Official Review: Secrets of My Vegan Kitchen

Natalie Charlene · Post by **Natalie Charlene** » 14 Mar 2018, 10:09

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Secrets of My Vegan Kitchen" by Nara Schuler.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Secrets of my Vegan Kitchen: A Journey into Reversing My Diabetes without Medication by Nara Schuler is an eye-opening book about the benefits of a plant-based, whole foods lifestyle. The first third of the book follows Schuler’s story from her early eating habits, into her sickness, and, finally, her discovery of a new way of living that changed the course of her life, saving her from a lifetime of medication and pain. After describing her journey, Schuler shares some of her favorite recipes in hopes of helping anyone who might want to explore this lifestyle, showing them how to make mouth-watering and, most importantly, healthy dishes.

About five years ago, I made the transition to a vegan lifestyle, myself. Though I made the change for ethical reasons, I also do my best to eat as healthfully and naturally as I can. As someone who has been through the difficult lifestyle changes Schuler discusses, I can’t stress enough how spot-on Secrets of my Vegan Kitchen is. A whole foods, plant-based diet can have nearly magical effects on the body, from helping you lose weight and feel energized, to assisting in the battle of deadly diseases.

At first glance, Secrets of my Vegan Kitchen appears clean and well-structured. It is broken up into organized chapters that provide a wealth of information on both Schuler’s personal life and the reasons to go vegan. The personal struggles she speaks of makes her story relatable, and, instead of preaching and forcing, she simply shares the information that has changed her life, hoping to help people who may be struggling with similar issues. The recipes she shares are simple, healthy, and easy to follow. A few of the recipes include pictures, and, while they are beautifully crafted, they are in black and white, which, unfortunately, deadens their impact.

I rate Secrets of my Vegan Kitchen 4 out of 4 stars. Aside from a handful of grammatical issues, the book is clean and professional. The information on Nara Schuler’s life, eating habits, and journey is intriguing, and once I started, I couldn’t put the book down. I am excited to work my way through many of the delicious sounding recipes she has shared.

This is a book I would recommend to anyone and everyone. It is never too early nor too late to make a lifestyle change that will impact your health for the better. Switching to a vegan, whole foods diet can seem daunting, but Schuler offers her story, words of encouragement, and fantastic recipes, making the process less intimidating. Secrets of my Vegan Kitchen is sure to change the lives of many people.

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Secrets of My Vegan Kitchen
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Sahani Nimandra · Post by **Sahani Nimandra** » 16 Mar 2018, 00:50

Hmm! Vegan transformation is not new. My father became a vegetarian after he got to know he has kidney issues. Its been 10 years and he is still on maintenance. I too became a vegetarian in 2012 and it is great! More importantly I discovered the love of cooking when I became independent in my own cooking ways. Thanks for sharing this book! Since I'm a vegan I think I will check this out.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 16 Mar 2018, 07:23

Sounds like a great book. I, myself, could almost be a vegetarian as I don't really even enjoy the taste of meat that much. But it's hard with a busy schedule to try and find time to cook the way I should. Thanks for introducing us to a great book!

hurlarmidey · Post by **hurlarmidey** » 16 Mar 2018, 09:27

It will be a greatvbook because since my grandmother as diebetics, I've been longing for way to control her diet, I will like to try all d recipe inside.

melissy370 · Post by **melissy370** » 16 Mar 2018, 10:48

It would be interesting to read her story. I am a fan of vegetables and wouldn't mind the recipes. Too bad the recipes are not color. That would add to the appeal.

NL Hartje · Post by **NL Hartje** » 16 Mar 2018, 16:19

As someone who developed a glucose intolerance a few years ago. This book seems to follow many of the steps I took to repair my glucose levels back then. I might add this to my list in case I ever need it again. Thanks

revna01 · Post by **revna01** » 17 Mar 2018, 01:48

This book is right up my alley. I have been a vegetarian for several years and often toy with the idea of becoming vegan. I know people that swear by a plant-based, all-natural diet as a means to delay or reverse various illnesses. It can also be a tricky line to walk-to not push or preach a vegan lifestyle-but it sounds like the author found a great balance. Thank you for the informative review.

polar_palm_tree · Post by **polar_palm_tree** » 17 Mar 2018, 19:58

Thanks for writing such a great review. I made the move ten months ago for health reasons. The transition was easy for me, but not for my family and friends. I am from rural Alaska where subsistence is the heart and soul of everything. Fishing and hunting are threaded through our daily lives. My health made an immediate turn for the better, which is what I focus on when others try to bully me into eating my past favorites. I can't wait to read this book. Perhaps she will have some ideas. I also look forward to sampling some of her recipes.

pool · Post by **pool** » 18 Mar 2018, 03:10

Yes....since it is basically concerning health.. I must recommend it too.
I want to be healthy

Jkhorner · Post by **Jkhorner** » 19 Mar 2018, 09:14

Honestly I've never considered switching to a vegan lifestyle, but your review at the very least makes me want to hear what this lady has to say. As a recent college grad, I'm woefully aware of how much energy I was missing when I ate any and all quick junk food instead of taking time to prepare plant-based foods. Thank you for the thorough review!

DancingLady · Post by **DancingLady** » 20 Mar 2018, 10:47

I tried going without meat, eating plant based proteins instead and all I experienced was constant munchies, lack of satiety, weight gain (from never feeling really nourished) and noticeable loss of muscle strength starting after about 7-8 days. This kind of diet will not work for all body types and should be avoided by athletes.

Poppy Drear · Post by **Poppy Drear** » 20 Mar 2018, 19:49

I probably couldn't make the switch to an all-vegan diet myself, but I can appreciate the value in choosing to decrease the amount of meat one consumes for a variety of reasons (primarily environmental). Even for non-vegans, books like this could help improve their overall diet.

dtb · Post by **dtb** » 20 Mar 2018, 20:00

Thanks for helping me to find this book. I am also trying to eat more plant based foods and this could help.

londonmartine · Post by **londonmartine** » 21 Mar 2018, 12:52

I'm glad this is a good book - I really admire vegans (and vegetarians!) and feel like I should exercise my willpower to alter my diet in this direction. I have tried a few vegan dishes with varying success, and I think a proper cookbook would help. I feel like it shouldn't be as hard as I think it is!

stacie k · Post by **stacie k** » 22 Mar 2018, 00:12

I’m glad to hear that the author shares her own personal journey of health and dietary choices. It would be the personal story that would persuade me to try some of the recipes. Too bad the photos aren’t in color. I feel sure that would make it so much more appealing! Thanks for a great review!