Rich Roll on the High-Energy, Plantpower Diet (Plus, Win a Copy of His New Book!)
In just a few short years since he gave up cheeseburgers and decided to train for a triathlon, Rich Roll has gotten his name on the short list of people you mention when somebody asks if a plant-based diet can work for athletes.
It started with his surprising finish at Ultraman, essentially a double Ironman over the course of three days in Hawaii.
Then it was being named one of the 25 Fittest Guys in the World by Men’s Fitness, and in 2012, sharing his story in his first book, Finding Ultra.
Recently, it’s been spreading the message with his uplifting and thought-provoking podcast, and traveling the world giving talks about his story and the power of a plant-based lifestyle.
Today Rich’s new cookbook, The Plantpower Way, hits the shelves, and it’s my immense privilege to bring you a new interview, recipe, and giveaway from one of the most recognizable people in plant-based fitness.
The NMA Academy Seminar with Rich Roll
Just after we ran the 5K at the Marshall Healthfest last month, Rich and I sat down to record an hour-long, in-depth seminar for the No Meat Athlete Academy. Although these seminars are typically private for our members, I’m excited to make Part 1 of that interview available here, in celebration of the release of The Plantpower Way and the one-year anniversary of the NMA Academy:
In this portion, we focus on diet and Rich’s new book. In Part 2 of the interview, which you can get when you subscribe for free to NMA Radio on iTunes, we dive into Rich’s low-intensity training philosophy, his approach to mindfulness, and his now-famous advice that you should quit lifehacking and instead invest in the journey.
‘The Plantpower Way’ Giveaway and Recipe!
In Rich’s first book, Finding Ultra, with his incredible story of transformation from unhealthy middle-aged guy to an Ultraman finisher recognized as one of the fittest men in the world, Rich piqued our collective interest: Finding Ultra brought inspiration in spades, and it left us dying to know the “how.”
No doubt, that’s a huge reason for the success of the weekly Rich Roll Podcast. But today, The Plantpower Way, the long-awaited followup to Finding Ultra, delivers what we’ve been waiting for: 120 recipes from Rich and his wife, Julie Piatt. And they’re recipes designed not for the professional athlete, but for families, to show everyone hat you — yes, you, with the family and the job and social life — can eat this way too.
I’ve had the privilege of checking out an advance copy of the book, and it’s stunning — sized almost like a coffee-table book, with full color photography throughout. The recipes capture a balance between superfood energy and an ease of preparation that has become essential in my house with two kids, now five and two years told. And three “paths” through the book — Lotus for vitality, Herbivore for performance, Phoenix for transformation — help readers navigate the abundance of recipes in a way that fits their particular goals.
I’m excited to dive into these recipes, and just as excited to offer up a copy, courtesy of Avery Books, for giveaway!. To enter, just leave a comment on this post and I’ll randomly choose a winner on Monday, May 6th and announce his or her name in the comments section. (The giveaway copy can be shipped within the U.S. only — like I said, this thing is gigantic!)
So enter the giveaway, enjoy the recipe below, or head over to Rich’s site and grab a copy of The Plantpower Way.
Ultra Energy Bars Recipe from ‘The Plantpower Way’
Reprinted from The Plantpower Way by arrangement with Avery Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © 2015, Rich Roll & Julie Piatt.
Rich isn’t the only one who loves the supercharged vitality he experiences from eating these nutritious homemade bars – our kids devour them as a healthy alternative to processed store bought varieties. Power packed with healthy ingredients like nuts, seeds, coconut and dried berries that boast a plentitude of protein, healthy fats and fiber, these energy boosters will keep your engine revving all day long. Great for packing in your child’s lunchbox! Eat one of these bars and then, as Rich says, get it done.
Ingredients
• 1 cup raw almonds or walnuts, soaked overnight
• 1/4 cup cacao nibs
• 1/4 cup hemp seeds
• 1/4 cup dried goji berries
• 2 tablespoon cacao powder
• 1/4 cup coconut, shredded
• Pinch large coarse Celtic sea salt
• 7-8 dates, soaked and pitted
Preparation
1. In a food processor, pulse nuts until mealy in texture.
2. Now add the cacao nibs, hemp seeds, goji berries, cacao powder, shredded coconut and sea salt to the processor. Pulse again until ingredients are well-incorporated.
