Greek for “fasting food,” Nistisima offers an insight into dishes eaten during Lent and other Orthodox fasting periods. According to Hayden, Cypriots go without meat for a number of days during these periods. This includes the 50 days before Easter, 50 days before Christmas, and every Wednesday and Friday.

“Many people think of Greek and Cypriot food as meat-focused, but we actually spend about 200 days a year eating plant-based food. That’s because Cyprus and Greece are Orthodox countries,” Hayden explained to Plant Based News.

While many think of fasting as giving up food completely, in the Orthodox Church, it involves giving up meat and dairy and, instead, using vegetables, grains, and pulses to create simple plant-based dishes. While there are some exceptions (honey and shellfish), people typically eat a fully plant-based diet when fasting.  

Hayden said: “Of course, my background is Greek Cypriot, but the Orthodox Church is prominent throughout Eastern Europe and the Middle East. There are so many dishes and so much food from these places that are naturally vegan.”

The chef’s research for Nistisima was extensive. She reached out to monks, priests, and religious friends from across the world, which helped her develop 120 naturally vegan recipes for the cookbook.

The dishes originate from the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Eastern Europe. But instead of using plant-based meat or vegan cheese, Hayden relies on centuries-old whole food ingredients, like lentils, for example.

Plant-based diets and religion

While veganism may seem like a relatively new concept, accounts of eating plant-based can be traced back thousands of years — way before nut milk was even a thing.

Plant-based diets were typical in parts of Africa, India, and parts of the Mediterranean about 2,000 years ago. And as well as the Orthodox Church, plant-based eating is deeply rooted in various religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. 

Hinduism’s strong tradition of vegetarianism stems from spiritual practice and the reverence for the sacred cow. Similarly, in Buddhism, one of Buddha’s teachings prohibits taking the life of any person or animal. Many Buddhists, therefore, do not consume animals, as doing so would require killing.

One of the key principles of Jainism is to avoid harming any living things, even the very small ones. Many Jains are strict vegetarians that abstain from even root vegetables (as harvesting potentially harms the insects in the soil). All three religions believe in Ahimsa, which means to practice kindness and non-violence towards living beings. 

To learn more about the Orthodox faith and its link to plant-based eating, Nistisima is available to buy now.

According to celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, alongside “mouthwatering recipes” the book also offers readers “beautiful storytelling.” Itamar Srulovic, the co-founder of popular London Middle Eastern restaurant Honey & Co, adds: “This book is the sunny window that everyone needs.”

The post This Cookbook Celebrates Orthodox Plant-Based Food appeared first on Plant Based News.

Upon the launch announcement today, This Is Vegan Propaganda & Other Lies the Meat Industry Tells You is an amalgamation of Winters’ years of conversations with leading experts.

Earthling Ed’s debut book

Aimed at both vegans and non-vegans, the book is set to expose not only the meat industry but the global impact of animal exploitation.

Moreover, it’s a ‘definitive explanation for the importance of veganism’, Winters told PBN in a statement.

He added: “My aim is for the book to give readers the knowledge to understand veganism better, the arguments used against it – and how to respond to them. I wrote This Is Vegan Propaganda to create a book about veganism that is important for everyone to read.”

First of all, it will explore the ethics of veganism, from moral philosophy to an investigation into animal agriculture. Next, it delves into how animal farming affects our health and the environment on a global scale.

It also brings the COVID-19 pandemic into perspective, examining infectious disease and antibiotic resistance.

Activist Ed Winters

Winters’ book has already been dubbed ‘essential reading’ by the best-selling author Matt Haig. And, received support from Harry Potter’s Evanna Lynch.

Additionally, it’s been backed by Havard University lecturer Dr. Sparsha Saha who was ‘deeply impressed’ by Winters’ logic and knowledge.

The ‘comprehensive breakdown’ on the many reasons for going vegan is to be published by Penguin Random House.

Samantha Jackson, of the acclaimed global publishing house, said: “From debating with farmers on the ethics of the meat, dairy and egg industries to giving lectures at Harvard University on animal ethics, vegan educator and public speaker, Ed Winters works tirelessly to help people make informed decisions and challenge the status quo. 

“We are so excited to be publishing his first book. Designed to empower readers and shed light on the true scale and complexity of animal exploitation. 

“Whether you are a vegan already or curious to learn more, this book will show you the other side of the story that has been hidden for far too long.”

