One sentence summary
Forks Over Knives: The Plant-Based Way to Health is a nutrition guidebook that promotes the powerful health benefits of switching to a whole foods, plant-based diet.
Book genre
Health, Science, Nutrition, Recipe Books
Main topic of the book
Forks Over Knives is a guidebook that encourages readers to improve their health by transitioning to a plant-based, whole foods diet.
Key ideas
- The Power of Plants: plants contain all the essential nutrients and vitamins for optimal health, and are much healthier choices than animal-based foods
- Whole-foods: processed foods, even if plant-sourced, offer fewer nutrients and contain unhealthy added ingredients
- Replacing Animal-Based Foods: there are healthier, plant-based alternatives to traditional animal-based foods and recipes for incorporating those alternatives to the reader’s lifestyle
- Lifestyle Changes: the book provides advice on gradually transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle, taking into account dietary restrictions and cultural cuisine
Main parts of the book and a short summary
- Part 1: Introduction to Plant-Based Nutrition: includes an overview of the benefits of a plant-based diet and a brief review of the scientific research that supports its claims.
- Part 2: Meal Planning and Recipe Guide: gives readers an understanding of the different types of plant-based foods, how to properly combine them for maximum health benefits, and includes a variety of delicious plant-based recipes.
- Part 3: Transforming Your Plate: provides strategies and tips on shifting to a plant-based diet, considering religious or cultural restrictions and allergies, and highlights options for eating out at restaurants.
- Part 4: Taking the Movement Further: gives readers an understanding of the larger social and environmental benefits of transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle, and how to ensure long-term success.
Key takeaways
- A plant-based, whole foods diet is the healthiest dietary choice for individuals looking to improve their health.
- Certain plant-based foods have more nutrient-density than animal-based foods, and should be incorporated into health-conscious meals.
- The book provides information and strategies for eating out at restaurants and transitioning gradually into a plant-based lifestyle.
- The book highlights the larger social and environmental benefits of transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle.
Author’s background and qualifications
Gene Stone is an author, editor and investigative journalist with decades of experience researching and writing about plant-based nutrition and health. He is the author of 12 books, including the #1 New York Times Bestseller Forks Over Knives, and is the author of The Engine 2 Diet and co-author of The Engine 2 Seven Day Rescue Diet.
Target audience
Forks Over Knives is intended for individuals looking to improve their health while living a plant-based lifestyle.
Publisher and first publication date
The book was first published in 2010 by Touchstone, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.