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Be A Plant-Based Woman Warrior: Live Fierce, Stay Bold, Eat Delicious: A Cookbook
The original “Julia Child of plant-based cooking” teams up with her daughter to offer a multigenerational celebration of the power of a plant-based lifestyle—with 125 recipes.
The Esselstyn family is three generations plant-based strong. Encouraged to create recipes without dairy and meat when her husband’s research pointed to the impact of diet on reversing disease, Ann Esselstyn began feeding her family creative, plant-based meals more than thirty years ago. She and her daughter, Jane Esselstyn, are bolts of energy from the same strike of lightning and have become fierce, big-spirited advocates for a plant-based lifestyle, reaching hundreds of thousands of fans through their previous books and their popular YouTube channel.
At eighty-six and fifty-six, respectively, Ann and Jane are pictures of ageless health and vibrancy and spend their days hiking, doing yoga, gardening, cooking, and spreading the message that diet is the key to living a happy, strong, and disease-free life. Be a Plant-Based Woman Warrior explains how women everywhere can pass on this important legacy in their own families through the generations, and illuminates how plants powerfully support a woman’s body and mind. This cookbook is a call to action and a message of hope for any and all to be Plant-Based Women Warriors filled with vitality and in control of their own health.
Be a Plant-Based Woman Warrior includes more than 125 recipes made for women on the go, from Apple Flax Flapjacks and Black Ramen Bowls, to Portobello Sliders with Green Goddess Sauce, to Mint Chip Outta Sight Brownies. And it includes big-flavored dinners like Sweet Potato and Cashew Ricotta Lasagna and Plant-Based Pad Thai, sure to tempt even the most reluctant vegetable-focused eaters. Full of life, captivating energy, and delicious food, this cookbook brings readers to the Esselstyn family table, where plants and joy are at the center.
The Esselstyn family is three generations plant-based strong. Encouraged to create recipes without dairy and meat when her husband’s research pointed to the impact of diet on reversing disease, Ann Esselstyn began feeding her family creative, plant-based meals more than thirty years ago. She and her daughter, Jane Esselstyn, are bolts of energy from the same strike of lightning and have become fierce, big-spirited advocates for a plant-based lifestyle, reaching hundreds of thousands of fans through their previous books and their popular YouTube channel.
At eighty-six and fifty-six, respectively, Ann and Jane are pictures of ageless health and vibrancy and spend their days hiking, doing yoga, gardening, cooking, and spreading the message that diet is the key to living a happy, strong, and disease-free life. Be a Plant-Based Woman Warrior explains how women everywhere can pass on this important legacy in their own families through the generations, and illuminates how plants powerfully support a woman’s body and mind. This cookbook is a call to action and a message of hope for any and all to be Plant-Based Women Warriors filled with vitality and in control of their own health.
Be a Plant-Based Woman Warrior includes more than 125 recipes made for women on the go, from Apple Flax Flapjacks and Black Ramen Bowls, to Portobello Sliders with Green Goddess Sauce, to Mint Chip Outta Sight Brownies. And it includes big-flavored dinners like Sweet Potato and Cashew Ricotta Lasagna and Plant-Based Pad Thai, sure to tempt even the most reluctant vegetable-focused eaters. Full of life, captivating energy, and delicious food, this cookbook brings readers to the Esselstyn family table, where plants and joy are at the center.
320 pages, Paperback
Published August 25, 2022
496 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
About the author
Jane Esselstyn
7 books20 followersJane Esselstyn RN is a fresh, charismatic voice who brings her perspective and passion as a nurse, researcher, mother, and teacher to the forefront of the plant-based movement.
She presents her work, research, and high energy demos around the world- and on her YouTube channel with her firecracker mom, Ann Esselstyn.
Jane is an avid and inventive designer of plant-strong recipes.
She presents her work, research, and high energy demos around the world- and on her YouTube channel with her firecracker mom, Ann Esselstyn.
Jane is an avid and inventive designer of plant-strong recipes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 9, 2022
I got this book from the library because I like the lifestyle that the Esselstyn family promotes. If you aren't familiar with them, Dr. Esselstyn is a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic. He developed a program of plant-based, very low fat eating that helped severely ill cardiac patients. The documentary Forks Over Knives is about this. This book is written by his wife and daughter.
The first thing that I noticed about this book is the joy that radiates off the pages. So many people think that not eating meat, eggs, or dairy is sad and limiting. This book proves that it isn't.
Although this book is marketed to women, there is nothing really in it that doesn't apply to everyone. All of the recipes are vegan. Although the cardiac diet is strictly low-to-no-fat, the recipes here are low in added oil. If there is any, such as in nuts, suggestions are given for substitutions if a reader is on the stricter diet.
I've made several recipes so far. I started with the Cheezy Chickpeas. These recipes always make me laugh. Anything that says that it reminds a vegan of macaroni and cheese is not going to taste like macaroni and cheese. I don't think these people have had mac and cheese in so long that they don't remember. Bless their hearts. I still remember. These were good but didn't taste like mac and cheese. I'd make them again though and just appreciate them for what they are.
I've learned a few techniques from this book. They add in aquafaba to some chickpea dishes that I already make to thicken it. They also have a way of doing some origami with tortillas to make sandwiches that I've become obsessed with.
As I'm writing this I've just pulled their veggie lasagna (layers of mushrooms, carrots, peppers, spinach, and tofu ricotta alternating with mashed sweet potatoes) out of the oven and have some brussel sprouts tossed with nutritional yeast, hot sauce, and vinegar cooking.
I've enjoyed this book so much that I bought myself a physical copy so I can keep cooking from it. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to eat more plants in fun and creative ways.
The first thing that I noticed about this book is the joy that radiates off the pages. So many people think that not eating meat, eggs, or dairy is sad and limiting. This book proves that it isn't.
Although this book is marketed to women, there is nothing really in it that doesn't apply to everyone. All of the recipes are vegan. Although the cardiac diet is strictly low-to-no-fat, the recipes here are low in added oil. If there is any, such as in nuts, suggestions are given for substitutions if a reader is on the stricter diet.
I've made several recipes so far. I started with the Cheezy Chickpeas. These recipes always make me laugh. Anything that says that it reminds a vegan of macaroni and cheese is not going to taste like macaroni and cheese. I don't think these people have had mac and cheese in so long that they don't remember. Bless their hearts. I still remember. These were good but didn't taste like mac and cheese. I'd make them again though and just appreciate them for what they are.
I've learned a few techniques from this book. They add in aquafaba to some chickpea dishes that I already make to thicken it. They also have a way of doing some origami with tortillas to make sandwiches that I've become obsessed with.
As I'm writing this I've just pulled their veggie lasagna (layers of mushrooms, carrots, peppers, spinach, and tofu ricotta alternating with mashed sweet potatoes) out of the oven and have some brussel sprouts tossed with nutritional yeast, hot sauce, and vinegar cooking.
I've enjoyed this book so much that I bought myself a physical copy so I can keep cooking from it. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to eat more plants in fun and creative ways.
December 10, 2022
A lot of vegan cookbooks aren't good with chunky, flavorful dinners for athletic people who need bigger portions. I've read every vegan and veggie cookbook in my library system and this one is by far the best. It changes up dinner recipes everyone already knows and adds things like balsamic vinegar and miso for new flavor profiles. I've never thought to add those to a stew before, but it works. They've also made dinners easily adaptable for crock pot or instant pot.
The ingredients are mostly things you'd have already, but encourages you to try something new, like parsnips. Which most grocery stores carry so you don't have to go to a specialty store to find half the ingredients.
We will purchase this book.
The ingredients are mostly things you'd have already, but encourages you to try something new, like parsnips. Which most grocery stores carry so you don't have to go to a specialty store to find half the ingredients.
We will purchase this book.
October 8, 2022
Great recipes, lovely photos. Ignore the title — the authors know how to put together healthy plant based recipes.
Made the African Peanut soup yesterday, which was delicious, and have falafel mix in the fridge for tomorrow (the recipe mixed chickpeas and black beans). Bought ingredients to made stuffed potatoes, red lentil soup, and a dessert. I am sure that I will make many more recipes in the weeks to come.
Made the African Peanut soup yesterday, which was delicious, and have falafel mix in the fridge for tomorrow (the recipe mixed chickpeas and black beans). Bought ingredients to made stuffed potatoes, red lentil soup, and a dessert. I am sure that I will make many more recipes in the weeks to come.
