I’ve professed my love for Brendan Brazier in the past (many times in fact). I have his other books, Thrive and Thrive Fitness, which taught me so much about nutrition as it relates to training. During my summer of funemployment I became obsessed with all things thrive.
So imagine how excited I was when my father-in-law returned from Expo East with this!!! [insert shrieks of joy here]
I’m still reading it, but I already love it. Like his other books, he shares his knowledge about how beneficial raw foods are in terms of maintaining your health. He also summarizes how superfoods keep your body in tip top shape.
How this book differs from his others, though, is in it’s focus on the ways a vegan diet can help the environment. It’s so interesting! I’ve never seen the specifics comparing the carbon footprint of raising cattle and drinking dairy to farming grains and choosing nutmilk. He spells it out in such a way that makes it clear how being plant-based is definitely a greener choice.
But, of course, the recipes are what really excited me. 🙂
I’d love to share the recipe for this raw, vegan sauce with you…but it’s Brendan’s to share.
How about I give one lucky reader a copy of his book?
Then you can try all the recipes for yourself! :)
Psst, did I mention it’s a SIGNED copy.
If you’d like to win your very own signed copy of Brendan Brazier’s new book, Thrive Foods, leave a comment on this post telling me what one question you’d like to ask Brendan if you had the chance.
Kyle just said he’d ask him what was going through his head at mile 50 of an ultramarathon. Ha. I don’t know how long those races are, but I wonder how he feels at mile 100 of the cycling leg of an ironman triathlon…when he still has a full marathon ahead of him!! Yikes.
*Extra entry if you tweet about this giveaway mentioning @elisehippie or @Brendan_Brazier (and leave a separate comment below saying you did so).
I would ask what foods I could eat or combine to give me energy before a workout 🙂
Great giveaway! I would ask him how he became so awesome. That’s all. 🙂
I’d ask about what kinds of natural food cures there are for IBS.
I tweeted
I’d ask him – How did you figure out what kinds of food work best for your body? I’m experimenting with vegetarianism/veganism, but I still don’t feel that I’m eating in a way that optimizes my energy balance and digestion.
I tweeted.
I suffer from chronically low blood sugar, and I have found animal protein to be a key component to managing my blood sugar–especially when I am heavy in to triathlon training. So, I would ask Brian how he would recommend managing low blood sugar and blood sugar roller coasters on a vegan diet.
Tweeted!
I would ask him how to make raw foods keep you full for the longest period of time without taking in 92835 calories.
I would ask him… how he stays motivated? I go in an out of loving running, i change things up but I have my moments where I stop everything altogether.
I would ask him how he sticks to raw foods in the winter… all i want is a bowl of something hot!!!
I’d like to know if he has any indulgences!
I would ask about the best food for training, healing, and keeping a balanced blood sugar. This book sounds very helpful!
I would ask him about training when you are vegan and have a serious intolerance to heavy carbs (pastas, rice, etc). I was vegan for five years and would have the worst stomach problems from eating so much fiber, but I didn’t know how else to fuel
I’d ask him about food suggestions/meals for IBS
I would ask him about this lifestyle on a budget and in a town where there isn’t a lot of choices. Our grocery store is small and the nearest city is a half hour away. I’ve never read any of his books, but I will definitely check them out.
I tweeted! Thanks for the giveaway.
I’d ask how he was raised (what type of diet) and what his turning point to raw veganism was. Cool giveaway!
Umm, what’s his favourite food?
Haha, yeah that’s kinda boring…
I would ask him if he was single! That man is one sexy vegan athlete! 😉
I would ask him what his favorite thing to eat after a race is and his favorite thing to eat the night before.
I saw him speak at whole foods last year and it was really interesting. I would ask him what his favorite vegan restaurant is.
I would ask him how he stays so motivated.. I’m inspired!
I would like to know if it is truly possible to restore weight on a vegan diet. I’ve been trying to gain for years, although only as a vegetarian, and I fear getting more restrictive would continue to hinder those efforts. I keep in eggs and dairy because I can’t tolerate soy, and I continue to search for alternatives…
Anyway, yay! Fun giveaway!
I’d ask him about nightshades. The idea that tomatoes and eggplant are bad for you boggles my mind. I would love to know his thoughts on that.
I’d ask what”s on his (Canadian) Thanksgiving table
Now that the weather is turning to COLD here, I would ask him if he misses HOT food and just what he eats on an ice cold morning! (and how to make that sauce…looks interesting!)
I would ask what his favorite kid-friendly snacks are that are healthy and provide lots of energy.
I would ask him if is single 🙂
I have read Brendan’s other books and I love his vega bars, protein powder, etc. etc. To Brendan: what is your favorite vegetable of all time?
I would ask how to ensure that you get enough iron in your diet…I’ve been low for years and am often tired, get cold very easily, and am extremely pale.
I would ask him how he has become such an expert on healthy living and sustainable dieting/where it all started for him.
I would ask him about raw foods and what transitioning to a raw food diet entails.
I would love to ask him about what his favorite dinner to make is! He seems to have great taste in food.
for some yummy snack ideas that my kids would like.
I’d like to ask him if his friends and family support his dietary choices. I’m a new vegan and my friends are still in the “do you just eat carrots and celery? phase”
I would ask him what his favorite quick recipe is.
Oh man! I would probably be too star struck to ask him anything if I saw him ;), but I would love to know what he focuses more on when reaching a goal, food vs. training wise, and his best tip for both. I know thats two, but I couldn’t choose 🙂
I just received this book in the mail! So basically, I’m not entering the giveaway, but now I’m even more excited about reading it.
I’d love to ask him how he finds time to fit it all in and any suggestions for meal and snack planning around all the workouts!
Awesome giveaway, thanks for the opportunity! I would ask him how many miles he runs a week. 🙂
I’d ask his favorite/ most indulgent spurge food! Yum 🙂
I’d ask him what he eats before/after his workouts. Also I would ask him if he prefers to do his workouts in the mornings or evenings!
I tweeted!
I would ask him what he eats to stay full during all those hours of training!
How do I get my meat loving boyfriend to try out a plant based diet?
I would ask him what his top five pieces of advice would be for people new to this style of eating!
hmm I’d ask how and when he became interested in veganism, or if he wants to go out on a date sometime. I mean… what?? 😉
Great giveaway! I’d love to ask about how you go about finding what diet/foods/approach to eating works best for your body. And I would also like to know what his thoughts are on food combining.
i would ask him what foods would be good to help with feelings of bloating. or what combos worsen the bloat feeling so they can be avoided.
I would love to know if he ever cheats or wants to cheat on his own diet.
I also read Thrive and loved it! I learned so much about how awful stress is to your body.
I would ask him when he’s opening up his own restaurant! I would love to be able to dine on all his yummy and healthy recipes!
great giveaway!!! I would ask Brendan what mistakes he made along the way in figuring out specifics of what plant-based foods work for him.
I would like a whole conversation with him, not just one question!! One of my questions would most definitely be how he keeps his energy levels up and whether he needs to supplement with extra protein or Iron? I’ve low in both for too long now, but I just can’t seem to figure out how to make things better! Thank you!!
I’ve heard of Thrive many times before, but don’t know much about Brendan. I would like to know what inspired him to start living such a healthy lifestyle. Was it a sudden change, did he grow up eating these foods, or was it a gradual transition?
I would like to know what he recommends for people on a budget and also how he found out what foods work best for him. I feel so defeated at the thought of trying a zillion different eliminations/combinations to see what works! (I don’t know how you do it, Elise!)
Goodness, I would have so many questions for him! I think I would ask him how he spends his downtime. He’s such a busy man, I would love to know what he does to relax.
Would it be appropriate to ask him if he’s single, too? He’s mighty fine!
I would ask him where/how he learned all this information. I would also be curious how he maintains his diet when he travels or when his schedule is hectic.
SO excited for this giveaway. I <3 Brendan Brazier!
OOO I’ve been wanting to read this!! I would want to know if he’d be willing to speak at medical schools/medical conferences across the country! I hate that so few doctors are on board with the health benefits of veganism!