3. With the motor running, add one date at a time. After seven dates, you will see the mixture ball-up on one side of the bowl. You may need to redistribute the mixture and process it again to make sure the dates are mixed in.
4. On a piece of parchment paper, press the cookies in an even layer about 1/4” thick.
5. With a knife, score out a grid of rectangular shaped pieces approximately 2” x 3”. If desired, press additional hemp seeds or shredded coconut on the surface.
6. Wrap in parchment paper or parchment bags. Take them out on a trail run, hike or bike ride to sustain you throughout your training session!
Leave a Reply
The book looks great. I’ve been listening to Rich’s podcast on and off for a while, but only recently read his first book and was blown away. Such an inspiring guy.
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Is it possible to get the download link to the podcast for those of us who don’t iTunes? Thanks 🙂
Ah, I’ve been waiting for this book to come out! Trying to figure out why I my body isn’t able to handle to stress of running at all right now. Hoping their insight will help!
Big fan of No Meat Athlete and Rich Roll! The interview was great. Thank you both for making healthy, whole, active living feel more accessible. 🙂
Congrats to Rich!
I can’t wait to check out Rich and Julie’s new book!
Recipe looks very convenient for my next long run!
I know what I’m making for my long run this weekend!
Rich Roll’s book/podcasts are what turned me onto veganism- I love his philosophies and recipes!
I was moved by Rich’s story, and have followed his podcast and your site to try to eat better. thank you for all you do!
Excited that the book is finally out…can’t wait to get my hands on a copy! Would love to win an extra one for my sis 🙂
Excellent! This book looks fantastic!
I love when the plantpowered world joins forces!
Would LOVE this book. I’ve been listening to Rich’s podcast for awhile now (along with NMA). They are my two favorite things to listen to on my runs!
That recipe looks great! Can’t wait to check out this book.
Great Podcast! Book looks fabulous! Thanks for providing such top-notch content.
Looks like it will be a great book, look forward to checking it out. I’ll need to try that recipe.
After a two year break, I’m returning to trailrunning and inching my way towards a plant only diet. I’m trying to lure my family along….and am always looking for good recipes to try. Thanks
I am a regular listener of both Matt & Rich’s podcasts. It’s great to hear both together!
Thank you!
Very curious about checking out his new book!
Can’t wait to get a copy of this book!
I would love this book! This recipe sounds yummy!
Rich Roll is amazing. I have been following his podcast for a couple of years now. I’m excited for this new book!
It looks like a great book with awesome photos!
Loved his book – read it last year and helped me immensely to conquer my own doubts about being able to run my first half-marathon while being vegan.
I always love recipes that are nutritious, simple, and delicious so I look forward to checking out this new book.
I had to buy Rich’s book “Finding Ultra” when I heard his story and it was a great, motivation-boosting, read. Changes in my eating and exercising habits have come relatively early (turning 30 this year) and I hope to keep this course, so I can keep making more adjustements in supporting a healthier and happier life rather than resetting everything at once in my middle age. I have the highest respect for people who do that, though! Anyway, don’t live in the US but I’d be happy to pay the postage if I happen to be the randomly chosen winner. All the best to Rich and his family, as well as Matt and his family!
The book looks great! I’ve had the opportunity to hear him speak live – his journey really is incredible.
The book and recipes sound incredible! Rich’s story is very inspiring and encourages me to make some changes.
I’m a big fan of yours and Rich Roll’s. I appreciate the fact that you are both bringing plant based eating, nutrition and fitness to the every man. We can all do it and we have great examples to prove it. Thank you both for the inspiration and for bringing the entire family into the conversation. I am currently using your half marathon guide to train for my first 13.1 and am on week 3. I have made the commitment and am excited to wear your Runs on Plants shirt to the event. My son loves the Carrot!
Thank you for spreading the good word.
Brandi
Very excited about this book. Almost as excited as I was waiting for my copy of NMA to come in!
Looks like a great book! I’ve been listening to a lot of his podcasts on my long runs and love his messages!
Looks like a great way to keep this plant-based change going.