You can pre-order This Is Vegan Propaganda here, or find it in bookstores on January 6 2022

The post Earthling Ed Debuts 1st Book, Giving ‘Full Lowdown’ On Meat Industry appeared first on Plant Based News.

It covers food, identity, health, and society. This is from the perspectives of 27 Black men – including athletes, doctors, and spiritual leaders.

Black masculinity

Brotha Vegan ‘provides theories manifested by Black people for Black people, during a time where we are revisiting Black liberation’, says editor Omowale Adewale.

It delves into fatherhood, politics, sexuality, gender, health, animal advocacy, and the environment. Omowale says it expresses ‘the many ways that veganism is lived and expressed within the Black community in the US’. This is as eating animals has been widely considered an ‘integral’ part of Black manhood.

Brotha Vegan

In the book, the contributors, which include trans men, share their relationships with animals.

Moreover, they speak out on how they ‘honor’ their Black culture through veganism. One chapter sees how the relationship between a man and his dog led to him becoming a physician.

Plant-based politician Eric Adams features in another chapter, and discusses policing and COVID-19. He writes: ‘We need to learn how to communicate with each other, we need to learn how to listen…we’re still experiencing the trauma of slavery and racism in our lives, at I believe, a cellular level.”

At the heart of healing, he explains, is the food we eat.

Community

Omowale is also the founder of Black VegFest, which is a network of African American festivals that celebrate veganism and social justice. The boxing coach and former athlete hopes to continue to inspire Black people to go vegan.

I wanted to support my community in the most incredible way possible – and still be able to defend animals’, Omowale said on an Instagram Live with Plant Based News. He added: “I knew my community would resonate with veganism.”

You can order Brotha Vegan here. Find out more information about Black VegFest here.

The post Book Release Seeks To ‘Dispel Myths’ About Black Masculinity And Veganism appeared first on Plant Based News.

The New York Times bestseller and acclaimed physician announced the news in a recent YouTube video. 

‘How Not To Age’

He said: “I’m Dr. Michael Greger, coming to you live from my treadmill, from my new place in Seattle where I’m sheltering until the world opens back up.

“I’m working on my new book How Not To Age – the latest in longevity research. There’s tons of research, but I should be able to get out the book by December 2022.

“Hopefully, by then, I’ll be able to resume my speaking schedule and come to your hometown in 2023.

“To help keep you satiated until then, my new How Not To Diet cookbook just came out last month following How To Survive a Pandemic which came out in august and unfortunately continues to be relevant.“

Dr. Greger added that proceeds from all of his book are donated to charity. 

Dr. Greger

Last year, Dr. Greger warned the COVID-19 pandemic may just be a ‘dress rehearsal for the coming plague’.

The physician, who also has a background in infectious disease, made the comment in his book How To Survive a Pandemic. 

In a promotional video for the book, he says: “The current COVID-19 pandemic, as deadly as it may be, may just be a dress rehearsal for the coming plague.

“Decades ago, a flu virus was discovered in chickens that would forever change our understanding of how bad pandemics could potentially get. H5N1 appeared capable of killing more than half the people it infected. 

“Imagine if a virus like that started spreading explosively human to human. Consider a pandemic 100-times worse than COVID-19, not the fatality rate of two in 100… But more like one in two. A coin toss.”

The post NY Times Bestseller Dr. Michael Greger To Launch New Book ‘How Not To Age’ appeared first on Plant Based News.

Hill, who is the founder of the popular podcast Plant Proof, has secured a deal with major publishing house Penguin.

Simon Hill’s book

The Proof is in the Plants is filled with ‘evidence-based research’. The book shows that a whole-food plant-based diet can reduce the risks of issues such as heart attacks and strokes.

It also covers how plant-based living has a ‘positive impact on the climate and animal welfare’. Moreover, it breaks down how to build a ‘healthy, satisfying plant-based plate’. 

‘An accessible guide to plant-based living’

In a statement sent to PBN, Penguin states: “The Proof is in the Plants dives deep into not just how but why plant-based lifestyles are beneficial to our health and our planet. 

“Hill explores the structure and history of our food environment, the food and health industries, and their for-profit agenda, the impact of our dietary choices from red meat to dairy. And, how we can take the steps to make meaningful changes for our health and our planet. 