I would ask him what (if any) animal product he misses since becoming a vegan and if he’s had any slip-ups during all this time. I’d also ask how the heck he can run 50 miles at one time and not want to die. I can barely run 50 miles in an entire year 🙂
I would ask him what he does in his head while swimming laps. I usually try to be mentally productive but usually end up singing songs in my head. I can’t imagine trying to entertain myself for as long as it takes to do an ironman.
I would ask if there are any non-vegan foods that he still craves from time to time, and whether he’s found an acceptable substitute! It’s always most fun to hear about someone’s vices 😉
i would ask what his ideal meal is! and if he has a certain food item that he eats every. single. day!
i tweeted!
I would ask him the best way to talk to “haters” about the whole environmental issue. When I talk to meat eaters about the impact of cattle farming on the environment I get rolled eyes!
Oh my gosh, I love Brendan Brazier too! I just reviewed the vibrancy bar on my blog, I totally adore it. So yummy! Except the price tag, lol! 😉
I would love this book so much – my boyfriend and I watched forks over knives yesterday and are SO excited to incorporate more vegan meals into our diet. This would have some awesome meals, and recipes, I’m sure! <3
I would ask him what a typical pre-race meal would be – I'm curious! Also, a day in the life of Brendan's diet – I'm curious how he personally fuels his training and schedule….you can learn so much from the example that others set! 🙂
What tips does Brendan have for eliminating sugar from the diet. I have tried and failed many time.
I would ask how he deals with holiday meals at other peoples’ homes. And, like another post, I’d wonder about raw in the winter- I like warm foods during the cold months!
how do you deal with social eating? like parties?
My question would be how do you take food allergies and sensitivities into account with a plant strong diet? And what are your thoughts on sugars in an athletes diet, is sugar in some form necessary. I know that’s two but I’d ask either one!
Thanks for having the give away.
I think I’d ask him what his FAVORITE breakfast is
I’d ask him if he could come to my house and cook for me!
What an awesome giveaway!
I would ask him what the biggest single change he saw in his health/wellness was when he initially switched to a raw diet. And also, what the biggest benefits have been overall.
He is such an inspiration.
i tweeted!
I would ask him what is his favorite “go-to” meal
Sweet!! I’d ask him about gluten… something about it 🙂
I would ask him what advice he has for a new vegan.
I would like to ask him about his take on food allergies/intolerances and how different foods impact his training.
Courtney
What’s your favorite healthy AND indulgent food/meal/snack??
I would ask him how to properly fuel before a race. This is a cool giveaway!
I would ask him which foods would best for minimizing digestive issues while also being quite satiating.
I would ask what foods to eat for endurance and stamina!
Id ask him how to succesfully be vegan with a gluten intolerence!
i tweeted… hope i win this awesome book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have Hypoglucemia (unpredictable low sugar levels), and I have been transitioning to a more vegan diet, which has yield some benefits as well as some challenges. I specifically struggle with figuring out healthy, wholesome breakfast recipes. I think that I would ask Brendan if he could suggest 5 breakfast recipes he would strongly recommend for a healthy and fulfilling start of the day!
Thanks for the giveaway Elise!
I would ask him how much he was involved in making and marketing the Vega line, and what his inspiration for that was.
I would ask him when he’s planning to visit Thrive Juice Bar in Waterloo again, because I live down the street. : )
id ask him how he gets people who doubt plant based diets or think they cant be for atheletes to believe him or how he deals with these people
i’d ask him to tell me about the best health turnaround story he’s heard!
i would ask why no matter what i eat (being vegan and mostly raw) i am ALWAYS still ravishing throughout the day. i think i eat way more than is normal but i am just never satisfied. i work out and all, but im not THAT hard core….
I would ask how he deals with travel/a busy schedule while still eating raw. I would like to know what kinds of food he packs or prepares ahead of time.
I would ask him how he manages to stay full without feeling like he’s out of control with eating. I ran a 10k yesterday followed by Zumba and I’ve been ravenous all day!
I would ask him the best way to incorporate his food philosophies into the lifestyle of a child!
OOoh that recipe looks great!
I’d ask Brendan what food combo is best to boost energy and mood.