Recipe looks delicious. Love the podcasts – keep them coming.
This was awesome. 🙂
I would love to get a copy of this book, it sounds awesome!
His story is so inspiring! Thanks so much for sharing! I can’t wait to read “Finding Ultra” and I’ll be excited to learn about the vegan recipes in his new book!!
I’m writing a story on vegan athletics for my cientific Writing course this summer that has a possibility of getting published. Rich Roll is a great resource and I hope to get my hands on this book!
Serendipitous: I’m reading Rich’s book “Finding Ultra” right now, and I just signed up for my first marathon! Thanks for the giveaway!
Sure would like a copy of that BEAUTIFUL book! Rich and Julie are amazing! I need some fresh inspiration for feeding my big family…
I would love to win this book to learn more recipes and I’m a runner/biker and would love to do a triathlon
I am currently a ballet teacher. Running does not come easily to me as I have knee problems but I am determined to get a firm hold on my families nutrition and hopefully find a way to overcome the knee pain to make running part of my lifestyle. Will definitely have to read “Finding Ultra”. Thanks for the great info and encouragement that you provide!!!
I am trying to shift our diet to a more plant based diet and would love to win a copy since it has recipes that the entire family can enjoy. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
pat
I love NMA, and now with the addition of the podcasts and Rich’s books, I love it even more! Keep up the good work, Cheers!
I would love to get a copy of this book! His book “Finding Ultra” was so motivational and inspiring!
Ooooh I would LOVE to win this book! So much inspiring info 🙂
Looks like a great book! I’ve just recently adopted the vegan lifestyle and am always reading everything I can about the nutrition behind it and discovering recipes that aren’t bland.
It’d be awesome to get this book from such an inspirational guy!
I’m really excited to get this book. With only being vegetarian for 1.5 years and newly vegan for only a couple of months, I feel that I will learn so much about new recipes and foods that my daughters and I can enjoy. I also only started running last year and have since run numerous half marathons and a marathon. I am now training to qualify for Boston and feel that this book will really help with my nutritional needs going forward!
I became a fan of Rich when I read the AMA he did on reddit quite a while ago. I’m impressed with his story and looking forward to this book. I really appreciate the fact that he recognizes that to be healthy you don’t have to buy from just Whole Foods. I also appreciate his honesty about his views on protein powder.
This book sounds awesome! I’ve been needing something to reinvigorate my dedication to a plant based diet!
Thanks for the interview and the recipe! Can’t wait to try it out!
Went vegetarian almost a year ago, began running about 8 months ago and discovered the No Meat Athlete podcast shortly after, finding it to be the perfect inspirational fit to my new diet and exercise program. Keep up the great stuff!
I listened to both this podcast and part 2 on iTunes, and they are awesome!! Rich seems like such a down-to-Earth guy, and his story is so inspiring! Would love to win a copy of the book. 🙂
Easy to make & healthy recipes sounds like a great combo to me!
As an avid ultra runner, triathlete and vegan it would be great to add this to my ever growing wellness library! And a great addition to add to my current health coach certificate program I’m enrolled in. Thanks to Rich and Matt for bringing us awesome lifestyles to emulate!
Thanks so much for the continued inspiration!
So excited to check this book out. I’m always looking for recipes to fuel myself on the go.
I would love a copy of this book! I have been working on running more as well as moving towards a more plant-based diet/lifestyle!
I really need this book!!!!
Finding Ultra changed my life (along with Scott Jurek’s Eat & Run), super excited that he has a new book now. Looking forward to buying it next payday maybe. Also those bars sound good.
I am super excited about this new book!!
A bit condescending toward East Texas? Your hosts?
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Hi Lynn, if something sounded condescending, it was completely unintentional. I had a great time there, and it sounded to me like Rich did too.
Just read “Finding Ultra.” Rich is an AMAZING person! Excited and curious to see the new book.
I think I can. I think I can. I think I can…become a runner AND a (mostly) plant-powered person! : )
i really enjoyed the podcasts with Rich Roll. He’s definitely an inspiration to those of us moving toward a meat-free diet!
Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the book!
Love the podcast, being in a rural area any help is appreciated. Can’t wait to read the new book and take the next step.
