Neal Barnard, M.D., F.A.C.C. Shares THE CHEESE TRAP

Nutrition researcher Neal Barnard, M.D., F.A.C.C., president and founder of the Physicians Committee and the Barnard Medical Center, dishes out advice in his 18th book, The Cheese Trap (Grand Central Life & Style; Feb. 28, 2017), to make the transition to a plant-based diet seamless.

After 30 years of conducting clinical research studies, Dr. Barnard always gets the same question after he prescribes a plant-based diet to participants: "But, what about cheese?"

To help satiate cravings for mozzarella, feta, and brie, Dr. Barnard provides a 250-page solution, infused with health tips and more than 65 recipes. He includes a historical perspective about agricultural production as well as success stories to inspire readers to make dietary changes to dramatically improve their health.

In Dr. Barnard's research studies, he finds people lose an average of 13 extra pounds, sometimes much more, in addition to improving their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol after swapping greasy foods for nutrient-dense, plant-based fare.

"We have more control over our genetic destiny than we like to think," says Dr. Barnard. "The key is to always make the healthiest choice the easiest choice. We'll show you how to do it."

Extra weight affects two-thirds of American adults, one in three children, and costs $190 billion each year to treat. Pre-diabetes affects 86 million people, or one in three adults. The solution, Dr. Barnard argues, starts on our plates.

The Cheese Trap contains 21 days of recipes from Dreena Burton, including a pineapple citrus-green smoothie, Greek chickpeas, vegetables served with probiotic-infused tangy cashew cheese, and omega burgers, made with squash, apple cider vinegar, and topped with hemp, pumpkin, and chia seeds.

The Cheese Trap contains a foreword from actress Marilu Henner and is available to order on Amazon or at local bookstores starting Feb. 28, 2017.

Dr. Barnard's fourth PBS special, The Energy, Weight-Loss Solution, airs in early March 2017. It contains a four-step plan to boost energy and weight loss, starting with a daily serving of leafy greens. The PBS health special contains additional advice about moving fruits, vegetables, low-glycemic grains, and beans to the center of the plate, while creating time for exercise, sleep, and social support.

A dairy-free plant-based nutrition challenge starts March 1. Download recipes and a 3-day meal plan at TheCheeseTrap.org. Follow the conversation on social media at #CheeseTrap.

For photos, recipes, or an interview with Dr. Barnard, please contact Jessica Frost at 202-527-7342 or jfrost@pcrm.org.

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