How to Eat Plant-Based

Warm desserts are some of the ooiest, gooiest, most comforting, and delicious foods around. But most of them are seriously unhealthy and full of ingredients that compromise both your body and the planet. So are there irresistibly scrumptious recipes out there that also serve your waistline, your heart, and the environment?

Eating for your health can be met with odd looks, aggressive questions, and even outright criticism at social events. Others’ reactions often come from feeling ill at ease, along with perceptions of being judged. But can you successfully address the fears that others may have, while also honoring your boundaries and not compromising your dietary choices? Yes, you can! Veronica Monet — Food Revolutionary, relationship coach, and assistant to Food Revolution Network President, John Robbins, shares ways to bring empathy into food conversations — and three key things you can do to stay true to yourself while helping those around you feel accepted and respected.

Cauliflower has gone from a boring side dish to one of the “It” veggies of the 2020s. This crucifer’s versatility is matched only by its powerhouse nutritional profile. Here’s what to know about the nutrition and health perks of eating cauliflower, plus how to prepare it to reap the most benefits.

Peas are funny little vegetables that come from the same plant family as beans and lentils. While they’re often grouped into a “plain Jane” side dish category, peas have a lot to offer nutritionally and for your health. And they can be delicious as well, despite what you might remember from your childhood.

Air fryers are the hottest kitchen appliance since, well, Instant Pots. They promise to give you the taste and crunch of fried foods with little to no oil, and their prices have been coming down for years. But are they healthy? Are there any downsides to using them? Are they convenient to use? And if you have limited kitchen space and finances, is an air fryer worth it?

Flaxseeds are nutritional superstars. They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, phytoestrogens, fiber, protein, and lignans. Studies show that they may help fight heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. But if you don’t eat them the right way, they can go “in one end and out the other.” And both flax oil and flaxseed meal can degrade very quickly. Plus, some critics worry that flaxseed is high in cyanogenic glycosides, phytates, and cadmium — all of which could be dangerous. So is flax good or bad? And how can you eat and enjoy it safely?

Oxalates are compounds present in a wide variety of plant foods. Some health influencers tell us that they can cause kidney stones — and that they prevent your body from absorbing essential nutrients. But how warranted are those claims? Here’s what you need to know about oxalates, and whether to include foods that contain them in your diet.

The iconic popsicle is just over one century old. But in that time, it has become a beloved hot weather treat around the world. Unfortunately, the major popsicle brands are full of sugar, additives, and artificial ingredients. Does that mean that health-conscious people can’t enjoy the sweet, cold, fruity experience of an ice lolly on a sweltering day? Or is it possible to find healthy popsicles, or even make your own?

Salads have gone from tiny starters of lettuce, tomato, and cucumber to the main courses of elegant and elaborate meals. Is this a trend toward higher-quality eating, or a way to hide our terrible diets behind a virtuous description? In this article, we’ll take a look at the “salad as main course” trend, and help you create stunning and satisfying salads that are also great for you.

If you grew up eating the standard American diet, your first curry might have been a shock to your palate. (Either “My mouth is on fire; where’s the fire extinguisher?” or “Where have you been all my life?” depending on the level of spiciness and your tolerance.) But if you have Indian, Thai, Caribbean, or Chinese ancestry, curries may have been part of your culinary tradition for centuries. So what kinds of curries are there? Are they good for you? Can they be plant-based? And how can you get started cooking some of the world’s most popular dishes?

Let’s hear it for crunch! We love foods that snap and break in our mouths — the louder, the better. From chips to crisps to puffs to crackers to pretzels, most of us can’t get enough of that crunchy mouthfeel. But our modern diet is full of unhealthy crunch. What can we do about that? Do we have to settle for limp, soggy fare? Or can we find healthy ways to satisfy our munchies for the crunchies?

You may know omega-3 as a celebrated nutrient found in flaxseeds, chia seeds, and fish oil supplements. But what’s so special about omega-3s? Are there downsides to be aware of? And what are the best ways to meet your omega-3 needs?