Lori Nedescu - 30-Day Whole Foods Cookbook and Meal Plan: Eliminate Processed Foods and Revitalize Your Health

Copyright 2018 by Rockridge Press, Emeryville, California

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Interior Designer: Lauren Smith

Designer: Katy Brown

Photo Art Director: Karen Beard

Editor: Vanessa Ta

Production Editor: Erum Khan

Photography Darren Muir, 2018; Food Styling by Yolanda Muir

Illustration Del_Mar/istock

ISBN: Print 978-1-64152-211-3 | eBook 978-1-64152-212-0

intended for anyone looking to create a whole, healthy lifestyle by eating whole, healthy foods.

contents

I cannot tell you how pleased I am that you have picked up this book. Just opening the cover is a step toward committing to a healthier lifestyle by adopting a whole foodbased eating style. It is no secret that the foods you choose to eat have an impact on your health and well-being. The 30-Day Whole Foods Cookbook and Meal Plan will help you achieve peace of mind that your diet is on track to provide good health, satiety, and balance.

As a registered dietitian nutritionist with over six years of education on diet and human nutrition, over 11 years experience counseling others on how to eat well, and a true passion for being in the kitchen, Ive written this book as a summation of my knowledge, enthusiasm, and practice of cooking and eating a whole foodbased diet. Before becoming a nutritionist, I struggled with eating well. I was interested in how food related to health and well-being but too often got caught up in catchy headlines, trends, and practices like calorie counting and choosing packaged foods that offered a plethora of health claims on their labels: Low-Fat! Low-Carb! High-Fiber! Added Protein! Sugar-Free! Low-Calorie! I thought I was eating correctly, but my energy was low, cravings were high, and I had frequent skin inflammation, headaches, mood swings, digestive distress, and weight fluctuations. I needed a change. I devoted my professional career and personal outlook to finding a way of eating that would encompass education, desire, and practicality and emphasize feeling good. Once I reduced my intake of packaged, overly processed foods and shifted toward using whole, plant-based ingredients as much as possible, it didnt take long to feel like a new person. This personal journey is why I am so excited to have you on board to follow this meal plan; I am confident it will transform your lifestyle in a similarly positive way.

Due to the serious benefits plant foods can offer in their whole forms, this diet is very plant forward. However, The 30-Day Whole Foods Cookbook and Meal Plan is not about restriction. Youll learn to include many new foods and flavor combinations in your daily eating while on this plan. For those not wanting to go completely plant based, high-quality animal ingredients can still be a valuable component to the diet, just in smaller portions for these 30 days.

Living a go-go-go, nonstop life is the current status quo, making the excuse Im too busy no longer acceptable to neglect good eating habits. Actually, being busy and active is all the more reason to adopt this way of eating, because when we fill our bodies with nourishing foods, our minds are better able to be sharp and focused and our bodies have enough energy to complete important tasks. Keep in mind that as with any new venture, changing your diet will require some initial effort and attention, but the benefits make it completely worthwhile. A whole food diet heavy in plants, like the plan laid out in this book, will promote positive health outcomes such as improved mood, boosted energy, reduced risk of chronic disease, and improved digestion as well as better weight management as you practice mindful cooking and consume nutrient-rich foods. This 30-day guide simplifies healthy eating by providing practical advice, structured meal plans, and inspired recipes all presented in easy to understand terms. The benefits you will experience will likely keep you motivated to continue this style of eating even beyond the 30 days.

Eating the diet outlined in this bookwhole, plant-forward, and minimally processed foodshas truly transformed my own approach to fueling for a healthy body, sharp mind, and active lifestyle. Im thrilled that youre about to experience this positive transformation for yourself.

There is a seemingly endless amount of confusing information available on the topic of what, when, and how to eat. However, top doctors, researchers, and nutritionists, along with individuals who have made successful nutrition and lifestyle changes, share a common stance: Whole foods are best. Regardless of body type, activity level, or current health status, adopting a diet rich in whole foods will help you achieve your wellness goals.