I read Rich’s first book and loved it! His story is indeed inspiring and educational and helped to reinforce that my choice to follow a plant based diet was the right one for me. I gain knowledge from your podcast as well as Rich’s and would love to grab a copy of Rich’s new book. Thanks for all that you do!
NMA and The Rich Roll podcast are my two go-to’s whether running, driving, or taking my 15 minute walks at work. Both are providing guidance and inspiration along my path to being a better me. I appreciate the work both are doing and I look forward to getting my hands on a copy of this book.
Love both rich’s podcast and the NMA podcast :).
I can’t wait to try this recipe and others in Rich Roll’s book. Thanks for sharing!
I honestly had never heard of this book Finding Ultra, but I just looked and it is on Audible. Purchased and next in my queue! As a new plant based chef, simple and quick recipes are what I am always seeking, so I will have to check out his cookbook as well. Keep sharing all the awesome content, I really enjoy it!
It was great interacting with Rich on the NMA Q&A session. Couldn’t be more excited for Rich and the launch of this book. Looks amazing!
The book looks amazing. I’m new to a plant based lifestyle and looking for any guidance I can get. I think this book would help me out A LOT!
Loved both parts of this interview and I’m really looking forward to checking out the book. Love NMA and Rich…what a pair!
I loved both parts of the podcast and I’m really looking forward to checking out the book. And now I need to go make those energy bars 😉
Love this topic and looking forward to getting a peek at the book. I’ve read “Finding Ultra” and found it inspuring. I have to say I have done 2 ironman races on top of a fulltime, stressful job, but have had a hard time with recovery and fueling…so would interested in learning more about this. Thanks, Matt!
Loved listening to his interview and would love the book. I completely agree….life is about the journey…no shortcuts:)
I’ve been following Rich Roll since reading his book. Such an inspiration! I’m very excited for the book!
Love Rich’s philosophy. So approachable! I think this is really the way to get some of my more hesitant family members on board with a healthier lifestyle
I’m a 50+ vegetarian runner who’d love to try these recipes. Been an NMA for years, and loving it!
Finally a new beginning to better myself through nutrition and fitness
The book sounds awesome! And recipe delicious 🙂
Thanks for this! Great!
Rich and NMA what could be better?
I’d love to try out his new book and see where it takes me. Both of you are inspirations to keep trying and figure out what works.
I was inspired by “running ultra” so much so that I knew I could become vegan even though I was an athlete too. I can’t wait to read this book and try some new recipes
This is fantastic news – looks like a great book that would be very helpful for my daughter that has been without meat for 4 years. For a mother the biggest challenge is to give her active teenager food that tastes great, but also provide enough energy for a active lifestyle!
Wonderful podcasts full of wonderful facts and help.
Thank you!
Thanks for hosting this giveaway! I can’t wait to listen to the podcast interview. I’ve seen Rich Roll’s name mentioned a few times on social media and have been meaning to learn more about his journey and approach to health and fitness. Also, keep up the great work at No Meat Athlete…you rock!
Looks great! I have recently started training with a personal trainer, adding in a lot of strength training, knocking 30 minutes off my marathon time and going from “skinny fat” to athletic! After running a 3:22 marathon last weekend, I am slowly convincing my PT that it is more than possible to be fit on a balanced vegan diet! Perhaps I could win this and lend him a copy…
I enjoy books about food.
I love his podcast and would love a copy of the book too!
Rich Roll is such an inspiration, and his new book looks fantastic!
Can’t wait to check out this new book! I love all of the resources that are coming out for athletes following plant-based diets!
I loved Finding Ultra! Can’t wait for this new book
Thanks to Matt and Rich, for showing us that it is possible for families to thrive on this plant-based lifestyle. Having started such a lifestyle for a year now and having become healthier, I want to keep doing this and to keep incorporating more plants in the family’s meals. You are both helping so many people because when we get thoughts of ” is this really possible,” you both are the very proof! I am so happy to have found Matt and Rich. Thanks for being there for us 🙂
I bought this book for my Mom as a Mother’s Day gift. I’m jealous and want my own! I love the Rich Roll Podcast and reading NMA Academy and Marathon guide!
