This has been an incredible, unexpected journey that started with just opening my eyes and my mind to the possibility of things beyond what I was taught in my medical education. Along that path have been numerous people who supported, encouraged, edified, and inspired me.
There are too many of you to mention, but if you’ve been a part of my life then without a doubt you are one of those people. There are just a few that I’d like to give special mention because, without you, this book would not have been possible.
To my wife, Valarie: I couldn’t have done it without you, babe. As in building our home and raising our family, you have once again shown me that together we are so much better than alone. Every time I needed something—whether it was an editor, words of support and encouragement, talking stuff through, time to get stuff done, or sage guidance for a tough choice—you were always there for me. Every single time. I can’t tell you how much that means to me, and it makes me love you even more.
To my family, Noreen Johnson, the late Bill Bulsiewicz, Susan and Larry Kobrovsky: You have always been there for me and helped mold me into who I am today. I am eternally grateful for your love and support. I am one fortunate guy to be blessed with such a wonderful family.
To my editor, Lucia Watson: Every single word and action from you from the moment we met has been your belief in this project. You went above and beyond to help me shape my ideas into this book. No matter what happens, I know that we’ve created something together that’s going to help a lot of people.
To my agent, Stephanie Tade: Every day I am grateful for that fateful first meeting and that you decided to take a chance on me. Thank you for believing in this project from the very beginning and being a champion for it all the way through to the finish line. You are simply the best.
To my co-writer, Colleen Martell: I miss our calls, Colleen! Thank you for the having the patience to hear all my crazy ideas and then helping me work through them and shape them over iterations into what this is today. I’m damn proud of our work and can’t wait to see what people think.
To my recipe developer, Alexandra Caspero: I feel like you’re the secret weapon in this book. There are a lot of books with recipes, but this is some next-level stuff. Thank you for being willing to use my ideas and complex requests to help build the Fiber Fueled 4 Weeks. It’s incredible.
To my incredible Plant Fed Gut team, Michelle and Ali at Soul Camp; Jonathan and everyone at Digital Natives; Lalita Ballesteros, my course developer; Sarah Eustis, my intern: I’d write an entire page to each of you if I could. I think you guys know how I feel . . . I have the best team supporting me and this project. I am continuously blown away by how you’ve each gone above and beyond for me. I appreciate you so much.
To my publicity and marketing team, Anne and Farin at Avery; Rena and Natalie at Stanton: Thank you for your tireless efforts. I am sincerely grateful for everything you’ve done to help me spread this message that I so passionately believe in.
Megan Newman and Suzy Swartz at Avery: Thank you for your belief in and commitment to this project.
Simon Hill from The Plant Proof Podcast: Thanks for giving me a shot and always being so supportive. The decision to write this book really came from meeting you, my friend.
Robby and Cyrus from Mastering Diabetes: You’re just the best and constantly went above and beyond for me. Thank you.
Drs. Nick Shaheen, John Pandolfino, Balfour Sartor, Doug Drossman, and Peter Kahrilas: Thank you for investing your time into my mentorship. I admire every one of you. You have shaped me as a physician, as a scientist, and as a man.
To all my friends on social media: I wish I could call every single one of you out by name. You know who you are! I am so grateful for our friendship and your support of this book and my platform. It’s crazy to get to work alongside my own personal health heroes. Thank you for inspiring me.
Last, but certainly not least . . .
To my children: Daddy loves you! And I will always love you! You are my greatest gift and my most proud accomplishment.