In Veggie Smarts, Compton drills down on the psychology of our nations inherent food system issues and celebrates the pure joy of eating fresh, seasonal produce. He describes being magically drawn to the farmers market on his long journey from supermarket shopper to proud garden grower. We all need to eat more seasonal and local vegetables and appreciate the process of how they are cared for and tended to, and this book spells out the smart path to get there, whether you have space to grow your own veggies or just a few fresh herbs. -- Steven Satterfield, Executive Chef, Miller Union and Madeira Park, and Author of the cookbook Vegetable Revelations How can we most smartly eat more plants? This informative book from psychiatrist, preventionist, and farmer Michael T. Compton, M.D., M.P.H. answers that question by delving deep into the families of plants we eat along with their many health and mental health benefits. Veggie Smarts is a wonderful new addition to the canon on eating for health. -- Drew Ramsey, M.D., Nutritional Psychiatrist and Author of Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety and Healing the Modern Brain Vegetables are a vital part of our diet, but many people do not understand them well enough. Veggie Smarts explains our vegetables from the perspective of a lifestyle medicine physician and organic vegetable farmer. I highly recommend this essential bookpacked full of vitamins, minerals, vegetable stories, and poignant and humorous confessions of a doctor turned farmer. Veggie Smarts is a must-read for lifestyle medicine clinicians, for their clients, and for everyone because eating vegetables is important for health. -- Beth Frates, M.D., Associate Professor, Part-Time at Harvard Medical School and President of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine Vegetable nerds, Rejoice! As a passionate gardener, I too, have cried over unexpected losses in my home garden, and been astounded by the wonders of old recipes like leek omelet reborn from super fresh ingredients. This book is an ode to transitioning from home gardener to farmer, tracing history, a few recipes along the way, and improving well-being from the power of rediscovering vegetables. -- Julie C. Suarez, Associate Dean for Land Grant Affairs, Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Veggie Smarts is a thoughtful blend of farming wisdom and nutritional insight. Dr. Compton brings vegetables to life, not only through his expertise as a farmer but with his deep understanding of the health benefits they offer. This book is an essential guide for anyone looking to optimize their diet through the power of diverse, plant-focused nutrition. -- Heather Seid, D.C.N., R.D.N., Program Manager, Bionutrition Research Core at Columbia University's Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research As the former Executive Director for the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center, with extensive experience with agriculture, food, nutrition, and health programs, I can attest to the importance of people getting smart about vegetables. Dr. Michael Comptons Veggie Smarts is an essential read for all practitioners in the agriculture, food, nutrition, and health spacebringing indispensable information to all of us who care about eating sustainablyfor the sake of people and the planet. -- Annette Nielsen, Journalist Veggie Smarts magically weaves humor, passion, farming, and medicine into a creative package that leaves you searching up new recipe ideas while simultaneously feeling inspired to write poetry. Seriouslyread this to learn about how to love and cook vibrant, diverse vegetables. Or read it to better understand the beautiful role each family of veggies plays in our health. You might find yourself dreaming of how you, too, can grow a garden and find joy, healing, and inspiration along the journey. Vegetable Nerds, unite! -- Jaclyn Lewis Albin, M.D., C.C.M.S., Dip.A.B.L.M., Mom, Physician, Culinary and Lifestyle Medicine Specialist, and Backyard Gardener