So awesome! I would ask him who he would have dinner with (dead or alive) and what he would cook for them.
Brendan states in his Thrive Fitness book, “the greatest determining factor for success is simply putting in the miles.” I love his resilience and hard work ethic. I relate to this feeling both when I first began running long distances and as I was going through professional school. He talks about working harder and smarter to achieve the level of success that you’re aiming for.
Brendan is a true inspiration! He has accomplished so much already but I would love to ask him, what are your short and long term career goals?
What type of protein does he recommend for someone who is trying to gain some weight.
I’d ask him what his “go to” quick & easy dinner dinner is….I’m so busy with class and volunteering I rarely have time to make a balanced dinner!
I would ask how his family and friends react to his plant based lifestyle. Did he get the typical “how do you get protein without meat!?” Seriously I hate that question, and I hate that I get asked that question repeatedly by the same people over and over and over!!
I would ask him what his favorite meal is out of his book.
I would love to ask him what is the easiest way to start changing your life around,
They had a Vega table at Boston VegFest this weekend, I was starstruck and Brendan wasn’t even there! I’ve had this book Amazon wishlisted since before it came out! I’d ask him how he stays motivated.
And I tweeted!
i would ask him a) what his top 5 favorite foods are and b) his thoughts on the whole coconut debate (i’m gonna go ahead and assume he’s pro-coco, but who knows!)
This is number one on my to buy book list. I would ask him what is the best thing he ever ate. And what is the best way to figure out how many calories I really need and how to track it.
i’d love to talk with him about how he took his passions of veganism and athleticism and created something so much bigger. he’s a remarkable example of a healthy vegan!
Oooh! I want this book! I want to read the section on superfoods!
I’d ask him for some tips and tricks for eating well when you don’t have a lot of time for prep and cooking.
I’d ask him where he goes out to eat (if anywhere) and if he’s made it Portland, OR to try any of our delicious Vegan restaurants?
I would ask what his favorite thing to eat is.
i would definitely ask him what are the best foods to keep my energy up all day. i am currently falling asleep at my desk as i type!
I would ask him what his #1 vegan food is that powers him through the day!
Seeing as hes basically a mega awesome dude, i would ask him what HE thinks one of his flaws is.. or something he would like to improve about himself.
I would ask how to gain weight healthily on a vegan, whole foods diet. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
I would ask him his #1 motivation tip. What an awesome giveaway!
If i had to ask Brendan Brazier something, i’d ask him if he could cook for me. Period. 🙂
I just tweeted about this giveaway 🙂 @rebeccaablock
I would ask what his suggestion for a workout recovery breakfast would be for someone who has IBS! I eat oatmeal every day but I am ready to mix it up.
Pingback: Tailgate to win
I would ask him if he was single!
I would ask him how he got so on point with his exercise and diet… Does he ever have off days and how did he figure out exactly what works for him?!
i tweeted!!!
I would ask him what inspired him to become vegan. One of my best friends is vegan and she inspired me, and also finding/reading your blog!
i’d ask him if he could cook my meals and wake me up every morning to work out
I would ask him what the most important appliance is: high-speed blender? Juicer? Food processor? Dehydrator?
Wow, he has such a wealth of knowledge…I guess I would start with what inspired him to lead a vegan lifestyle and how he deals with negative situations/comments regarding his meal choices.
I would ask him about fun recipes/kid friendly vegan choices for my 2 year old nephew and baby niece on the way.
Pingback: Here, not there
Sounds like an awesome book. I’d ask him about budget friendly raw food items.
I tweeted!
I’d ask him who the coolest person he’s ever met has been and why? I’ve seen pics of him with soooo many famous people. Wondering who’s impacted him or who he’s liked meeting.
what motivates him to keep going during those ultramarathons!! i’ve yet to run even a half myself 🙁
Can I enter? A question i’d like to ask Brendan… what’s the key to being dedicated to your sport and lifestyle over a long-period of time, and when the going gets tough?
Very boring question but I’m always in awe of people who are dedicated to something for so long, if that makes sense… 🙂
I just tweeted! It’s just occurred to me that I may have missed the deadline.
Pingback: Breakfast Failures « Newest Obsession