Forks Over Knives
My very first blog in May, 2011
Saturday, May 1, I went to see a movie called Forks over Knives. Forks over Knives examines the profound claim that most, if not all chronic diseases can be eradicated by rejecting a menu of animal based and processed foods.
I went in skeptical and left convinced that I needed to change my diet.
I have always been a healthy eater and work out all the time yet I have high cholesterol, high-blood pressure and rely on 4
medications a day to manage these medical problems. It is extremely frustrating to think you are doing everything right and to always leave the doctor's office disappointed at the results.
This is what truly motivated me to try this plant based life style. I'm a skillful cook, but I know I am going to be seriously challenged by preparing foods for myself, and my husband that are plant based, satisfying and delicious.
My biggest concern is how to get enough protein without eating beans all day and feeling bloated so my first experiment is to work with high-protein grains. It is difficult to imagine life without dairy which I use a lot for protein. Here is what I can not have.
1. Meat – If it has a face or parents – don't eat it – Animal protein delivers a heavy dose of saturated fat and cholesterol which are the leading factors for chronic disease.
2. Dairy – You can give up dairy and still get your calcium, protein and vitamin D – a protein, called casein, has been linked to chronic disease.
3. No processed foods – sugar, trans fats and salt are all hidden in processed foods. If you don't know what is in it – don't eat it
3. No processed foods – sugar, trans fats and salt are all hidden in processed foods. If you don't know what is in it – don't eat it
I started this blog to share my experience, my recipes and my results with the hopes of inspiring others. I would love to get feedback and create a support team of people to go on this experiment with me. Please join me and wish me luck! More to come…Check out the trailer for Forks Over Knives.
Yay!! It's an amazing feeling to be vegan.
Being vegan is great! It's the best decision i ever made.
thanks for the support guys!
You said: "3. No processed foods – sugar, trans fats and salt are all hidden in processed foods. If you don't know what is in it – don't eat it"
I think you're right about this. Sometimes you have to listen to your higher self if you think you shouldn't be eating something. For example: agave nectar… by the time it gets to you, who knows what's been added?
I remember reading an article on the honey industry and how most honey has processed sugar added to it to lower the cost and increase the profits for the companies and people who import/export it. And they would also import it to China, then export it back to another country, and from there, it would go to yet another country but be labeled from that country, instead of China. Pretty crazy!
This is interesting – Sounds like agave nectar is not very good for you
http://www.foodrenegade.com/agave-nectar-good-or-bad/
Awesome blog! I'm doing the exact same thing for the exact same reasons and started about the same time. I'm 7 weeks in and feel like I have never felt before. My BP is down 15 points on a daily average and I have lost 31 pounds. I'm had a lipid panel (220 total) the day before I started and have another one planned at the 90 day mark. I'm excited to find all these recipes. I have been struggling to come up with tasty meals that my entire family will enjoy, hopefully there will be something they will enjoy. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for the kind words Hans and congratulations on all your success. I am working hard on family meals especially for younger adults because I know how hard it is to expect everyone to eat vegan. Thanks for reaching out! I promise to post some yummy recipes.
I stumbled across your Twitter account, which led me to your blog. I have a blog/affiliate site that promotes sustainable, organic living through the use of bamboo, hemp and organic products. Each decade of my life I have had to give up a food item because of its affect on my health. At 52, I am beginning to realize that it is time for me to fully embrace a vegan lifestyle. My one stumbling block is dairy, even though I know it is the one thing that is causing all the aches and pains in my body. But it’s hard to let it go. So, I will be following your site to get some ideas for vegan recipes. It’s great to see your passion when you write your articles. Best of luck to you.
Thanks for all your kind comments Laura!
I watched Forks Over Knives 8 weeks ago and started a plant based whole foods diet 2 days later. I have lost 36 lbs and feel awesome. I have much more energy. My skin is clearer. I have had people tell me that I look like I am glowing…lol. I am sure that I am not doing everything perfectly and I am learning something new everyday. I thought I would have a hard time giving up dairy but I was so wrong. I feel accomplished because I am planning and preparing meals. Being prepared and organized for my new way of eating has carried over to other areas of my life. I am sure that the extra energy that I have now have also contributed. I am so grateful that I found this documentary. It has changed my life for the better. I am morbidly obese and was considering bariatic surgery. I am on track to losing the weight and being healthier.
Congratulations Tammy! So happy you are part of our group. Sending you lots of vegan ♥ and support!