KATU Meteorologist Rhonda Shelby joined us Tuesday to tell us about her decision in March to switch to a vegan diet.

Here are Rhonda's insights:

Why I went to a low-fat vegan diet:

• I have been diabetic for 16 years and wanted better control of risk factors, such as heart disease, stroke, blood pressure and blood sugars.
• I saw immediate benefits. I lost 12 pounds and my blood pressure improved. Plus I had more energy and better control of blood sugar.

What I eat and don't eat:

• Plant-based diet
• Less oil
• No refined sugar
• Less white flour..
• Unlimited veggies
• No dairy or meat ... but there are lots of yummy vegan replacements on the market.

Tips:

• Talk to your doctor first.
• Read about it. Get vegan cookbooks and books in general, or browse blogs online.
• Talk to other vegans.
• Use the resources at your local vegan-friendly grocery store.

For her favorite salad dressing recipe, check out our recipes page.
 

Watch Rhonda Shelby's appearance on KATU's AM Northwest: