What do you think?
Escape the Meatrix: Eat Plants, Feel Great, and Save the Planet!
Choose the red pill and
Escape the Meatrix
What if you suddenly discovered you were trapped inside a dystopian cult of oppression, murder, and profit—and that your greatest source of calories was an artificially invented diet created by powerful lobbies, designed to line the pockets of the 1% at the cost of your own health and the planet's very survival?
What would you do?
Escape the Meatrix chronicles Stuart Waldner's eye-opening battle against climate change as he exposes the real reason veggies are more expensive than a burger (it's not what you think); the shocking list of diseases that a plant-based lifestyle can slow, prevent, or even cure; and how America's declining health is linked directly to corporate profit.
We might not like the truth, but the cost of ignorance is far too high. Will you take the blue pill and let the planet burn? Or will you take the red pill, open this book, and Escape the Meatrix?
Escape the Meatrix
What if you suddenly discovered you were trapped inside a dystopian cult of oppression, murder, and profit—and that your greatest source of calories was an artificially invented diet created by powerful lobbies, designed to line the pockets of the 1% at the cost of your own health and the planet's very survival?
What would you do?
Escape the Meatrix chronicles Stuart Waldner's eye-opening battle against climate change as he exposes the real reason veggies are more expensive than a burger (it's not what you think); the shocking list of diseases that a plant-based lifestyle can slow, prevent, or even cure; and how America's declining health is linked directly to corporate profit.
We might not like the truth, but the cost of ignorance is far too high. Will you take the blue pill and let the planet burn? Or will you take the red pill, open this book, and Escape the Meatrix?
280 pages, Paperback
Published October 6, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 23, 2022
I really do not need convincing on this topic. I am clear that our treatment of animals is disgraceful, and (hopefully) in the future will be seen to be the evil it is.
The title of the book derives from the Matrix movie where unsuspecting humans do not realize that they are not in control and are dancing to the tune of others. This book covers the author’s personal journey to plant-based foods and covers the impact of meat farming and eating on – personal health, environment, and treatment of animals. Animal farming and meat eating is a disaster under all the mentioned heads – it predisposes us to a range of serious diseases, severely degrades the environment and delivers a miserable life to farm animals. The meat lobby is powerful and in economic value is several times (120X) that of the plant-based food industry. The combination of clever advertising and general lethargy of humans to break habits followed since generations, ensures that the industry thrives. Phrases like ‘humane treatment’ (consider that we use the phrase for the death penalty for the worst of crimes), ‘only one bad day for farm animals’ is offered when questions crop up, as if the animals happily choose to be treated thus (this is referred to in mindfulness literature as spiritual bypassing – self-delusion with falsehoods). While the proportion of people identifying as vegan is increasing, the consumption of meat is also going up – especially in regions which had low meat consumption. Questioning food habits often leads to retorts such as “Don’t tell me what to eat”. Also, we humans have almost no ability for long-term thinking – poison we will avoid but slow-poison we will tolerate, which is why our action on global warming is so little and so late.
The author points out that communicating the message for a plant-based diet has been tough – it is taking on a well-funded industry which has deep influence on the government and media, as also challenging habits indoctrinated since birth for most. For instance, in some US states it is prohibited to survey or publish material on conditions in farms, and animal cruelty laws exclude farm animals. The meat industry funds a diverse set of organizations and people, even bloggers to attack plant-based food companies products and people advocating that (typically portrayed as those outlining extreme views). I found similarities to what sugar industry has been doing (see The Case Against Sugar by Gary Taubes) since long – trying to portray sugar & sugary foods as safe & delightful, and blaming fat for all ills. The delusion is deeply ingrained and even animal lovers, really only care for ‘some’ animals (such as dogs, cats, tigers etc) and not others.
