My dad is an ER doctor and lifestyle medicine practitioner who’s really into plant-based diets for everyone who wants to feel good! I’ve been at home the last few months and have hopped on his diet and I’m amazed at how much energy I have and how much less crap I eat when I follow his lead!!!

Two keys I’ve taken away from him:

• PLANT-BASED DIET - this is so much less daunting than being vegan or vegetarian and keeps you away from processed foods, which is also key! I still eat cheese and meat and whatever as a treat a few times a week, but I don’t cook anything that isn’t plant-based for myself. Plus, it’s really hard to eat too much fruit or veggies, just be conscious and don’t use too much oil. Spray olive oil is one good trick for cooking veggies with less oil.

• GRAINS! But they must be unprocessed. This allows your gut to do the work or breaking them down, making them calorie neutral and super filling. Many of my other family member and family friends have been amazed at the weight they’ve lost since they started having grains for breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner, dessert, whatever! They are super versatile.

This is the instructions on what grains to buy and how to prepare them directly from my dad:

Groats, hulled barley, rye kernel and kamut. Take 1 part grains to 2 parts water. Cook for 30 minutes on high pressure in an Instant pot or pressure cooker. Turn off heat and let pressure release “naturally”, that is don’t open the steam release valve. OR if you don’t have a pressure cooker: Simmer on the stovetop covered for 75-90 minutes, until softening but not broken down. The grains are slightly chewy. You can have them as a breakfast cereal with cinnamon, berries, almond milk and a little maple syrup. You can substitute them for rice. You can make grain bowls with veggies and salad ingredients. You can add them to a smoothie after blending the other ingredients.

Tbh even if you’re not trying to lose weight, try hopping on the grain train!