Happy Monday my friend!
Plant Fuel is out in just over 3 weeks, and it comes at a time when people naturally lean into their health habits after the holiday period.
And be honest with you, I was really glad when my publisher wanted to go with a January launch.
Why? Because it seamlessly ties in with how people tend to view these habits around wellness in the New Year.
Look, I've always been an advocate of enjoying what you need to enjoy.
Holiday periods are great for friends and family to come and spend time together...and maybe eat a bit more food than we normally would.
That's normal - although I do believe habits should still be maintained in some capacity to keep the engine running.
But here's one thing to remember though: January shouldn't be a month of total restriction as that just leads to misery.
It should really be about rebuilding the rhythm you built up over the year and dialling in again.
And that's where Plant Fuel comes in: it's a nutritionally balanced, simple and flavourful collection of recipes to help bring you back to feeling strong, nourished and energised.
The eight chapters
I'm often asked how I chose all of the recipes in the book - and to be honest it wasn't an easy process - but I focused on sections that would ensure that
a) there was something for everyone and
b) it was flavour-led, loaded with nutrition and reflective of how I approach things.
1. Protein-Powered Mornings
Starting the day with protein remains one of the best things you can do - so I made sure to get a section in there that would help you to do this in the New Year
2. High-Performance Soups
After weeks of (maybe) a little too much food, we all need some nourishment. Soups are one of my favourite ways to meet this need, and mine hit a little different; they're packed with protein, fibre and micronutrients
3. Super Salads
Salads are more than just a 'diet' food. The ones in the book are rich in nutrients, colourful, far from boring, and high in protein + fibre to help get you locked in this January
4. Muscle-Building Mains
So many of us will see the New Year as the time to get that long-held desire to put on muscle started. The meals in this section are delicious - but also loaded with protein to make building and maintaining lean muscle effortless
5. Power Bowls
My saviour for when I don't want to think too much about a specific recipe. If you follow me on socials, you know I love a good Power Bowl - and there is plenty of choice for you in this chapter
6. Fast Fuel & Snacks
We can all fall victim to the occasional mindless snacking, but the snacks and quick recipes in this section allow you to still eat nutritious food - even when short on time
7. Don’t-Skip Desserts
I wanted to include desserts because even though I remain dialled in with my health, I believe there is room for it! Cheesecakes and crumbles done in a healthy way? Why not 😄
8. Plant-Powered Smoothies
I think of smoothies as y0ur nutrient insurance policy. They're ideal for mornings when you haven't got time, post-session fuel, or when you simply want a ton of nutrients with minimal effort
Where I think Plant Fuel is perfect for the start of the year is that it has so much variety to it.
It's not a prescriptive, restrictive approach to plant-based food.
This is food that you'll actually love, but will also lead you towards better health in a sustainable way. A win-win.
It's a set of the most intentional recipes I've ever created, and I'm incredibly excited for it to be out in the world very, very soon.
I appreciate your support as always, and hope you have a solid, healthy week.
Oh and a last reminder: if you're making a bowl of oats this week, don't forget to get some stewed fruits on top 😉
Stay healthy,
Jeffrey