The Abundance Diet by Somer McCowan

The press release for the Abundance Diet states, “This is a groundbreaking cookbook and diet plan for anyone who wants to take control of their health through the power of plant-based foods.” When I read through the book, I felt, well, it is plant-based, but this is a cookbook for anyone who likes good food. After reading the forward by Dr. Neal Barnard, M.D., I started at the beginning with Part 1. Somer shares her personal journey with us, and discusses food addictions before telling readers how to reinvent their kitchens. The layout of the book makes sense to me and the full color photos are plentiful and appealing.

The Abundance Diet is a cookbook and diet plan to manage your weight and eat abundantly with plant-based whole foods. Somer McCowan’s 28-Day Diet Plan includes over 100 delicious recipes (all gluten-free) and is customizable to suit individual tastes. These delicious, nutrient-packed recipes to enjoy on your weight-loss and health journey include:

• Cheesy Cauliflower and Potato Bake
• Homestyle Mexican Casserole
• Grilled Eggplant and Zucchini Lasagna
• Bananas Foster Pancakes
• Cheesy-Smoky-Spicy Black Bean Soup
• Blueberry Peach Tart with Apricot Crumble
• Many more…

Somer, whose blog is vedgedout.com, reversed severe ulcerative colitis through her plant-based diet. Many who have tried her plan lost weight quickly and safely while feeling full and eating an abundance of whole plant-based foods. Without counting calories, Somer assures us that you can dramatically change your overall health, eliminate bad cholesterol, take control of your blood pressure, and shrink your waistline. The Abundance Diet also shows you how to incorporate exercise, regardless of your fitness level.

Apple Pie Green Smoothie

This smoothie is surprisingly reminiscent of apple pie. It is really delicious and I think you’ll find it one of your fast favorites. The fiber from the apples also keeps your stomach full for a long time, so this is a favorite smoothie of mine to take out and about when I’m running errands all morning and need something to tide me over until I get home. (Recipe from The Abundance Diet, © 2015 by Somer McCowan. Photo by Ann Oliverio. Used by permission from Vegan Heritage Press LLC.)

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2 cups packed organic baby spinach
• 1 medium banana
• 2 small apples, cored and quartered
• 1 tablespoon organic apple butter or 1 date, pitted and snipped into small pieces
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups ice cubes
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed, chia seed, or hemp seed (optional)
• Liquid stevia, to taste (optional)

Preparation

In a blender, combine the water, spinach, banana, apples, apple butter, cinnamon, ice, and flaxseed, if using. Blend the mixture until completely smooth, creamy, and well combined, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the liquid stevia, if using, and pulse to incorporate.

Makes 1 serving (about 1 quart)

Recipe from The Abundance Diet, © 2015 by Somer McCowan. Photo by Ann Oliverio. Used by permission from Vegan Heritage Press LLC.

I have a copy of The Abundance Diet for one lucky reader this week. U.S. residents only, please. Follow the instructions below to enter. Contest ends at midnight eastern time on August 30, 2015. Good luck!

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