The whole-food plant-based world has waited impatiently for the release of Dr Greger's book.  Practical application of the science he shares is the goal of the book - and it's good!

Being a bit of a NutritionFacts.org super-geek, imagine my glee when I managed to get a sneak peek at the new ‘How Not to Die Cookbook’ (Michael Greger with Gene Stone & Robin Robertson, 2017).  I eagerly flicked through the pages trying to digest every recipe in one sitting and the first thing that struck me was the wonderful absence of lifestyle photos - you know the ones:  a bikini-clad woman jumping on her bed, a woeful dog looking longingly at some freshly baked muffins…

All I want to see is the food!  This book has beautiful photos of most of the finished recipes - exactly what we need.  I like to know what I’m aiming for when I cook.

In fact, the whole book is completely unpretentious, from its cleanly-designed cover through to its choice of easily-obtained ingredients.  I didn’t once think ‘What the monkeys is …..?’  The jovial but sincere tone of the NutritionFacts website comes through on every page; you can hear Dr Greger’s voice in your head reading the black information boxes, which, incidentally, are full of useful tips and nutrition…facts.

But, the recipes, I hear you cry, are they any good?  I can give a resounding ‘Yes!’.  The recipes are clearly laid out, give an indication of the Daily Dozen foods included and have sensible step-by-step instructions.  Our family made the Savoury Spice Blend and I’ve used it in the past couple of days in soup and on croutons (our own home recipes) as well as in the Black Bean Burger recipe in the book.  Absolutely delicious.  Admittedly, our burgers didn’t look quite as appetising as the picture in the book, but they tasted really lovely and the whole family ate every last morsel.

Would I recommend the book?  Yes - to everyone, whether they are already plant-based, whole-food plant-based, vegan, vegetarian or omnivore.  The information and recipes contained within are relevant to everyone who eats.