I was honored and delighted when Chef AJ asked me if I’d be interested in writing a review and do a giveaway for her book, UNPROCESSED! I have been following her…no, not in a creepy stalker like fashion…on her web series, “The Chef and The Dietitian” that she puts on with Julieanna Hever. They make an awesome pair and give fantastic advice on how to cook healthy plant-strong meals! Watch them on YouTube, if you haven’t already, and you’ll know what I’m talking about! Let’s get to UNPROCESSED:

Chef AJ‘s book is fantastic for someone wanting to make the switch to a whole foods plant-based diet or even someone who is already on the diet! Chef AJ’s no nonsense writing style is disarming with a healthy dose of humor  that is appealing and fun to anyone wanting to achieve optimal health and reach their goals for their ideal weight. This book includes over 100 easy, delicious nutrient-rich and gluten free recipes!

UNPROCESSED starts off with Chef AJ sharing her own personal journey and struggles with weight loss, anorexia nervosa, and her wake-up call when she discovered that she had multiple nasty adenomatous pre-cancerous polyps in her sigmoid colon. One would never suspect these struggles from a woman who, to me, looks like the perfect picture of health, but we all hold our own stories and struggles that eventually (hopefully) leads us to a different, more healthful path! I was touched by AJ’s brutally honest way of sharing these struggles!

Chef AJ’s book will help anyone who is willing to look honestly at their diet, while helping to get over one’s initial fears and excuses. She does it gently, yet let’s you know that she means business! If this book can inspire and motivate someone like me, who is already following a whole foods plant-based vegan diet – perhaps not as strict in some areas (I’m thinking of my salt and sugar addiction) – to want to make changes then I know that it will inspire you as well!

Here are some of the recipes from the book that I will soon be making. I have picked three per section, but there are a lot more recipes to choose from in the book than what I have selected. These are just some that caught my eyes. I know that she’ll have something that appeals to you in each section where you’ll go, “SWOON! Wanna make this!!!” I must admit that I was excited to see  that desserts were listed first in the book since, yes, I have a sweet tooth…and I’m working on turning it in a more healthy direction! 

From the dessert recipes, I’ll be making: Mint Chocolate Mousse Torte, Pear Creme Anglais, and Orange Chocolate Mousse Torte.

Orange Chocolate Mousse Torte

Next came the “AppeTEASERS”: CarriBEAN Mango Salsa, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Tuna, and POWer Pate.

Chef AJ’s Sweet Potato Nachos

From Beverages: Caramel Fakiatoo, It’s Easy Being Green Smoothie, and Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie.

It’s Easy Being Green Smoothie

From Enticing Entrees: Chef AJ’s Disappearing Lasagna, Hearty Lentil Loaf, and Sweet Potato and Blue Corn Enchiladas.

Chef AJ’s Disappearing Lasagna

Salads & Dressings: Fennel Salad, Hail to the Kale Salad, and Nostada Salad.

Hail to the Kale Salad

In the soup department: Easy Edamame Soup, Stompin’ at the Savoy Cabbage Soup, and Tomato and Tortilla Soup.

I understand why this section is called Sensational Sides! (Do I really have to just choose three?) Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts, Pineapple UNFried Rice, and Quinoa Salad with Currants and Pistachios.

Listen, there are many many more mouthwatering recipes in this gem of a book! GET IT! I know you will love it as much as I do! I plan on ordering extra copies to give away to friends as gifts. Trust me, I know they will love it as well! I don’t know about you…but after this, I am HUNGRY for some of these UNPROCESSED healthy foods!

Tell me, in the comment section, your favorite UNPROCESSED food to eat or snack on and I will enter you into the drawing for this amazing book. 

Health, Happiness and Kale, from Me & Chef AJ

*You may also send me your comment to my email address: Urbanveganchic@gmail.com