It’s never been easier to go plant-based. More importantly, there’s never been a better time to do it. Faced with an epidemic of disease and the threat of global warming, it’s the one thing all of us can do to make a positive difference - both for our health, and the planet. Today’s two guests made the shift to veganism after watching the groundbreaking (and super powerful) documentary Earthlings. Now, they want to help other people transition to plant-based living, and better health. Melissa is a plant-powered personal chef and founder of ForkinPlants. We’re so inspired by her story. After studying healthcare and working in an office for years, she quit her 9 to 5 to follow her dreams and focus on her passions: cooking and helping people live healthy lives. But she wasn’t always on this vibe. In fact, before going vegan she used to eat cheese out of a can! Fifteen years ago, she had to take a 14-day course of antibiotics to clear an H-Pylori stomach infection. The result was a destroyed digestive system, chronic acid reflux and really bad eczema. Through research and Chinese medicine, she discovered that some of the top superfoods, like turmeric, were actually making her condition worse. Now, having healed herself through food, she helps others do the same. Read her blog post to find out how she healed her skin issues. Elana’s journey is similar. She suffered from chronic acid reflux from the age of 16. Of course, doctors just gave her a pill to take and unsurprisingly, this didn’t work long-term. She had her light-bulb moment at a retreat where the host made everyone watch Earthlings. Now vegan and healthy, Elana is a plant-based influencer and foodie, spreading vegan holistic health knowledge to those who need it most. She runs vegan events, and is about to quit her office job to follow her passion full-time. Her website Klean-Slate focuses on being real about food - because let’s face it, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about making small sustainable changes that last. Check out Episode 120 for Elana’s first appearance on the show, where she shares tips to rebalance your gut microflora. Our favorite vegan substitutes: Milk: Oatly milk - and chocolate milk. Their barista blend froths up beautifully Malk milk - sprouted nuts, no binders, super-clean and super tasty… especially the maple-pecan! Cheese: For everyday cheese, go for Follow Your Heart vegan cheese slices Kite Hills chive cream cheese Daiya cheese Miyoko’s cheese Yvonne’s vegan cheese Yogurt: Laava Forager Vegan meats: Beyond Burger - everyone loves this burger, even meat-eaters Gardein - but this is more a treat food than a health food Ice-cream: Cocobella Ben & Jerry’s vegan options Breyers vegan options Van Leeuwen Salt & Straw   Being hailed as “Sex and the City for Food,” The Food Heals Podcast brings together experts in the field of nutrition, health and healing to teach you the best-kept natural secrets to being a hotter, healthier, happier YOU! The Food Heals Podcast is hosted by Allison Melody and Suzy Hardy – two self-proclaimed natural chicks who will rock your world and change your beliefs about health! This sexy, savvy duo provides eco-friendly advice on a variety of issues including the healing power of nutrition, living authentically, turning your passion into your career, choosing the best natural health and beauty products, the benefits of a plant-based diet and so much more!