I remember when I first went vegetarian as a teenager in the 90s. There were no recipe or nutrition blogs. If I wanted information, or a sense of community, my main outlet was Vegetarian Times magazine. I poured over the pages, even buying my first ever cookbook, The Vegetarian Times cookbook, that I could not have fed myself without.
So I cannot imagine what it must have been like for Ann Esselstyn when her husband, Dr Caldwell B Esselstyn Jr made the discovery that a whole food plant-based diet just might help reverse cardiovascular disease. The whole family, including their daughter Jane, went fully plant-based pretty much overnight and had to completely relearn how to cook and eat.
But we’re lucky they did…because the Esselstyn clan has become a huge force for positive change in so many people’s lives in their enthusiastic support for a health-focused plant-based diet. And what makes it possible? The thousands of recipes that Ann, and later Jane, have developed to take the guess work out of feeding yourself plants.
So I jumped at the opportunity to chat with Ann and Jane Esselstyn ahead of the release of their latest book, Be a Plant-based Woman Warrior: Live Fierce, Stay Bold, Eat Delicious.
On this episode we chat about:

What it was like for Ann to start learning to cook plant-based meals for her family pre-internet when no one around them was eating this way
The classic meal that remains a stable in the Esselstyn household to this day and is even served at weddings!
How a plant-based diet changed Jane’s relationship with her body
The surprising source of so many superstar recipes in their books
Why their approach to using diet to reverse disease looks different than nutrition for a healthy person
The plant foods Ann + Jane try to eat daily
How a plant-based diet powerfully supports women
Their tips for boosting flavour and satisfaction in your meals
How they stay energized as they age
We get schooled on the CUVA…you’ll have to listen!
Why soy isn’t an issue for hormones…but meat and dairy may be
The hilarious thing that surprises Ann about getting older (you’ll die!)

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We are thrilled to welcome back my friends at Botanica Health as episode sponsors because their Perfect Greens is maybe the most potent and best tasting greens you’ll ever try! Try my fave Berry flavour (I use it as a mid-afternoon pick me up) or explore the entire line at www.botanicahealth.com
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Connect with Jane and Ann Esselstyn:
Website: JaneEsselstyn.com
Instagram: @Jane_Esselstyn_RN
YouTube: Jane Esselstyn
Head over to www.desireerd.com for full show notes, or watch on YouTube!