en nuestra dieta o hacer una transición hacia el veganismo.
De acuerdo con muchas cosas, en desacuerdo con otras. Me ha gustado mucho la sinceridad con la que habla de su transición y sus errores así como en las puntuaciones que hace en la importancia de intentar tener los nutrientes asegurados y reconocer que considera la suplementación necesaria, además de explicar el por qué.
Es un libro que no se hace pesado, no intenta meter la dieta vegana con calzador tampoco y trae ideas y recetas que estoy deseando probar.
"Desventaja" (por llamarlo de alguna manera) está escrito en el contexto de la política y economía de Estados Unidos, horario-planificación de comida americana y marcas/productos recomendados a la venta en EEUU (pero a todo se le puede buscar un sustituto o adaptar).
Recomendado como una de las primeras lecturas para introducción al veganismo o incentivo para introducir más verduras a la dieta, ya sea por salud o por el medio ambiente.
Buen plan para cambiar hábitos de vida e introducir más alimentos de origen vegetal en nuestra dieta o hacer una transición hacia el veganismo.
De acuerdo con muchas cosas, en desacuerdo con otras. Me ha gustado mucho la sinceridad con la que habla de su transición y sus errores así como en las puntuaciones que hace en la importancia de intentar tener los nutrientes asegurados y reconocer que considera la suplementación necesaria, además de explicar el por qué.
Es un libro que no se hace pesado, no intenta meter la dieta vegana con calzador tampoco y trae ideas y recetas que estoy deseando probar.
"Desventaja" (por llamarlo de alguna manera) está escrito en el contexto de la política y economía de Estados Unidos, horario-planificación de comida americana y marcas/productos recomendados a la venta en EEUU (pero a todo se le puede buscar un sustituto o adaptar).
Recomendado como una de las primeras lecturas para introducción al veganismo o incentivo para introducir más verduras a la dieta, ya sea por salud o por el medio ambiente.
July 23, 2019
Informative about the environmental and health impacts of consuming animal products with very basic scientific explanations. Contains good factoids about how one person's decisions can make an impact.
Recommend to anyone considering adopting a vegan diet.
Recommend to anyone considering adopting a vegan diet.
February 29, 2020
I have been vegetarian for nearly ten years with eating occasional fish. I loved the focus on how what we eat impacts our environment and this book caused me to move to a vegan/plant based diet. I also like the focus on how making a small change such as one meal a day can impact the environment and your health. A great way to help people make changes without becoming overwhelmed with the idea of being “all in”. I didn’t care for most of the recipes but there are plenty of other places to get recipes. I also found the recommended videos and books helpful. A good read for anyone wanting to find a way to make a concrete difference in saving the environment while improving your health.
March 4, 2020
I watched Suzy on Super Soul Sunday then watched Fork Over Knives and Cowspiracy. I decided not to animal based products after that and then decided to read this book. It is full of facts and information along with meal planning, recipes, grocery lists, and everything you need to eat better and save the environment.
December 4, 2019
We can all do better and do our part to make ourselves and the planet better. Great guidance in this book to get started on the path to wellness. Share this book and information with everyone you know. Take care.
December 19, 2020
If you are a carnivore and considering going veg, this may be the book for you. Meh! Did nothing for me. I really did not need to hear about her journey and James Cameron's.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 28 reviews