'The Vegan Starter Kit' by Neal Barnard, M.D., Provides a Fast Track to Health

WASHINGTON – If you are looking to lose weight and get healthy in the new year, you will have no trouble sticking to your resolution with the help of Neal Barnard, M.D.’s new book, The Vegan Starter Kit. Vegan diets have been shown to reverse heart disease and diabetes and to cause impressive weight loss without calorie-counting.

The book, which hits shelves Dec. 24, gives readers all the tools they need to get started: delicious recipes, answers to frequently asked questions, guidelines on ensuring complete nutrition, quick-reference charts for sources of calcium and protein, tips for modifying recipes, and more.

“Eating healthier is the most common New Year’s resolution people make,” says Dr. Barnard. “A vegan diet is a simple, fun, and delicious way to achieve that goal!”

Dr. Barnard’s research, funded by the U.S. government, established the power of vegan diets for diabetes, and he is often called on by news programs and celebrities for nutrition advice.

Many are looking to adopt a more healthful diet but may have questions, like: How do I plan a vegan meal? Is protein an issue? Which are the best choices at restaurants or if I’m traveling? Dr. Barnard has the answers to these questions and more. The Vegan Starter Kit also includes information on healthy eating in childhood, pregnancy, and other stages of life, and a complete set of basic meals, holiday feasts, snacks, among many other tips.

“Dr. Barnard makes a compelling case as to why all of us should ‘test drive’ a vegan diet. His guidebook is straightforward and simple to follow...as easy to digest as a plant-based lifestyle. All in all, a delicious read,” says journalist and television personality Meredith Vieira.

"We've known Neal Barnard for years as a leader in the plant-based revolution. His new book makes it so easy to start your plant-based journey that we're recommending the Vegan Starter Kit to everyone we meet who's 'vegan curious' or just interested in good health, better energy levels, and a longer, more vibrant life," say Suzy Amis Cameron and James Cameron.

Going vegan is expected to be one of the biggest health trends in 2019. Vegan diets rose in popularity by 600 percent between 2014 and 2017, while Google searches for the term vegan recently reached an all-time high. Consumer demand for plant-based products, meat alternatives, and nondairy milks is also growing.

For those looking for more resources to get started on a vegan diet, Dr. Barnard is also featured in the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart, a free online program and app, available on iTunes and Google Play, featuring 21 days of recipes, meal plans, cooking tips, and nutrition information, available at 21DayKickstart.org.