There is some good nutrition information in the book, but for more detailed plant-based nutrition information I recommend How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease by Michael Greger. Acknowledgement is the first step to overcoming our delusions and habits. As the author says most vegans were not born thus – they made the transition. (I am a vegetarian but realize I have to take some steps with respect to dairy consumption). Most people have strong views one way or the other and do not like to be challenged or questioned, an important topic for our times.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for a free electronic review copy,
The title of the book derives from the Matrix movie where unsuspecting humans do not realize that they are not in control and are dancing to the tune of others. This book covers the author’s personal journey to plant-based foods and covers the impact of meat farming and eating on – personal health, environment, and treatment of animals. Animal farming and meat eating is a disaster under all the mentioned heads – it predisposes us to a range of serious diseases, severely degrades the environment and delivers a miserable life to farm animals. The meat lobby is powerful and in economic value is several times (120X) that of the plant-based food industry. The combination of clever advertising and general lethargy of humans to break habits followed since generations, ensures that the industry thrives. Phrases like ‘humane treatment’ (consider that we use the phrase for the death penalty for the worst of crimes), ‘only one bad day for farm animals’ is offered when questions crop up, as if the animals happily choose to be treated thus (this is referred to in mindfulness literature as spiritual bypassing – self-delusion with falsehoods). While the proportion of people identifying as vegan is increasing, the consumption of meat is also going up – especially in regions which had low meat consumption. Questioning food habits often leads to retorts such as “Don’t tell me what to eat”. Also, we humans have almost no ability for long-term thinking – poison we will avoid but slow-poison we will tolerate, which is why our action on global warming is so little and so late.
The author points out that communicating the message for a plant-based diet has been tough – it is taking on a well-funded industry which has deep influence on the government and media, as also challenging habits indoctrinated since birth for most. For instance, in some US states it is prohibited to survey or publish material on conditions in farms, and animal cruelty laws exclude farm animals. The meat industry funds a diverse set of organizations and people, even bloggers to attack plant-based food companies products and people advocating that (typically portrayed as those outlining extreme views). I found similarities to what sugar industry has been doing (see The Case Against Sugar by Gary Taubes) since long – trying to portray sugar & sugary foods as safe & delightful, and blaming fat for all ills. The delusion is deeply ingrained and even animal lovers, really only care for ‘some’ animals (such as dogs, cats, tigers etc) and not others.
There is some good nutrition information in the book, but for more detailed plant-based nutrition information I recommend How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease by Michael Greger. Acknowledgement is the first step to overcoming our delusions and habits. As the author says most vegans were not born thus – they made the transition. (I am a vegetarian but realize I have to take some steps with respect to dairy consumption). Most people have strong views one way or the other and do not like to be challenged or questioned, an important topic for our times.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for a free electronic review copy,
October 18, 2022
This was an instering book to read. I was caught by the blurb but man this was instering I never read a book like it before. 5 star book, kept me pulled into it to the point I couldn't put it down. 100% gonna reread this book but unsure when. I do recommend it but unsure what friend of mine actually might like this book.
January 13, 2023
This book is very informative and insightful for anyone who is vegetarian or vegan. The author knows his topic and has provided details of his personal journey.
Readers will appreciate the opportunity to make their own decisions on plant-based foods, meat eating, diseases, the environment and the habits of humans over generations.
The author gives plenty of detail on topics that are lifestyle habits for most, we all have our own ideas and choices to make, very thought provoking.
Thanks to the publisher, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book,
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Readers will appreciate the opportunity to make their own decisions on plant-based foods, meat eating, diseases, the environment and the habits of humans over generations.
The author gives plenty of detail on topics that are lifestyle habits for most, we all have our own ideas and choices to make, very thought provoking.
Thanks to the publisher, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book,
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 18, 2022
There are so many things I love about Escape the Meatrix. It’s engagingly written with plenty of personal stories to illustrate the author’s points; and it’s full of studies, graphs, and meticulously researched facts. I especially appreciate the graph showing how many animals and earth resources a vegan saves every day. But most importantly, it’s the perfect answer to, ”Why don’t you eat meat?” I’ve always wanted a simple and compelling way to explain to people the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, and here it is, all in one place, beautifully organized.
October 1, 2023
Wonderfully educational, scientific, and thorough explanation about why everyone should move towards a plant-based life style ASAP. Love the in-depth notes (bibliography) that link the reader to the research. I also appreciate the candid advice about the genuine struggles of veganism. I definitely plan to reread portions of this book to improve my own eating habits and to share important talking points with others.
November 2, 2022
Give yourself a new outlook on food. This is a great entry level book into changing the way you eat and the way you look at the correlation between food and the planet. Well thought out and presented in a way that is easy to follow. Great read.
June 23, 2024
This book challenges readers to reconsider their relationship with food and take steps towards a more sustainable future.
A must-read if you're interested in environmental topics
My Review
A must-read if you're interested in environmental topics
My Review
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews