Recipe is below... but first:

Want to Eat More Plants, Lose Weight, and Feel Better?

You already know eating more plants is good for you. But knowing what to do and actually making it happen in your everyday life are two very different things.

That's exactly why I created The PlantWhys Collective.

It's a complete plant-based nutrition, fitness, and coaching membership designed to help you lose weight, build strength, improve your health, and create habits that actually stick.

And you don't have to do it alone.

Here's what's waiting for you inside:

Step-by-Step Jumpstart Program: A clear, simple plan to help you transition to a more plant-based lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed.
Meal Plans, Recipes & Cooking Classes: Practical tools to make healthy eating easier, even when your family isn't eating the same way.
Weekly Live Coaching & Support: Get your questions answered, work through challenges, and stay consistent with the help of experienced coaches. And you can join a live call with Ali every week.
Pilates & Strength Training: Build a stronger body with approachable workouts designed for real life, including workouts you can do in just five minutes. Perfect for every stage in fitness.
Mindset & Emotional Eating Support: Learn how to manage cravings, break the all-or-nothing cycle, and develop a healthier relationship with food.
A Supportive Community: Surround yourself with people who are working toward the same goals and cheering you on along the way.

This isn't about being perfectly plant-based. It's about making progress, one meal and one habit at a time.

Whether your goal is to lose weight, lower cholesterol, support healthy blood pressure, have more energy, or simply feel stronger as you age, you deserve a plan that makes healthy living feel doable.

Ready to Slim Down and Make Your Health a Priority?

Explore the PlantWhys Collective and Find Your Starting Point

You don't have to figure it all out yourself. I'd love to help you.

— Ali Essig
Founder, PlantWhys

Learn More about the Collective PlantWhys Membership Here

3 Ingredient Artisan Bread

all recipes bread Mar 27, 2026

Easy Artisan Bread (No-Knead, 3 Ingredients)

Servings

8–10 slices

Total Time

12–14 hours (overnight rise + bake time)

Ingredients

2½ cups warm water
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
3 cups whole wheat flour (plus more as needed for shaping)

Instructions

1. Mix the dough (night before)

In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and salt. Stir to dissolve.

Add flour and mix until a sticky dough forms. Adjust slightly with flour or water if needed—the dough should be soft and sticky, not dry.

Cover the bowl and let sit at room temperature overnight (8–12 hours).

2. Shape the dough (next morning)

Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour. Use a spatula to loosen the edges and transfer to a floured surface.

Fold the dough over itself several times until it becomes smoother, then shape into a ball.

Place the dough onto crumpled parchment paper. You can lightly score the top for a rustic look.

Optional (for better texture):
Let the shaped dough rest for 1–2 hours before baking. This helps create more air bubbles and a lighter, artisan-style crumb.

3. Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven or cast iron pot inside so it heats up fully.

4. Bake (Dutch oven method)

Carefully place the dough (on parchment) into the hot pot.

Cover with lid and bake for 20 minutes
Remove lid and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden and crusty

Let cool before slicing.

Alternative Method (No Dutch Oven)

Preheat oven to 450°F with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
Place a separate pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam.
Shape dough into a ball and place on parchment paper.
Transfer dough onto the hot surface.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until crusty and golden.

Pro Tips

Dough should stay slightly sticky—this creates that artisan texture
Steam helps form a crispy crust
Let bread cool before slicing for best texture

How to cut the bread (secret tip):
Instead of slicing straight across, cut the loaf in half first, then slice each half. This helps keep the crust intact and makes cleaner slices.

Click here to learn more about our plant-based membership called, The Collective

Learn More

Stay connected with news and updates!

Join our mailing list to receive the latest plant-based tips, tricks, and recipes.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.

We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.