October 5, 2022
This is my new favorite cookbook! There are so many recipes and gorgeous pictures to go with them. All the recipes are whole-food plant-based, but I think anyone wanting to get more plants into their diet would find many choices in this book. I had to give up putting post-its on recipes I wanted to try because my book was starting to look like it had a fringed edge!
October 10, 2022
Great book - read it cover to cover and flagged recipes to try. The bean burgers were excellent - held together very well with nice flavor. So many more recipes to try before this goes back to the library!
Read
August 18, 2022Guys I need review of this book before I proceed to order (when released) for my wife ❤️
February 2, 2023
Another great cookbook by Mom and Daughter! I cannot wait to try some of scrumptious recipes especially the desserts!
December 5, 2022
This is such an amazing cookbook that I just can't bring myself to dock a star, like I was planning to, for the cheesy title.
Ignore the title and get this book! It is packed with basic, creative, simple whole food, plant-based recipes. If you eat WFPB, consider this a necessary (or at least highly recommended!) addition to your cookbook collection.
I have tried two recipes from this book so far: banana bread and apple flapjacks. Both were amazing and tasted like much more than the sum of their parts.
Even better than the recipes is the attitude of enjoyment and satisfaction around food that purveys this book. I feel that it's common for people to see a plant-based diet as a deprivation, but it's clear that the Esselstyn family doesn't feel that way! It's wonderful to see an example of a family culture built around healthy eating.
Content aside, this book is beautifully made. Lovely colorful photos pop out from every page. The layout is good and attractive. And I adore the matte-finish pages.
I'm looking forward to reading more books and cookbooks written by members of this awesome family.
UPDATE: The brownies are amazing. Addictive. The most normal-textured plant-based brownies I've tried. It was worth buying this whole book just for the brownie recipe.
Ignore the title and get this book! It is packed with basic, creative, simple whole food, plant-based recipes. If you eat WFPB, consider this a necessary (or at least highly recommended!) addition to your cookbook collection.
I have tried two recipes from this book so far: banana bread and apple flapjacks. Both were amazing and tasted like much more than the sum of their parts.
Even better than the recipes is the attitude of enjoyment and satisfaction around food that purveys this book. I feel that it's common for people to see a plant-based diet as a deprivation, but it's clear that the Esselstyn family doesn't feel that way! It's wonderful to see an example of a family culture built around healthy eating.
Content aside, this book is beautifully made. Lovely colorful photos pop out from every page. The layout is good and attractive. And I adore the matte-finish pages.
I'm looking forward to reading more books and cookbooks written by members of this awesome family.
UPDATE: The brownies are amazing. Addictive. The most normal-textured plant-based brownies I've tried. It was worth buying this whole book just for the brownie recipe.
November 7, 2023
Not bad. There is a decent amount of health information at the beginning of the book. I don't agree with all of it (I was vegan for about 10 years before menopause but still got hot flashes) and it isn't very detailed but gives a nice overview of the possible health benefits. As for the recipes, they are more components of meals that full meals. I made 8 of them with decent results. The New Senate Soup and Thousand Island Hummus are things I'll continue to make. The Tangy Lime and Sweet Corn Sauce is a definite no. The others were good and gave me some new ideas.
December 18, 2022
i have been following this family and their journey to educate others about the power of healthy living and eating , I did purchase this book after being a fan of Jane and Ann's cooking show on you tube and this book does not disappoint , I can't wait to try her recipes and admire her energy to get this printed , thanks to both Jane and Ann.
November 5, 2022
This is an AWESOME cookbook!
Whether you're a beginner or long-time vegan, or even if you're just wanting to add some tasty veggie recipes to your weekly rotation, you will find many things to love in this cookbook! This might be my new all-time favorite cookbook! 😍 ❤️😍
Whether you're a beginner or long-time vegan, or even if you're just wanting to add some tasty veggie recipes to your weekly rotation, you will find many things to love in this cookbook! This might be my new all-time favorite cookbook! 😍 ❤️😍
December 19, 2022
This cookbook is just about perfect for me. Everything looks both healthy and delicious, and the Esselstyn’s are local heroes to boot. Can’t wait to use the parsnips I have from the Chef’s Garden in the parsnip soup.
