Alicia Silverstone's The Kind Diet

I can’t believe I haven’t gushed about this book yet!

Alicia Silverstone’s The Kind Diet hit shelves this past October and it’s on my list of top five reads (and cookbooks) of last year. Silverstone’s candid yet gentle tone makes it an enjoyable read. And, it’s packed with delicious, vegan recipes.

The book discusses what Alicia calls “nasty” (think dairy, meat and sugar) foods and explains why they’re harmful to the body. Her approach isn’t as aggressive as other books with similar messages  (a la Skinny Bitch) but she certainly makes her intended points. Our bodies weren’t meant for some of the things that we’re putting in our mouths.

I liked that Alicia balances the nasty details with chapters highlighting many kind foods (whole grains, vegetables, beans etc.) and their benefits. If you’re looking for information on what you’re putting in your body, or some new, fun recipes this is the book. I’ve been turning to it even more recently – I gave up animal products (dairy and meat) for the 40 days of Lent as:

1. Part of an initiative to eat more ethically and 2. An experiment on how my body and mind will respond to full-time veganism.

I’ve made several of the ‘kind’ recipes from the book. My favorites include Eggplant Chana Masala and the Morrocan Couscous with Saffron – even my carnivorous meat-at-every-meal boyfriend went back for seconds and thirds!

There’s also a hefty dessert section with decadent treats like peanut butter pie.

You can purchase The Kind Diet at all major book stores or online here.

Posted by Beth