Kim Campbell - The PlantPure Kitchen: 130 Mouthwatering, Whole Food Recipes and Tips for a Plant-Based Life

I n 2015, The PlantPure Nation Cookbook was published, and the film PlantPure Nation was released in theaters in over 100 cities and towns across North America. Since then, life has been a whirlwind. As part of the team behind the film and the grassroots community spreading the message of plant-based nutrition, my husband, Nelson Campbell, and I have had the opportunity to travel to many cities, meet wonderful people, hear inspiring stories, and grow our PlantPure family. Here are just a few of the other happenings at PlantPure in the year since the films release: the creation of hundreds of active PlantPure Pods across North America and overseas that are helping to spread the message of plant-based nutrition and build community; groundbreaking partnerships with large healthcare systems in Florida and Texas; development of a 21-day Jumpstart program that enables people to learn about and experience the benefits of a plant-based diet; and the creation of a line of plant-based frozen entres, a second Kitchen Starter line of products for the preparation of fresh meals, a stream of inspiring and educational videos, a magazine, a smartphone app, a new film project, and more. Its been a fun and rewarding adventure, and I truly love the role I have been given within our organization: culinary education and recipe development.

As I do this work, teaching people about the benefits of plant-based eating and helping them change their diets, I always try to remember how my own family got to this point. We have practiced a whole food, plant-based lifestyle for nearly 30 years, but it was never without struggles and mistakes. Nelson and I raised three kids and led busy lives, and we fell short in the diet department more times than I care to admit. But whenever we made unhealthy decisions, they were because of habit or the kind of neglect that comes from feeling stressed and rushed. I believe that no one is perfect; to err is human!

My kids often remind me, Mom, remember when you made that cake with gelatin and oil? Or, Mom, remember the candy in our Easter baskets and Christmas stockings? I cringe a little, but I share the same memories.

It is these memories that remind me of the importance of humility. I feel strongly that a judgmental, extremist attitude can be an impediment to building a plant-based world. Every day that this lifestyle becomes more accepted by physicians, researchers, and regular people everywhere, it becomes easier for everyone. But we need to remember that as others begin this journey, many will make mistakes. And if you are one of those people just starting, its okay if you dont always do as well as you would like. Just try your best, and as you gain knowledge and experience, over time you will get where you want to go. I remember exactly how we too just jumped in, fingers first at times, without knowing exactly what we were doing. As a community we need to encourage, not judge.