“As both a foundational text packed with fascinating evidence-based research and an accessible guide to living a plant-based life, Simon has interpreted the science to give us the unadulterated facts.”

Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, MD MSCI is New York Times bestselling author of Fiber Fueled. He added: “The Proof is in the Plants is a triumphant tour de force of modern nutritional science that delivers the knowledge and actionable steps that we all need for human and planetary health… 

“It’s captivating, eye-opening, and life-changing.”

You can pre-order The Proof is in the Plants here

The post Nutritionist Simon Hill Releases Book On How A Plant-Based Diet ‘Could Save Your Life’ appeared first on Plant Based News.

Hekmat Kaveh – a retired architect, and Father of three vegan daughters – has donated more than 100 copies of Animalkind: Remarkable Discoveries About Animals and Revolutionary New Ways to Show Them Compassion – which is written by PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk 

The book shows how our. ‘modern world is leaving animal exploitation in the dust’ and offers ‘easy steps’ to show readers how they can ‘help make the world a kinder place’ no matter their income or occupation.

‘Educating the young’

“Animals cannot speak for themselves, and the only way we can help animal-kind in the long term is by educating the young,” Kaveh said.

“As an educationalist, I believe that books will have a longer impression than social media and advertising, as they will remain in libraries, in schools, and on coffee tables for many years. 

“I taught my girls about animal cruelty, and the care and compassion we need to show animals, from a very young age. Each of them has become a more caring and loving individual as a result.”

‘Awe-inspiring’

Kaveh continued: “I believe respect for life in all of its forms, human and otherwise, will teach us to understand life’s struggles, and as a result, we will have more empathy and understanding for those who have suffered all forms of inequality – and this will make us all better human beings.”

PETA Director Elisa Allen added: “Thanks to Mr Kaveh’s generosity, the message of Animalkind – that animals are awe-inspiring fellow members of the ‘great orchestra of life’, who deserve to live free from harm – will now be reaching people all over Gloucestershire.”

The post School Kids To Recieve Free Vegan Book For Christmas To ‘Inspire Compassion for Animals’ appeared first on Plant Based News.

Award-winning photojournalists Jo-Anne McArthur and Keith Wilson co-edit the book. It documents ‘animals hidden from public view in the food system, entertainment, research, religion, and tradition’. 

HIDDEN contains a foreword penned by actor and vegan advocate Joaquin Phoenix . It is a 320-page collectible hardcover  featuring 200 images from 40 international photographers.

‘Valuable insight’

In a statement sent to Plant Based News, McArthur said the photos ‘prove there is an emergency confronting animals globally’.

She also said the book provides ‘valuable insight into the relevance of animal suffering to human health’.

Wilson added: “The animals we breed, sell and kill for our dinner plate. The animals we break and maim for sport and tradition, share many of the same emotions that we do… Sadness and joy, pain and fear, love and grief.”

‘A searing reminder’

“The photojournalists represented in HIDDEN have entered some of the darkest, most unsettling places in the world,” said Phoenix. 

“The images they have captured are a searing reminder of our unpardonable behavior towards animals. [It] will serve as beacons of change for years to come.”

What is Anthropocene?

 Hidden’s title uses the term Anthropocene. This defines ‘Earth’s most recent geologic time period as being human-influenced’.

It is based on global evidence that processes such as ‘atmospheric, geologic, hydrologic, and biospheric are now altered by humans’. 

You can purchase HIDDEN: Animals in the Anthropocene here

The post Joaquin Phoenix-Backed Book ‘Fearlessly’ Documents ‘Humanity’s Worst Atrocities’ Through Images appeared first on Plant Based News.

Reality T.V star and animal-rights advocate Lucy Watson is publishing a book on veganism entitled Awakenings: a guide to living a consciously ethical, holistically vegan lifestyle.

The celeb, who is best known for her appearance on Made In Chelsea, announced the news on Instagram.

‘Factual discoveries’

“There were some good things to come out of lockdown… I WROTE A BOOK! Awakenings is now available to pre-order!” Watson said.

“[It’s] all about a vegan lifestyle, the reasons why, the education behind it and so much more. I spent months writing this book and learned so much along the way.

“I talk about my personal experiences as well as touch on some factual discoveries. I really hope it helps those that are curious about what a vegan lifestyle entails and that it can help guide you on your journey.”

