6 Principles of Alicia Silverstone's 'Kind Diet'

Alicia Silverstone in the garden

Photo: Rodale

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Alicia Silverstone, one of The Daily Green's 2009 Heart of Green Award winners, published a new book in fall of 2009 that encapsulates her philosophy about healthy, ethical eating: The Kind Diet (Rodale, $29.99). The Daily Green asked Alicia to tell us about the principles of her Kind Diet. Take a look, and watch a video clip of her discussing the book at the Heart of Green Awards.

Also, check out these 5 vegan recipes from Alicia Silverstone's book!

Eating Kind Is a Beautiful Thing

Eating "Kind" is about being really, really good to yourself and the planet via the foods you put into your body. A plant-based diet filled with whole and organic foods will give you tons of energy, mental clarity, gorgeous skin and a zest for life. But this kindness also extends to the earth itself. Adopting a plant-based diet is one of the most impactful ways to help heal the planet. By requiring less fuel, water and other resources, a plant-based diet is much lighter on the planet. And because it is clean, this diet helps our soil, water and atmosphere get healthy as well.

Alicia Silverstone Discusses The Kind Diet

Doing Good Also Tastes Good!

Instead of thinking about how what you're NOT having, it's important to realize how much MORE you're adding to your diet. These healthy, healing foods are not only good for you but they taste delicious. I want to shatter the notion that eating healthy is somehow a sacrifice.

Rethink the Word "Diet"

Unlike other diet books, The Kind won't ask you to freak out about calories, carbs or the glycemic index. It will change your relationship with food and your body, transforming the whole idea of dieting for you.

Even Small Changes Can Be Huge

Change is hard and I recognize that diff people are at varying stages of their journey, which is why I designed three approaches. People can choose their path according to where they’re at and what feels right to them.

The first approach is called Flirting, and it’s simply sticking your toe in the pool of The Kind Diet. The second plan is Vegan; it’s for experienced flirts and those who, after reading this book, will want to commit to a plant-based diet. The third plan, Superhero, emphasizes whole grains, organic vegetables and sea vegetables. It will make you practically levitate! And then there's everything in between. Really, the book has something for everyone. Throughout are plenty of little choices you can make that will have huge impacts on how you look and feel, and the health of our planet.

Be Kind to Yourself

Nobody is perfect so don't beat yourself up for straying from the new path you've chosen. Brush yourself off, remind yourself how great it feels when you do eat "kind," and get back on!

Don't Forget Dessert!

I truly believe that there is no life without dessert. Luckily, there are so many delicious "kind" deserts out there (and in the book), that you're guaranteed to never feel deprived! (Try some of those delicious desserts, and other vegan recipes now!

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