Alrighty, so although I’m a holistic nutritionist – I’m not all about veganism, vegetarianism, or any true restricted diet; as long as you’re dieting or eating differently because it makes you feel good (healthier, like) – and it’s what does your body a great bit of good, too – then consider me on the bandwagon with you. Myself – I lean toward being a meatatarian – born and raised and proud of it, yet I whole-heartedly embrace a break from the meaty meal norm as long as it’s tasty, healthy, and satiating to my cravings and palate. Additionally, when I find a great cookbook, chef, restaurant, or idea that allows me to explore a new diet or healthy cuisine happily (both in mind and tummy), I’m overjoyed to be able to share it here on a mass scale, in hopes to make many more happy tummies (and therefore peaceful minds) out there!

One man to do this very thing for me (so far) is Tal Ronnen, the chef who created Oprah’s 21-Day Cleanse menu. Using traditional French culinary techniques when whipping up his recipes, Tal revolutionized the way the world experiences meatless food. Recently appearing on Oprah to share a few easy and simple recipes for meatless cuisine from his book The Conscious Cook, Tal’s dishes are a mix of full, rich, and satisfying flavors (and healthy fat!) that win over any carnivorous cravings. (Seeing as I’m into meat – I sometimes do substitute the vegan substitutes for lean chicken – shhhhh!) His book is super easy to follow, full of glorious photos for each recipe, and the food (especially when staying true to the vegan recipes) really is to die for!

One of my favourite parts about the book, though, is that Tal not only includes 70 wonderful recipes – but he also adds anecdotes and stories about his own experience with food and eating, about why he chose to go the meatless route, and how he keeps his kitchen stocked and guests happy (and asking for more) at mealtime. He takes the “scary” out of vegan for all of us (his intro even includes a “Welcome, meat-eaters” section!) so that taste truly does reign supreme. This book is a wonderful addition to any and every kitchen. Thanks, Tal!