The Chef and the Dietitian- Episode 20-Cauliflower Au Gratin

Faux parmesan...sooo yummy on...everything! Try it in this simple dish by blanching cauliflower and pouring it on. Watch Chef AJ and me whip up this classic shaker that will enhance virtually any recipe.

Interview with Forks Over Knives Executive Producer, Brian Wendel

Brian Wendel is the Executive Producer of an extremely powerful, unstoppable new documentary, Forks Over Knives. Releasing in Los Angeles and New York theatres on May 6th and nationwide on May 13th, this is a film you do not want to miss. Documenting the fascinatingly parallel lives of a nutrition biochemistry researcher, Dr. T. Colin Campbell, and  physician, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Forks Over Knives presents their groundbreaking path towards changing the way we think about nutrition and medicine. Simultaneously, the film explores both how we ended up in the health disaster we are currently experiencing in the United States as well as offers the audience a solution.

I have seen this film at least ten times, and I learn something new each time I watch it. Forks Over Knives may be one of the most critical films of our generation and I highly and passionately recommend it. Also starring in this film are Dr. Neal Barnard, Dr. Pam Popper, Rip Esselstyn, Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Alona Pulde, Dr. Matt Lederman, Dr. Doug Lisle, Mac Danzig, Ruth Hedrich, Dr. Terry Mason, and some warm and wonderful real-life examples of what a whole food, plant-based diet can do.

In this interview, Brian tells us about his experience making Forks Over Knives and then watching it blossom into a huge success...

JH: You went from commercial real estate straight into producing one of the most important documentaries of our time, Forks Over Knives, as your first film. What inspired you to take the leap?

BW: The evidence that diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and sometimes cancer, can be effectively prevented, and even reversed, by a whole foods plant-based diet is compelling. For whatever reason, the information wasn’t getting to the masses, so only a few people were benefiting from it. I thought making a feature film was an opportunity to change that, and doing something that would have a positive impact on people’s lives was something I always wanted to do.

JH: How do you feel about the outpouring of support and enthusiasm for the film?


BW: The response has been beyond what I had imagined. It’s rewarding. I think people see the potential in the concepts brought forward in the film as a real way to make our lives better.

JH: What are your ultimate goals for Forks Over Knives?

BW: I hope that the level of education about food and its impact on health will increase, and that as a result, people will lead more healthful lives. It turns out that the same diet that is good for human health, is compassionate to animals and less taxing to the environment, so it’s important to see improvements in these areas as well.

JH: Can you describe the message you are trying to relay by creating such a critical piece?

BW: The message is that there is evidence that there’s something very specific we can do to greatly reduce our suffering from degenerative diseases. At a time when we’re trying to find solutions to difficult problems, it’s good to know that there may be one at hand—especially something that is simple.

JH: What was it like working with a healthy handful of the most innovative, influential scientists of our generation?

BW: Given my passion for the subject, there are no individuals I would have rather worked with than Dr. Campbell and Dr. Esselstyn. Getting to spend as much time with them as we did, and getting to know them personally, was an experience that is difficult to describe in words.


JH: What was your biggest challenge in making the film?

BW: The biggest challenge was figuring out how to take a vast amount of information along with a significant number of stories, and making into a presentation of less than 96 minutes. There’s a lot of material that didn’t make it in. We realized that the film represents more the beginning of a discussion.

JH: Do you intend to continue making documentary films with a similar message?


BW: Right now I’m focused on releasing the film, an undertaking that is quite substantial. I do, though, like the idea of making another documentary film.

Check local listings beginning May 6th in New York and Los Angeles and nationwide beginning May 13th. This film will change your life!

The Chef and the Dietitian- Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

You don't have to wait until the holidays to enjoy the delicious flavors and health benefits of pumpkin. In this episode, Chef AJ and I show you how to make pumpkin-pie-in-a-glass. Decadent and easy, you can guzzle down the spicy sweetness and maximize your intake of carotenoids-the powerful antioxidants found in pumpkin-all in just a few minutes. Cheers!

The Chef and The Dietitian - Episode 18...QUINOA!