March 30, 2023
Fun-loving tone from the amazing mother-daughter duo with great recipes!
January 8, 2023
Recipes are straight forward and there is also a lot of education about this type of cooking.
November 22, 2023
Good, but not great. Might be good for a novice, but it seems like the information is an echo chamber, with all due respect.
November 10, 2023
I thoroughly enjoy reading cookbooks, especially those with a particular angle - whether it be plant-based, Everything Chocolate, Cooking in the Orchard, Bean by Bean, Good Old Food, Yes Italian, etc. I always find the author's introduction inspirational and fascinating. After watching the documentary 'What the Health' I decided to join the plant-based movement for a while and this cookbook provides the perfect foundation.
March 13, 2024
They bring great energy and lovely recipe ideas. Also, some stories of how some peoples lives have been changed by adopting a whole food plant-based diet.
January 14, 2023
Lots of good recipes that are easy to follow. Pictures accompany many of the recipes! I will definitely be trying some of these recipes!
March 7, 2023
I got this from the library and picked out the recipes I thought my husband and I would like. The oatmeal cookie recipe was absolutely fantastic! The hummus recipes are also good. The stuffed potatoes we enjoyed as well. I can't wait to try the brownies and the chocolate cake with the German chocolate icing. Like any cookbook you own, not every recipe works with your family but I have to say this cookbook is one of the best cookbooks out there! Looking forward to trying a lot more recipes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2022
Lots of tips on how to bring flavor to plant based cooking. Several anecdotes from people who experienced better health due to a wfpb way of eating. Don't expect a lot of studies to back up claims, though. The author inspired me to buy better quality vinegars and try a variety of salad dressings. I still don't use tofu in my cooking, but maybe I will try it!?
November 3, 2023
This is an awe-inspiring cookbook about two strong women who've chosen healthy plant-based diets and their families that thrive as a result. Beautifully photographed with recipes from the mother daughter duo and their friends that are tried and true. I want to suggest this cookbook to all my friends considering healthy planet-friendly diet choices. Cheers!
December 2, 2023
This was a really fun read--not something one normally says about a cookbook! The photography is gorgeous and I am interested in nearly every single recipe. I also loved the podcast Ann and Jane did together about their book--such a fun mother-daughter duo! Going shopping today to buy ingredients so I can get busy making these dishes!
December 9, 2023
This book is filled with whole food plant based recipes that are accessible ingredient-wise and many are quick to make. The salad dressings are fantastic and super easy. My personal favorites are the lasagna, “chicken” nuggets, and their crispy broccoli and cauliflower dish. This book was written by two family members with the rare healthy relationships and it shows. The love comes through.
March 1, 2023
3.5. Stunning photos! I read the first several chapters then skimmed the recipes. Due to allergies and limited availability of produce near me, it’s not an ideal book for me. However, I learned a couple tips and loved the photos!
July 23, 2023
Inspiration from two active and fit women. Lots of lovely pictures of healthy recipes. Lots of the recipes need you to go to other recipes which can put some people off.
A beautiful book with a beautiful message.
A beautiful book with a beautiful message.
January 5, 2024
Delicious recipes
I love the way the recipes are clearly marked if they are heart healthy. There are easy recipes and more complicated ones. I feel more comfortable making tofu now.
I love the way the recipes are clearly marked if they are heart healthy. There are easy recipes and more complicated ones. I feel more comfortable making tofu now.
January 11, 2024
I like a lot of the concepts presented in the forward chapters. I haven’t tried any of the recipes yet but there are several I want to try (with some modifications). Otherwise I found this cookbook to be informative and there are plenty of colorful photos to get you drooling over the recipes.
September 5, 2022
Beautiful photography and compelling arguments for a plant-based diet
February 7, 2023
Great book, great recipes, especially if you already eat and follow this lifestyle (which I do) (I do have plain not fat yougurt though and kefir) they are no dairy- I may make a few recipes soon!
January 7, 2023
Can’t wait to hit the grocery store and dive in to creating those recipes. The hardest thing seems to choose which one to try first. I am on my way to becoming a fierce plant-based woman warrior!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews