By Any Greens Necessary: A Revolutionary Guide for Black Women Who Want to Eat Great, Get Healthy, Lose Weight, and Look Phat

by Tracye Lynn McQuirter

* The first vegan guide geared to African American women * More than forty delicious and nutritious recipes highlighted with color photographs * Menus and advice on transitioning from omnivore to vegan * Resource information and a comprehensive shopping list for restocking the fridge and pantry African American women are facing a health Heart disease, stroke, and diabetes occur more frequently among them than among women of other races. Black women comprise the heftiest group in the nation—80 percent are overweight, and 50 percent obese. Decades of studies show that these chronic diseases can be prevented and even reversed with a plant-based diet. But how can you control your weight and health without sacrificing great food and gorgeous curves? Just ask Tracye Lynn McQuirter. With attitude, inspiration, and expertise, in By Any Greens Necessary McQuirter shows women how to stay healthy, hippy, and happy by eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes as part of an active lifestyle. The book is a call to action that all women should heed.

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Health, Food, Nutrition, Vegan, Cooking

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Tracye Lynn McQuirter, a nutritionist who leads worldwide seminars on vegan nutrition, has been featured in dozens of media, including Essence, the Washington Post, and Black Press USA. A 20-year vegan and a former contributing writer for Heart and Soul, the largest health-and-fitness magazine for African American women, McQuirter founded the Black Vegetarian Society of New York, directed the nations first federally funded vegan nutrition program, and worked on legislation to improve federal nutrition guidelines. She currently promotes school-based initiatives to reverse childhood obesity and served as a nutrition consultant for the Black Women's Health Imperative, the largest health advocacy organization for black women and girls. A graduate of Amherst College and New York University, where she received her master's of public health nutrition, McQuirter lives in Washington, D.C.

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Reviews

[Marion Simmons · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is ok. I was researching plant based diets in order to lower my cholesterol and came across this book. The book has a few recipes that are useful. The vast majority of the book presents numerous reasons why a person should be a vegan. To me it overdid it with the examples. It went on and on about the gross conditions in slaughter houses, and poultry farms etc. To me it went over board. Some of the recipes were helpful with a little bland. I do use some of the recipes but I found myself adding additional ingredients.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in a day. She did go a bit overboard on the animal cruelty. I'm already a vegetarian so the chapters on meat seemed kind of over dramatic. I do still eat fish and cheese (no milk) so those chapters were kind of enlightening for me. I did not try her recipes. I've read so many books on why sugar carbs and cooked food is bad for you that I just couldn't agree with her support for multi grain, sweet potatoes, and corn. I think raw foods sre best but All in all it was pretty good read for someone on the fence about becoming vegan.

[Jennifer Dines · Rating 5 out of 5]

By Any Greens Necessary makes a compelling case for veganism as a means to improve one's health by rejecting the mass marketing of meat, seafood, and dairy. I learned of this book through an article on black veganism in the New York Times. While I am not black, I work in an area where black veganism is slowly being embraced, and I find veganism compelling as a practice of nonviolence. The recipes featured at the end of the book are simple weeknight meals - nothing fancy but all very accessible.

[Marci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I ended up with this book, but it's honestly pretty fabulous.

The pros: these recipes look delicious. I'm gonna make that chickpea curry, that looks like my particular jam. Also, I found the author's writing style to be pretty engaging, which is always a plus.
The interesting: dude, I was completely unaware of Dick Gregory's vegetarianism and I've got that book on hold at the library because that sounds super cool and I am hopeful for yet more tasty recipes.
The cons: If you've read any other book on the health benefits of a vegan diet, there are no surprises here.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was really an eye opening book on the state of health of Black women in America. It is sad to realize that many of us see diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. are inevitable. This is not the case and rather than keeping ourselves in a perpetual state of being drugged to fix our bad health why not change the way you eat and your perspective on food? I found the film "Forks Over Knives" to be a really good follow-up to the book as well.

[Tisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Changing!

This is the best & most well written book I’ve read on Veganism (& I’ve read a few). I read the entire book in one day; it’s informative yet easy to read/follow. If this book doesn’t spark your interest (& clearly explain how healthy & beneficial plant-based eating is), I don’t think you’ll ever be convinced otherwise!

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I learned a lot from this book. I am reeling from information overload due to chapters 3-5. Having been a vegan for 3 years, I didn’t need the information to encourage a transition. I still found it enlightening and plan to share with friends and family when timing is right. I haven’t tried any recipes yet but I plan to. In my opinion this book is for people considering the vegan life and not really for those already living it for awhile.

[Reba Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracye Lynn McQuirter empowers women to embrace a diet that promotes health without compromising on flavor or enjoyment, inspiring a journey towards wellness and vitality while celebrating beauty and body positivity. This book is not just a guide—it's a passionate call to action for all women to reclaim their health through the power of greens.

[Angela Bowles-Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Info!

I've been transitioning to be vegan for almost a year now and this book has good information without beating you over the head with it. I love that there's recipes at the too!

[Simona L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracye was exceptional at explaining in detail the health benefits of foods, how to transition into becoming a vegan and highlighted the social dynamics when dating. My Sistah captured the essence of living in the 21st century and making major life changes! I plan to reread this book, again!

[JaLeesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading about veganism because it gives me the extra knowledge for my own journey! This book has SO MUCH information and I recommend it to anyone who wants to make a change to their lifestyle.🙌🏾

[Chanel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on veganism!

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative.

[Monya D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

Wonderful book and very eye-opening to how the process is of how meat gets to our plates. Iam ready to stop eating meat.

[Pam G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Ageless Vegan better but this book. was very good too.

[Alva Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Stating Point

Such a good primer for vegans. The writing is easy and your attention is held even if you are not interested in making a lifestyle change.

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admit - I just liked the first part of the title "By Any Greens Necessary" and didn't read past the part where it says... "for Black Women Who Want to Eat Great, Get Healthy, Lose Weight, and Look Phat."

I am white, 36, and terrified of looking fat. (No matter how it's spelled!) So my husband raised one single hairy eyebrow when he saw me reading this book.

The title doesn't tell you it's a vegan cookbook, but that's why I chose it. There are one or two recipes in here I'd like to try out, but I think I prefer the Skinny Bitch series.

Given that our health and our environment are slowly forcing us to choose plant-based meals, this book speaks to an ignored segment of the population. But it shouldn't matter as long as the food tastes good.

[Chavonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I picked it up because I thought the title was cute and wanted to read something more tailored to Black vegans (or almost-vegans, rather). It was well-written and had incredible recipes. We even tried one last night (Pepper "Steak", so good!). The data was backed up by research and sound advice. It was a nice, quick read, too, and I finished it in about a day.

Recently, Kalem and I felt more and more compelled to adopt a vegan lifestyle and this book helped convince me of more reasons to as well as that it is possible to still eat "comfort" foods, even without dairy or eggs. I will try almost all of these recipes in the future.

[K AKUA GRAY · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are working on transitioning to a healthier eating lifestyle, becoming a vegetarian or better yet a vegan, then this book is a great read. Tracye Lynn McQuirter covers the essentials in educating yourself on the benefits of eliminating animal flesh and incorporating more fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and plant-based proteins.

The scope is excellent for beginners with a range that covers cultural eating habits, a thorough perspective on the protein myth, through the gamuts of meat processing and on to your step by step process for success in your new eating lifestyle... Read more http://drakuabookreviews.blogspot.com...

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book was packed with information but was over the top against eating animals. The resources, books, and websites were helpful but I can do a google search for those. The recipes and photos of dishes were limited as this is more a book about why you should be vegan than a cookbook. At times (while reading) I felt like I was being punished by my mother because I still eat meat...guess I'm guilty as charged. This meat eater is all about eating healthy but I'm still taking baby steps...Does drinking a green smoothie this morning give me any brownie points?

[Safara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. She gives some good arguments that's backed up by credible sources to go vegan in a way that's loving but a "let's get real" sense. She gives some recipes that look and sound really good. If I wasn't a vegetarian already, I'd probably want to be or deeply consider being one after reading this book. I kinda wished she addressed how to survive being a vegan/vegetarian when you have a tight budget though. Other than that, I would recommend this book to anyone, particularly women who want to know where their food is coming from and want to switch to a healthier lifestyle.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for a beginner like myself (i.e. black identified woman, looking to change her poor but culturally inherited eating habits). McQuirter breaks down why being a vegan is a viable option for those looking to change their life via eating. McQuirter even shares that she too had issues switching from being a meat eater to a vegan. It's a quick and fast read with excellent recipes and resources.
I'm inspired and look forward to my day to cook for my roommates, now that I have some new recipes!
Yummy!

[Larisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

McQuirter's book is packed with information but was over the top against eating animals.

Very informative book and everyone should be aware of the processing of our food in the USA. It is a HARD look at what we put in our bodies. I read this because I'm making huge changes in my own food choices. Will I go VEGAN? Not sure, but vegetarian is a goal for sure. I am committed to gradually making the changes.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book and well written!

This book helped me get on the right track of vegan living. If you want to learn more about how your food gets to the store and then to your table, then check out this book. This book inspired me to more than ever to stick with eating a plant-based diet (vegan). You will be inspired!

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Down-to-earth, accessible presentation of plant-based nutrition. Eye-opening information on the "farming" of poultry, livestock, fish. I particulary appreciate the focus on health issues prevalent among African American women and men.

[Cynthia Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a cookbook to me but good vegan overview

More of an overview of veganism. Seemed like a cookbook to me. It did give me some insight into the food industry and how they treat their animals. It’s very sad.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent guide in helping the reader become vegan. Tracye McQuirter, in her interesting approach, addresses the reasons for becoming vegan and then advises the reader on how to make it happen. The last third of the book contains recipes.

[Drvelonda]

A good reference book for us health promotion entrepreneurs!

[Teresa Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far it's keeping me interested, personal stories are good & mentions other books and resources.

[Eboni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little preachy (I've found very few vegan books that aren't- suggestions any one?) but overall a helpful read.