I had some friends recently recommend Mark Bittman’s new book, VB6: Eat Vegan Before 6:00 to Lose Weight and Restore Your Health . . . for Good. I’d read and really enjoyed his previous books, including How to Cook Everything, a book I routinely recommend to medical students, residents (and anyone) who is learning how to cook. 
The story goes like this… world famous food critic, NY Time columnist, and writer is told by his doctor that he is insulin resistant, overweight, has high serum cholesterol and sleep apnea. His doctor’s prescription?
“You should probably become a vegan.”
For a world famous omnivore who lives in the world of restaurants, food reviews and great cuisine, it wasn’t an option. But, to his credit, neither was going on medication. VB6 is a personal account of how Mark Bittman combined his extraordinary talent as a chef and food critic with his new imperative to improve his health.
Mark Bittman describes the three principles of the VB6 plan as …
“First, you make a commitment to eat more plant foods—fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans … “
“Second, you make a commitment to eat fewer animal products and highly processed foods, like white bread. “
“And third, you all but eliminate junk foods, most of which are barely foods in the strict sense of the word anyway. (I say “all but eliminate” because everyone needs to break the rules occasionally.)”
VB6 is not a diet, it’s a lifestyle change. It worked for Mark Bittman, and should work for anyone. This simple plan is a reasonable solution not only for health care providers who personally struggle with their weight and their health… but may also be an straightforward way to “prescribe” dietary changes for our patients with the same struggles.