Dr. Greger, internationally renowned author, speaker, and vegan nutrition expert, is at it again: this time, with the release of an important new book, How Not to Die.





In this new book, available on December 8th, Dr. Michael Greger shares what he finds to be the leading causes of chronic illness, and shares practical advice for how we can all lead healthier lives.







In a world of sometimes confusing nutritional advice, Dr. Greger boils it down to the straight facts, using only the latest research in strictly science-based clinical nutrition.





MFA was lucky enough to sit down with Dr. Greger to discuss his new book, and the many benefits of a vegan diet:







1. What inspired you to write How Not to Die?







I’ve recorded more than 1,000 videos for NutritionFacts.org, each offering snapshots of some of the most interesting cutting-edge science, but I wanted to created a more coherent whole. How Not to Die has enabled me to wrap up decades of groundbreaking discoveries in one place. The book represents my life’s work—work I’ve distilled into about 600 pages. And instead of just reviewing the latest science, this book has also allowed me the opportunity to lay out all my personal recommendations (based on the preponderance of available evidence).







2. Do you have any advice for people making the transition to a plant-based diet?







You could always go “cold tofu,” but I have typically suggested my patients follow the “Three Step Method.” Research shows the average American family rotates the same 8-9 dinners throughout the month, and so:

Step One: List all the dinners you currently eat, and identify 3 meals that you already eat that are already plant-based (i.e., pasta primavera) Step Two: Identify at least 3 meals you already eat that could easily be adapted (i.e., bean instead of beef burritos) Step Three: Explore 3 new plant-based options. Consult vegetarian cookbooks, check out the local library and the internet for cookbooks and recipes.

Now you have your 9 dinners and you’re off! Then doing the same for lunch and breakfast is a synch.







3. If you knew you were going to be stranded on a deserted island, and could only take one food with you, what would it be and why?







Sweet potatoes are probably one of the few foods you could live nearly solely on, but if you’re asking what I’d like to eat—I’m a huge mango fan. Fingers crossed there’s a mango tree on the island!







4. What are some of your favorite go-to recipes that are healthy and delicious?





I’m so busy that I need food that’s quick to make. A quickie lunch for me would be to toast some sprouted yellow corn tortillas, smear with canned fat-free refried beans and top with low-sodium jarred salsa. If I have cilantro or fresh tomatoes or avocado to top it off, all the better. And if I have some collard greens I’ll steam them and use them like a burrito wrap—greens and beans, can’t get any healthier than that!





5. If readers took away one idea from this book, what would you want it to be? What impact do you hope the book has on readers?







The bottom-line is that we have tremendous power over our health destiny. The vast majority of premature death and disability can be prevented with healthy lifestyle changes, including a diet centered around whole plant foods. We have the power!





6. Is there anything you’d like to add?





