On October 13, 2009, Alicia Silverstone published her first book, The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet. This is a well-written and important book. Since Ms. Silverstone can attract a younger audience, she may influence popular opinion more effectively than older or more scientific writers. The main point of the book is to encourage a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle.
The preface was written by Paul McCartney who quotes a 2006 UN report that states, "the livestock industry was responsible for more damage to the environment than all of the transport industry put together."
The book is obviously written for a younger audience in a very friendly and conversational tone. But the book is not fluff, this is a serious book and I hope all her readers, young and old, will take what she says seriously. While I don't agree that everyone should be vegan, or even vegetarian, I believe that we must rethink our relationship with food, that humanity should live primarily on non-meat sources that are organic and locally grown. Those who choose to eat meat should eat only local organic and free-range animals that are slaughtered in the kindest possible way.
There are three parts to the book: Part I is "Kind versus Nasty" and devoted to explaining the physical, spiritual and ecological differences between "Nasty" foods like meat, dairy, white sugar and processed foods, and "Kind" foods like whole grains, "new" proteins, and vegetables. Part II is titled "The Kind Life" and describes the transition to vegan eating and the practicalities of living a life that is a little off-center when compared to the average European or North American diet and lifestyle. Part III contains the recipes that make up more than half of the book.
Part I "Kind versus Nasty"
Silverstone presents a clear and accurate picture of the horrors of our current food system. She quotes an ancient Indian proverb, "When the diet is wrong, medicine is of no use, and when the diet is correct, medicine is of no need." Silverstone is correct that much of our current disease would disappear if we simply ate better, avoiding the "nasty" foods and eating more naturally.
Her fourth category of "kind" foods is desserts made from natural sweeteners like brown rice syrup, barley malt or maple syrup. The diet and lifestyle she describes in not one of deprivation; it is one of intelligent choices and respect for our bodies and our environment.
Part II "The Kind Life"
I'm glad that she included a section about making a slow transition into vegetarian eating. Giving up meat suddenly is really where many people fail. It's important to go slow and to be aware of the issues of detoxification. She has several suggestions for making a successful transition.
She has much practical advice about a vegan kitchen, involving other members of the family, eating out and traveling as a vegan. She recommends Japanese, Mexican, Italian, Thai, Chinese, Indian, Ethiopian and Middle-Eastern restaurants as possible sources of acceptable meals.
Also in Part II is a chapter on exercise, "Getting Fit, Inside and Out," in which she recommends walking and yoga for the outer you and journaling and meditation for the inner you.
This is an attractive and well-written book. The world needs this information in such a pleasant format. I hope it sells millions of copies.
