Healthy at Last: A Plant-Based Approach to Preventing and Reversing Diabetes and Other Chronic Illnesses

Recently, I heard Eric Adams speak on ZOOM to an assembly of high school kids. It was a motivational talk that included the importance of a healthy lifestyle. In passing, he mentioned he'd written a book, and I was so taken with his passion for health that I immediately ordered "Healthy at Last". So glad I did.This isn't just another plant recipe book - although there are recipes at the end of the book. This book is a user manual on how to migrate from an animal based diet to a plant based diet. The whole book is centered not only on his personal journey to health but also on historical research of why we chose certain foods. It includes research on common diseases that are exacerbated by the way we eat, and solid research on the general health benefits of a plant-based diet. He delves into which nutrients are found in which foods, and offers tips on how to make the switch and what groceries and utensils to buy. And, because of the writing style, when reading the book, you feel like Mr. Adams is with you on this journey. It is full of hope, it's entertaining, and it's easy to read. I highly recommend it.

If you've ever read a political memoir and thought, "What this book needs is some delicious healthy recipes," then you'll love Healthy at Last.For that matter, if you've ever read one of those books by a politician seeking higher office and thought, "What this book needs is some humanity and humility," you're really love Healthy at Last.Eric Adams shares his personal journey from unhealthy diabetic at the mercy of a medical model that stole his agency to a passionate and vibrant advocate for saving our own lives and those of our loved ones through our forks and knives.On the way, he deconstructs the concept of "Soul Food" - unhealthy fare contributing to chronic disease among some of the most vulnerable communities in the US - while redeeming the impulses of creativity and "make-do" from which soul food emerged.He speaks directly to his Black and Brown constituents, sharing what's possible, and how to get there. In a chilling passage, Adams argues that the Black community is still oppressed through consumption of "slave food":"Food like chitlins, fried chicken, mac and cheese—these are the chains that the Emancipation Proclamation failed to remove. By continuing to eat the food our slave ancestors ate, we are perpetuating a form of oppression that is keeping us in the hospital instead of the office. We may not be at the mercy of the Big House, but we are at the mercy of Big Pharma."Healthy at Last covers the basics of the science, at least as well as any of the other popular plant-based books on the market. It looks specifically at the history of African American cuisine, and links much of this cuisine to preventable health problems. It shares a realistic and empowering road map to change, focusing on habits, on specific food swaps, on self-compassion, and on how to get and give support. And it crescendos with dozens of delicious, healthy dishes contributed by some of the luminaries of the plant-based movement; doctors, researchers, chefs, cookbook authors, bloggers.My wish is that this magnificent and big-hearted work may find its way into millions of homes around the world, bringing both the message and the means of health, joy, and true freedom to all.

I really enjoyed this book. Mr. Adams' story is inspirational- he joined the police force after being beaten up by police as a teenager, worked from within to promote good policies, served as a brave 911 responder and then was elected Borough President by 90% vote. However, the stress of all this caused him to eat too much junk food, like many of us, and he awoke one day to find himself severely diabetic and suffering a loss of vision! Doctors told him there was no cure. He could not face that, so he hit google and found a plant based diet, even traveling to Dr Esselstyn's clinic in his plant based journey. To his amazement (and his treating doctor's!) he CURED his diabetes and vision loss with a plant based whole foods diet! The book is excellent with many good sounding recipes I am eager to try. I especially liked the discussion of how soul food was actually slave food, and real African American cultural food, from Africa, is plant based. I liked the chapter on how he worried about the impact of his going vegan would look to his family, friends and constituents (we all have those concerns- well, maybe not constituents!), the practical aspects of finding vegan healthy foods, and his statement that a person should not feel like a bad mom or dad (applies to grandparents as well) for not buying organic foods - the main thing is going plant based, regardless of budget. I also liked his explanation about how hard it is to start - it is! But very worth it. The whole tone of this book is friendly, helpful and encouraging and I highly recommend it!

Great book if you’re new to wfpb, a little watered down if you already are experienced in the topic (which is not a criticism, as an information source it’s just a better book for beginners). Much of the book ties into the experiences of the black community, which was a very interesting perspective & super informative. Full of very compelling stories, testimonies, and experiences, from a wide range of people with a variety of illnesses. Covers all the major issues, including heart disease and his own diabetes etc. Great book if you’re interested in the success stories of others, looking for entry level information, and motivation. The book is a very easy to read and understand, and not overly medicalized and science-y.