From the Humane Society of the United States’ Senior Director of Food Policy, comes the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of eating less meat, and enjoying more plant-based meals.

Aimed at the countless individuals contemplating a more plant-based diet, MeatLess offers concrete reasons for reducing meat consumption – to look and feel better, have a lighter eco-footprint, or to help animals – and simple strategies, recipes, swaps, and shopping advice to help people on their way.

According to a recent survey by the Vegetarian Resource Group, 47 percent of the U.S. population eats at least one meat-free meal each week. Food industry insiders predict that flexitarian eating – consuming meat, but focusing more on plant-based foods – will be a top trend in 2017.

“I work every day with schools and hospitals to help them reduce the amount of meat they serve and have been so inspired to see the reduction approach as an easy way to make a change. More people than ever realize dieting doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing, but rather they can do what works for them, making enjoying more meat-free meals so much simpler,” Middleton says.

Part exposé, part lifestyle book, with stories and over 60 recipes, MeatLess presents scientific and nutritional research along with real-life examples in a compelling and relatable style to help guide readers on their journey to reduce meat and eat more plant-based foods. It offers a concise, practical, and realistic approach to enjoying healthier, meat-free meals on each reader’s own terms.

Praise for MeatLess

“MeatLess provides simple tips and exciting recipes for people wanting to
reduce meat in their diets – a book to inspire positive change!” – Paul McCartney

“The level of meat, egg, and dairy we’re consuming is devastating our planet, our health, and results in animals being treated in appalling ways. Kristie Middleton is doing great work to help institutions reduce the meat they’re purchasing and getting more plant-based options on menus. In this important new book, she’s bringing this successful intervention to the public too.” – Moby

“Whether to go vegetarian or vegan, or simply eat more meatless meals, more people are interested in plant-based eating. Kristie Middleton’s new book, MeatLess, helps show how simple—and enjoyable—it can be while offering tips to make it easy. I hope it’s a massive success.”– Tal Ronnen, founder and chef Crossroads, author of New York Times bestseller, The Conscious Cook

“If you are the student waiting for the teacher to appear, Kristie Middleton is it! Take this journey with her and you’ll find yourself lifted in every way – body, mind, and soul.” – Kathy Freston, New York Times bestselling author of Quantum Wellness, The Lean, and The Book of Veganish

“So many of our chronic diseases are preventable by eating fewer animal-based foods and more whole plant-based foods. Kristie Middleton’s reduction approach has helped translate millions of meat-based meals served in our nation’s cafeterias to meatless. I’m excited that she’s now bringing this methodology to the public with inspiring stories and tips, tricks, and recipes to make it easy.” – Dr. Michael Greger, bestselling author of How Not To Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease

“Meat-free eating is gaining in popularity with more and more people opting to eat less meat for their health, the environment, and animals. This book is not only timely, but I can’t think of anyone better positioned to provide this guidance than Kristie Middleton, who has been an HSUS leader successfully promoting meatless options at institutions across America.” – Wayne Pacelle, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Humane Society of the United States and author of New York Times bestsellers The Bond and The Humane Economy

“Packed with information and delivered in a friendly, non-judgmental voice, MeatLess is an indispensable guide for anyone seeking a more health-, planet-, or animal-friendly way of living.” – Jonathan Balcombe, author of New York Times bestseller What a Fish Knows

“If we want to create a more compassionate world, we have to give people the tools to make it easy. While everyone might not be ready to go vegan or vegetarian, Kristie Middleton’s book MeatLess provides insight into how individuals can make small changes that add up to making a big difference for their health, the planet, and animals.” – Gene Baur, bestselling author of Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food and Living the Farm Sanctuary Life, and co-founder and president of Farm Sanctuary”

“In her book MeatLess, Kristie Middleton offers insight into why millions of people are choosing to eat less meat and enjoy more plant-based foods. Middleton shares how easy it can be to make simple changes to our diets that will add up to massive changes in our food system.” – John Mackey, co-CEO and founder, Whole Foods Market

“This work is perfectly timed. Just look at the Journal of American Medical Association from September 1, 2016. There is an analysis of the correlation of animal consumption and dying – relative to vegetable protein, all animal products produce cancer deaths, heart disease deaths or both. Changing our entire health system from “sickcare to healthcare” is suddenly more critical than ever. One can imagine down the road that every patient who develops heart disease or cancer after a hospitalization would sue that institution and its staff for ignoring the peer-reviewed literature and bringing a food tray with our usual hospital food menu. Let’s change it now. It’s time to turn liability into opportunity!”
– Kim Allan Williams, MD, Sr., MACC, FAHA, MASNC, FESC Immediate Past President, American College of Cardiology James B. Herrick Professor Chief, Division of Cardiology Rush University School of Medicine

“A growing number of Americans are looking to eat healthier, plant-based diets, but often don’t know where to start. MeatLess provides the foundation for why it’s important to make these changes as well as how to begin making the transition. Kristie Middleton’s unique approach not only examines barriers to diet changes, but offers solutions for overcoming them, making this a powerful tool.” – Miyoko Schinner, author of Artisan Vegan Cheese, The Homemade Vegan Pantry, and founder of Miyoko’s Kitchen, who the Associated Press called one of “5 vegans worth watching in 2016”

“One of the most passionate leaders in animal welfare, Kristie creates an articulate plea for eating meatless—in defense of animals, people and the planet. She follows this up with practical advice for how to make this happen in your own life, gleaned from her years of experience working with movers and shakers in the plant-based eating world.”
– Sharon Palmer, RDN, The Plant-Powered Dietitian, author of Plant-Powered for Life

“The best available science provides evidence that a plant-based diet is optimal for our health. In MeatLess, Kristie Middleton lays out the basis of why eating plant-based is better for our health and provides a solid foundation to help people achieve their eating goals.” – Dr. Neal Barnard, founder and president, Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine, author of New York Times bestselling-books 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart and Power Foods for the Brain

“I am convinced the single most powerful thing that any and all of us can do to make the world a better, kinder, and healthier place is incredibly simple and painless. Eat less meat (or none at all!) In her beautiful, thoughtful, and personal book, Kristie Middleton explains the how and why of that process, and does so in a way that will surely change every reader’s life in wonderfully positive ways. I highly recommend it!” – Suzy Welch, bestselling author and TV commentator

“MeatLess is the perfect incarnation of my maxim, ‘Don’t do nothing because you can’t do everything. Do something. Anything!’ Kristie expertly and compassionately guides you in your journey to do something — which happens to be the most significant something you can do for yourself, the animals, and the planet.” – Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, bestselling author of The 30-Day Vegan Challenge and The Joy of Vegan Baking

“Countless critters can thank Kristie for her incisive book and long-time advocacy of the Meatless Monday movement. Kristie combines personal stories, hard science and practical suggestions that make going meatless easy and delicious on Monday… and any other day.” – Sid Lerner, Chairman and Founder, Meatless Monday