Quinoa is an ancient grain that's actually a seed and considered the "gold of the Incas". Filled to the brim with amino acids (all 9 essential amino acids are represented making it a complete protein), fiber, and phytonutrients, quinoa is indeed a supergrain! Not to mention how delicious it tastes and how versatile it is.

Also, we discovered a new company called Dragunara that makes delicious, salt-free, oil-free, and sugar-free seasonings. We use their "Slim Spice Seasoning" in this episode.

Watch Chef AJ and myself as we show you how to make a simple and sassy side dish in this episode of The Chef and the Dietitian:

To Your Health Trailer

Finally...my dream project is coming to fruition. After a year and a half of delving deeply into the plant-based world, master filmmaker, Jesse Pomeroy, and I are on the cusp of releasing our baby. Join us as we tour the country in search of the answers to achieving optimum health. All of the leading experts are represented in this edu-tainment documentary, including Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Dr. Neal Barnard, Dr. John McDougall, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, Dr. Alan Goldhamer, Dr. Pam Popper, Brendan Brazier, Mike Anderson, and Chef AJ. Stay tuned for more information and follow us on Facebook and our website, http://www.goingveg.net/.

A surprise visit from the tres famous et tres chic chef extraordinaire from France! But, s'il vous plait, DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!! Merci and bon appetit!

10 Reasons to Just Do It! An Homage to Jack LaLanne

“Exercise is king, nutrition is queen, put them together and you have a kingdom!” Jack LaLanne 1914 – 2011

Jack LaLanne passed away yesterday at the ripened old age of 96. In honor of his infinite ability to inspire, I want to share 10 reasons why exercise is indeed so critical to optimal health. I actually would reverse Jack's quote and define nutrition as the king and fitness as the queen. Regardless, you cannot achieve and maintain your superior kingdom without a combination of consistently moving and properly fueling your body. Here are some of the reasons why:

1. Exercise stimulates your immune system. Muscle contractions are to your lymphatic system what the heart is to your circulatory system. The lymphatic system cleans up the mess like inflammatory cells from throughout the body. It then traps bacteria, viruses, fungus, and other mischief-makers to put the immune system to work. Finally, any leftover fluid is dumped back into the bloodstream to be excreted via the kidneys. Think of your lymphatic system as your body's housekeeper.

2. Working out strengthens your heart and blood vessels. Encouraging circulation by stimulating your heart to work hard for a prolonged period of time improves blood flow, decreases inflammation, and keeps your heart muscle fit.

3. Regular exercise is excellent for your mind. Depression, anxiety, stress, and panic disorders have all been found to improve with exercise. Endorphins (feel-good hormones and natural painkillers) are released from physical stress, soothing your mind, and improving your mood. It enables you to deal with stress more effectively.

4. Sleep is deeper and more efficient with regular exercise. Proper rest is critical for stress management, immune function, mental clarity, and physical well-being.

5. Weight management is easier with a consistent fitness program. As lean body mass increases, metabolism improves, and you require more calories just to maintain those muscles. Become a calorie-burning machine by sticking to a fitness plan.

6. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity. Great news for diabetics, pre-diabetics, and those who want to prevent diabetes (hopefully everyone). Type 2 diabetes is the result of insulin resistance...where the cells become unable to absorb glucose, thereby leading to hyperglycemia.

7. Inflammation is suppressed thanks to increased circulation brought about by exercising.

8. Your risk for most chronic disease-including cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes-is significantly reduced by sustaining a regular fitness regimen.

9. The number one most effective factor in preventing and stopping the progression of osteoporosis is...yep, you guessed it...EXERCISE! Resistance movements against your own body weight or other resource (like weights, machines, and tubing) improve bone mass. Bone and muscle both react to physical stress (resistance) by growing thicker and stronger. Move your body and build bone tissue. Remember that bone tissue is dynamic. It is constantly breaking down and repairing in a constant state of flux. So, provide it with stress to encourage proper bone mineralization.

10. Exercise helps make you a better lover. People who work out have an increased libido, have a decreased risk for erectile dysfunction, and have more stamina to bring sexy back to bed!

No matter what your fitness level is or what chronic conditions you may have, regular exercise will improve your life on so many levels. It is not an optional activity...it is a must-do. Commit to a program if you haven't already and watch the miracles in your life materialize!