Love listening to the pod on my long runs and can’t wait for the new book!
So stoked for the cookbook! I actually put it on my watch list on Amazon, and almost bought it through the presale. I’m always looking for new vegan recipes, especially to feed my picky 14 year-old son. I’ve found having a plant-based diet to be much easier, and tastier, than I had ever imagined! Here’s to six months of plant-based eating! 🙂
I really would like to win a copy of this book. I am a single female living alone and have subsisted for the last three months on sandwiches. I have to be mindful of my money and I get free bread at work so that is why I have chosen the sandwich diet. After hearing Rich on all my favorite podcasts and looking back through old NMA posts, I have made my May challenge the “No Sandwich Challenge”. I began batch cooking rice, beans and grains and prepping my veggies on my day off. I have already started not eating sandwiches even though it is not yet May and I already have enjoyed getting out of my rut.
Thank you Matt and Doug (and Rich!)
I’m looking forward to reading this book and getting some new recipes!
I definitely want to check out this book – I’m always looking for new plant-based resources to fuel my running. Thanks for hosting a giveaway!
I would love to be able to follow this lifestyle but find it impossible with my job and location. I’m a pilot, mostly flying at night, trying to sleep during the day (and failing many days) and I live in Asia. Spending more than half the year away from home and living in airport hotels, I have been unable to transform my lifestyle in this manner. I run when I can but without time for a proper training plan, I end up getting no more than 10-15 km at a time and recovery tends to be slow. I’ve found it very easy to lose my fitness with lack of sleep or a cold/flu but very difficult to increase it.
Any suggestions for a middle-aged guy who doesn’t have much access to plant-based food options and can only train a few days per week? I’d very much like to run a marathon in the next year and welcome any advice on traveling diet and training.
Thanks.
Seems like the new book will be a terrific addition to the very limited number of resources for vegan and plant-based athlete lifestyles! Looking forward to checking it out.
That looks delicious! I’m always on the lookout for healthy, plant based snacks for my four sons!
Can’t wait.
I love NMA would love to learn more about Rich Roll! Going to try listening to the podcast during my run this weekend 🙂
This book looks amazing!
Rich Roll is the man! Finding Ultra was great, have high expectations from the new book..
I loved Finding Ultra and the inspiration I received from it. I can’t wait to check out The Plantpower Way!!
I just finished Rich Roll’s last book and I am really looking forward to this new one. My husband and I are both vegan and athletes, so the book will be very helpful to both of us.
GREAT message and it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to live a vegan lifestyle. You guys gave some simple instructions on how to get started eating plant based. Great job!
Looking to transition my family to a plant based diet. This has given me the push to get it started.
Thanks.
I’ve recently returned to running after a 7 year break. I was vegetarian then, but am vegan now and am still trying to figure out how to best fuel my body with plants. I love finding new recipes and Rich is always inspiring. Can’t wait to check out the new book!
This book looks amazing! The interviews with Rich Roll were also really great and inspired me to subscribe to his podcast. More amazing podcast material to listen to during runs. Yay!
Great site and podcast. I cannot wait to check the recipes in this book.
(jumping with my hand raised)
Pick me, pick me!
I’ve always enjoyed listening to Rich in his podcasts and yours. Looking forward to checking out this book sometime!
PEACE, PLANTS 🙂
I agree, would love some info on the podcast for those of us who don’t have itunes! (And I’d love to win a copy of the book, too.)
Loved his memoir and listen to his podcast regularly, I’m sure he and his wife put together an incredible book that goes beyond the normal recipe filled “cookbook”!
MATT, I HAVE BEEN ENJOYING BOTH YOURS AND RICHS PODCASTS AND WANT TO THANK YOU BOTH FOR HELPING ME FIND MY PASSION FOR RUNNING AGAIN. I WOULD LOVE A COPY OF THE NEW BOOK.
KAREN
This sounds like an awesome book! Please pick me!
I am excited to read the new book, and see family-friendly recipes. Thanks for sharing the interview with us!
I haven’t had much success with goji berries, but I’m willing to give them another try! Thanks for hosting the giveaway and posting the recipe.
I’ve toyed with a vegan diet for years. My recent rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis seems to be what has finally got me to take the leap. Rich ‘ s book sounds like the perfect thing to help – along with Matt’s’ wonderful guidance!
Great podcast and interview. I love how Rich keeps it real with his eating. We have a Vallarta in our city and you can get decent produce for cheap and when you have a plant based family, every penny really counts. Can’t wait to check this book out and see the recipes.
The book looks great, and it will be perfect as I train for my first marathon!
I bought “Finding Ultra” at the Healthfest and loved reading about his transformation and transition to a plant based diet. I would love to have a copy of this cookbook to make it easier for me to eat a more plant-based diet.
Thanks for sharing the recipe! I can’t wait to read Rich’s new book!
His book looks awesome! Thanks for showcasing it, its always great to see new authors!
Rich is such an authority when it comes to plant-based athleticism. I cannot wait for this book!
I loved the interview with Rich and also enjoy his podcast! I try to cook/provide vegan meals as much as possible when my band mates and I are on tour. Can’t wait to try out this energy bar recipe! Thanks again Matt for another great post!
He sounds like an awesome dude! I can’t wait to read his books, (currently checking online at the library) Have a great day! #fingerscrossed
Finding Ultra is a terrific read, and I always enjoy Rich’s podcasts. This book is on my purchase list for sure.
Thanks for the terrific interview!
Looks good, but I think I would replace the cacao powder with carob powder and leave the cacao nibs out if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
Can’t wait to read it his one!
looks like a great book! Can’t wait to read it!
Rich Roll has a great podcast with a wide range of guests that will offer something to everyone. His and Julie’s book looks amazing and can’t wait to check it out.
I’d love to learn more about Rich and Julie’s journey to reach the lifestyle their family embraces today.
Rich has been a driving force in my life changes for over a year. So great that you had such an amazing conversation with him. I found you because of him, so another bonus. 🙂
I am so excited to share these recipies with my 15 year old daughter – who has been a “no meat teenager” for the last 5 years. It is great to have such inspirational writers who can motivate the young and the old. Thank you!
Loved the podcast. I cannot wait to make some of the recipes I have been seeing pictures of on Instagram. It was great to hear how down to earth Rich is about eating and not living at Whole Foods. I picked up Finding Ultra recently and am more motivated to read it now.
Saw Rich at the Longetivity Conference over the weekend, excited for this book 🙂
Great interview! Thank you, so much, for sharing it. Love the emphasis on incremental changes. When I look at where I am now, compared to a few years ago, I’m encouraged by how much progress I’ve made, one baby step at a time (much of it inspired by NMA/Run Your BQ.)
I listened to the pod cast yesterday – super excited to get my hands on this book and looking forward to the “easy” approach to the recipes. Woohoo!
This book sounds awesome, and I can’t wait to listen to the interview!!
This book looks great. I really enjoyed his first book & to have the ‘know-how’ would be fantastic.
This book looks amazing! I enjoy listening to both the NMA and Rich Roll podcasts on my runs!
This book looks amazing. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. I started my transition to a vegan life about a month ago and feel great so far. I don’t really miss anything on my old diet. Both Matt Frazier (via the NMA website) and recently Rich Roll (via interviews with Matt) have helped me tremendously in this journey. You are both an inspiration to many. Keep up the good work!
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I forgot to mention, since going vegan, I’ve seen my total cholesterol drop 40 points!
I’m so excited about this book!
Thanks for all the comments! We have a winner, and it’s … Yogi! I’ll be in touch via email to get your info.
I listened to the podcast and thought it was great! Now I REALLY want the book!
The book is beautiful! I almost feel guilty having it in the kitchen. I’m sure I’ll feel that feeling when your new car gets a dent once I slosh some superfood smoothie on it, but that’s okay because that veggie burger recipe is too amazing! Great book, Rich and Julie!!
Really enjoyed Finding Ultra and a new fan of the RRP. Great info, thank you.
Huge fan of Rich and his podcast. I made a New Years resolution to do 12 races in 2018. I’ve finished 7 so far and am purely powered by plant based food. Whoot!
As a long distance runner, I am very much looking forward to the book! It will be a great guide to eating healthy.
Looks like a great book!