View this post on Instagram

there were some good things to come out of lockdown… I WROTE A BOOK! “awakenings” is now available to pre order!! talking all about a vegan lifestyle, the reasons why, the education behind it and so much more. I spent months writing this book and learnt so much along the way. I talk about my personal experiences as well as touch on some factual discoveries. I really hope it helps those that are curious about what a vegan lifestyle entails and that it can help guide you on your journey. ??? (link in bio to preorder)

A post shared by Lucy Watson (@lucywatson) on Aug 30, 2020 at 4:05am PDT

‘A truly vegan lifestyle’

“A truly vegan lifestyle is more than just the food you eat, it’s the shoes on your feet, the jumpers in your wardrobe, the contents of your cupboards and your make-up bag,” the book’s description reads.

“Whether vegan for moral, ethical, or environmental reasons – Lucy Watson demystifies how to live a holistic vegan life, whether it’s something you’ve been practising for years or is a way of life you’re just discovering.”

You can pre-order Awakenings on Amazon here

The post ‘Made In Chelsea’ Star Lucy Watson To Publish Book On Veganism appeared first on Plant Based News.

Plant-based writer Richard Owain Roberts has been shortlisted for a major award after publishing his debut novel Hello Friend We Missed You.

The book, which has been put forward for the Guardian’s ‘Not The Booker’ award has been described as a ‘darkly funny novel featuring a cast of characters at different stages in their vegan journey’.

‘Spiritual vegan’

Hello Friend We Missed You follows the story of Hill, a 30-something ‘spiritual vegan’ who has struck a movie deal with Hollywood star Jack Black, only for the project to end up ‘stuck in development hell’.

The novel also sees Hill’s estranged father Roger discover the world of celebrity vegans later in life.

‘Veganism has been transformative’

Speaking to Plant Based News, Roberts said: “On a personal level, veganism has been transformative for me, and I feel glad it can find its way into my work as a writer.

“I hope many people, vegans, and not-vegans-yet, can enjoy Hello Friend We Missed You and laugh, find it emotional, and see if it gives them things to consider about how they live and how they can be happiest in the world.”

You can order Hello Friend We Missed You on Amazon here

The post Plant-Based Writer Shortlisted For Major Award After Publishing Book Centered On Veganism appeared first on Plant Based News.

The duo behind viral vegan food sensation BOSH! have announced their first vegan cookbook has sold 300,000 copies – officially entering the top 50 U.K cookbooks of all time.

Henry Firth and Ian Theasby released BOSH!: Simple recipes. Unbelievable results. All plants back in two years ago. It went on to become 2018’s fastest-selling cookbook and the fastest-selling vegan cookbook since records began, racking up a number of week’s atop The Sunday Times’ bestseller list.

‘Crazy adventure’

Announcing the news on Instagram, the pair said: “When we started BOSH! we had no idea where this crazy adventure would take us.

“This week we got the news that our first cookbook has hit 300,000 sales, and is officially in the top 50 U.K cookbooks OF ALL TIME!

“We wanted to send a mega big thank you to everyone that has supported us, bought a book, watched a video, left a comment, or cooked a recipe, BOSH! would not be BOSH! without your support.”

View this post on Instagram

BOSH! REACHES 300,000 SALES! ? When we started BOSH! we had no idea where this crazy adventure would take us. This week we got the news that our first cookbook has hit 300,000 sales, and is officially in the top 50 UK cookbooks OF ALL TIME! We wanted to send a mega big thank you to everyone that has supported us, bought a book, watched a video, left a comment or cooked a recipe, BOSH! would not be BOSH! without your support. Let us know in the comments your favourite go to BOSH! book recipe ? Big love & happy Sunday, Henry & Ian x #bosh #veganmainstream #vegan #boshbook

A post shared by BOSH! by Henry & Ian (@bosh.tv) on Jul 5, 2020 at 3:19am PDT

TV show

As well as making their mark on the publishing world, Firth and Theasby recently debuted their all-vegan cookery show Living On The Veg, which was created by Rock Oyster Media for ITV Daytime Entertainment.

Speaking about the Sunday morning show, the pair said: “We’ll be sharing our top hacks and tips so that you can wow any dish. Whether you’re a fully-fledged vegan or just want to cut down on meat and dairy, this series will have something for everyone.”

You can purchase BOSH!’s cookbook here

The post BOSH! Ranked In Top 50 U.K Cookbooks Of All Time After Hitting 300,000 Sales appeared first on Plant Based News.