There is a myriad of books and podcasts nowadays, perhaps just too many to get your head around. For me, the books I read are usually by authors I follow or have been recommended. The same applies to podcasts. So, below are some of my favourites, some I haven’t read or listened to but come highly recommended. If you have favourites, please use the Contact Me form and let me know so I can add it to the list.
Books
Books are still my number one go-to for reading rather than e-Books or audio. There definitely is a place for e-Readers especially when traveling. This is where they outshine everything else. You can have a complete library on your device and can pull it out at any given moment.
But, nothing still beats curling up on a sofa with a good book or, when researching, being able to flick through the pages seems to be much easier than scrolling.
I’m going to start the ball rolling with my own books – duh, of course I am. These are my top three sellers in no particular order:
A look at the first two decades of the 21st century and the rise of veganism and the plant-based movement. Although there was some growth the real upward trajectory didn’t begin until 2018.
This book looks at the whole vegan question and asks what is veganism in this 21st century.
Easy read funny in parts and eye-opening in others.
A Clean Eating Nutrition Guide.
Although this book is for anyone, it has been written from the healthy vegan’s perspective.
It covers all you will ever need regarding the foods to eat for the nutrients you are specifically after. For example, if you’re wanting to know if you’re getting enough Iodine or Vitamin A, you’ll find it. This is a very comprehensive book that will help ease your mind that whole plant foods are full of everything you need to keep you healthy.
Have you ever wondered if you should eat more plant foods?
Then you’re not alone. The increase in vegan foods around the world is snowballing rather rapidly. People are beginning to realise that eating plants offer a better health outcome not only for themselves but for the animals and the environment.
This is a great book to get you started on a whole food plant-based way of eating for your health.
What To Eat Instead of Meat.I often hear people say “I don’t know what to eat” and that was enough to inspire me to write this book. It is for those who really don’t have a clue about legumes and wonderful grains that you can have instead of animal.
If you know someone who is thinking about going vegan, then this will make an excellent gift. Nutrition is covered and a number of recipes as well as a 20-day meal plan. You can’t go wrong.
A List of Great Reading!
Click on the image or title to find out more.
Vegan Propaganda – Ed Winters is unrivalled in the vegan world. He is able to speak about veganism in a modern-day voice and has answers to all the nay-sayers. This book will give you all the answers as to why veganism is the way of the future, for animals, our planet and our health. A must-read.
The Ethical Vegan – Jordi Casmitjana is an activist, scientist and animal welfare consultant whose employment tribunal changed the law forever. I highly recommend this as a brilliant read on the nature of ethical veganism.
How Not To Die – Michael Greger, MD. My copy is getting rather dog-eared because I keep referring to it and passing it on to other people to read. A great book where Dr Greger presents the science of how simple plant-based eating helps us to live healthier lives, but he does it in such a way that it’s easy for the layman to understand.
How Not To Die Cookbook – Because the above book was so popular, Dr Greger was pestered into bringing out a cookbook to go with it. He teamed up with outstanding vegan chef, Robin Robertson and together they produced this beautiful book. Brilliant recipes and fully whole food plant-based. And, yes, I have a copy!
The China Study – T. Colin Campbell, PhD. The China Study is the most comprehensive study of health and nutrition ever done. Conducted over twenty years by the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Cornell University, and the University of Oxford. T. Colin Campbell was one of the study’s directors and the startling results helped shape the whole food plant-based movement.
The Cheese Trap – Neal D. Barnard, MD. Do you have a love of cheese? In this book, Dr Neal Barnard presents a comprehensive program to help readers break free of their cheese addiction so they can lose weight, boost energy, and improve their overall health.
Animal Liberation – Peter Singer. Since its original publication in 1975, this book has shone the light on factory farming and our systematic disregard for non-human animals. It has helped to transform the attitudes of many inspiring actions to help cease the cruelty that happens in the agriculture industry.
The Omnivore’s Dilemma – Michael Pollan. This book is a brilliant and eye-opening exploration of our food choices and demonstrates that how we answer it today may determine not only our health but our survival as a species. Based in America it now is relevant around the world on how agriculture has impacted, not only the animals but the environment and ourselves.
Further Books
Click the title for more information.
Plant-Strong – Rip Esselstyn.
Forks Over Knives – Alona Pulde, MD.
The Food Revolution – John Robbins.
Prevent and Revers Heart Disease – Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr., MD.
Dr Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes – Neal Barnard, MD.
Striking at the Roots – Mark Hawthorne.
The Case for Animal Rights – Tom Regan.
Farm Sanctuary – Gene Baur.
The Turning Points of Environmental History – Frank Uekoetter (Editor).
The Extreme Climate – Michael E. Goodman.
Farmageddon – Philip Lymbery.
Speciesism – Joan Dunayer
Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs and Wear Cows – Melanie Joy, PhD.
Children’s Books
I Am Jane Goodall This is a biography of her life as a scientist and conservationist famous for her work with chimpanzees.
The True Adventures of Esther the Wonder Pig I’ve been following Esther for years and this is such a great story (not only for kiddies!).
Charlotte’s Web. This was one of my favourite books when I was growing up! A wonderful story about animal kindness
Podcasts
Technology has come such a long way, and the podcast is one of the fastest-growing mediums happening right now.
I absolutely love the podcasts I have subscribed to. Every morning when I go for my walk, I have the headphones on and am listening to something which is uplifting, and it sets up my day. Later on, I generally go out for another walk, and that’s when I’ll tune into something current, something that’s more of an opinion piece or something where the host interviews.
So that you know, I also have a couple of comedy channels that lightens the mood!
The Rich Roll Podcast – Rich is a vegan athlete and has been on the vegan scene for quite some time. His podcasts delve deep with the world’s brightest and most thought-provoking thought leaders to educate, inspire and empower you to unleash your best, most authentic self.
This one does have a great variety.
The Disclosure Podcast – Hosted by vegan educator Earthling Ed (Ed Winters), this podcast explores different aspects surrounding veganism, morality, ethics, and the environment, as well as having great conversations and debates with guests about these issues. If you have never seen Earthling Ed, his calm manner is something else, especially when debating with those really opposed to veganism.
Food For Thought – Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. Being vegan is a means rather than an end in itself, the Food for Thought podcast addresses all aspects of eating and living compassionately and healthfully. Each episode addresses commonly asked questions about being vegan, including those regarding animal protection, food, cooking, eating, and nutrition.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty – I love this guy! “My name is Jay Shetty, and my purpose is to make wisdom go viral. I’m fortunate to have fascinating conversations with the most insightful people in the world, and on my podcast, I’m sharing those conversations with you.”
Women’s Meditation Network. – Katie Krimitsos. This is one that I listen to each morning after I’ve been for my walk. As I’m still getting used to meditating, I’ve found these guided meditation are easy, calming and not too long. Different ‘topics’ mean that I can choose what is appropriate for me today.
Please use the Contact Me page and let me know your favourite podcasts so I can add them to the list.
Magazines
There isn’t a lot of dedicated vegan or plant-based magazines out there. However, these are the ones I know of that do have vegan news and/or foods.
Vegan New Zealand.
This magazine is only available through a membership with The Vegan Society of Aotearoa New Zealand unless you are lucky enough to see one lying around somewhere. A great magazine packed full of vegan lifestyle, people, ethics and of course foods and products.
The Vegan Society is worth joining as it gives access to discounts in stores across New Zealand. You can access to join here: Join The Vegan Society NZ
Nourish
A free magazine available in both the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. You will find them at all sorts of speciality stores which cover good food and health. At some cafes. Although not vegan it does have some plant-based foods and some recipes you can make vegan.
Healthy by Nature
This is a quarterly magazine brought to you by the Community Health Stores and is dedicated to educating and informing Kiwis about good health. Again, not vegan, but has some good articles. Free and should be at your local Health Store.
