Congratulations on taking the first steps on your plant-based journey! Whether you're completely new to this way of eating or already somewhat familiar with it, I hope you find similar benefits to those I and many others have experienced following a plant-based diet.I was born and raised in the Midwest eating the standard Americandiet (SAD). A love of athletics eventually led me to playing college football for the University of Nebraska while majoring in livestock production. But a few years into college, my life took a new direction after a career-ending back injury left me physically limited and unable to exercise. I became 100 pounds overweight, which is what made finding a way to regain my health through dietary means so important.Searching for hope, I began researching the many diets that promised healthy and sustainable weight loss. Initially, my experience as a student studying animal science led me toward the many diets built on minimizing carbohydrates and maximizing protein and fat from animal sources. Though I followed the strict protocols of these diets, I wasn't seeing any positive results. I was extremely frustrated to find that my health was, in fact, deteriorating.After exhausting what seemed like all of my options, I stumbled upon what is known as a whole-food, plant-based diet. Although this way of eating was completely unknown to me, I was surprised to find that it was common in some of the longest-living and healthiest populations around the globe. With nothing to lose, I decided to jump right in-and almost immediately began to see and feel positive results. Not only did my weight begin to drop, but my digestion improved, my skin cleared up, and the inflammation in my joints began to dissipate, too.There was, of course, a learning curve. It was a dramatic change from the types of food I was used to eating and preparing. But I found that a few simple alterations made the switch to a plant-based diet easy, sustainable, and enjoyable. Over the course of the following two years, I was able to lose 100 pounds and completely regain my health.While losing weight was my original goal, I believe my greatest accomplishment has been encouraging and leading many of my family members and friends to regain their own health. Building on what I've learned by helping others transition to and thrive on a plant-based diet, I've compiled my favorite recipes, techniques, and habits in this book. Itruly believe that anyone can improve their health and quality of lifethrough a plant-based diet-including you!