Unprocessed

Chef AJ is one of the most interesting people you'll meet.  At the beginning of her classes, you will hear "I Will Survive," with her own singing and lyrics, dancing, and even a handstand in front of her food processor as she sings (yes sings!) about the benefits of whole, plant-based foods.

While her teaching methods are certainly unorthodox, her message is clear:  Processed foods are unhealthy, and following a whole-food, plant-based diet is not that hard.  And, if you can't get to one of her classes, you can read her book, Unprocessed. 

Chef AJ talks about the many challenges she has faced in her life -- eating disorders, a miscarriage, and a health scare -- that led her to the way of eating that she so passionately preaches.  As she says it, on page 2:

My simple rule of thumb is this:  If I can make it in my kitchen, using whole ingredients, it's unprocessed.  I can cook lentils and add carrots and and onions and spinach to make a soup, so that's unprocessed.  I can blend fruits together to make a smoothie, so that's unprocessed..... But I can't make a Fruit Loop.  I can't slaughter a cow.  I can't make vegetable oil, so any recipe calling for oil involves a processed ingredient.

It's simple, but it makes sense.  Not only does she tell you how to become "unprocessed", but she includes several of her simple yet delicious recipes.  An invitation for dinner at AJ's house is one I'll never turn down, because I know I'll get healthy food that tastes incredible.  Her recipes are straightforward, and I've made several of them, including a couple that I've blogged about.  My favorites are her Hail to the Kale Salad (page 122) and Chef AJ's Disappearing Lasagna (page 100).

If you're looking to improve your diet and get healthy, this book is for you.