My "Top Ten" things about eating healthier!
My family has recently changed our eating habits as we transition to a plant-based, whole foods, healthier way of eating. I'm still learning and adapting (and sometimes resisting), but I know it's the best thing to do for myself and my loved ones. I'd like to share some of what I've learned with you. My husband and I have both lost weight, and my cholesterol readings have improved. :)
1. It all started with the "Forks Over Knives" DVD. That's what really convinced my family and I about changing our eating habits. What a wealth of information! There's no way to deny the facts, the improved blood test results, or the x-rays showing a damaged artery that could not be fixed by surgery now healthy and normal, all due to eating a plant-based, whole foods diet ('diet' as in 'way of eating'). This DVD will open your eyes to what true healthful eating is all about. You can view the trailer of the DVD here.
3. Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn Jr. and his book "Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease" were also featured in "Forks Over Knives." Excellent information! His recommendations for healthy eating, based on the success of heart patients who were given up to die, yet are alive and well over twenty years later (as you will see in the DVD), follow the guidelines of vegan eating (no meat or dairy products) and also eliminate oils, nuts, and avocados. Click here for his website. His wife Ann shares "8 Principles for Becoming Plant Perfect" at this website.
Check your local library to see if they carry these books and/or the DVD or can order them for you on an interlibrary loan. I think you'll be glad you did!
4. Rip Esselstyn (son of Dr. Esselstyn Jr.) and the Engine 2 Diet were featured in "Forks Over Knives," too. If you have the idea that not eating meat will cause you to become weak, pay special attention to Rip's portion of the DVD.
5. Let's say that you've watched the DVD and read both of the books I recommended earlier in this post. Where do you go from here? Since I am not a health professional, I will now recommend that you discuss your health needs with your doctor. That said, if you make an informed decision to change your eating habits, I would like to echo Dr. Esselstyn's advice. He recommends trying new recipes over the course of three months and finding ones that you like. Having a list of recipes you'll make again will prove to be invaluable to you when it comes time to plan meals and shopping lists.
6. You might want to just start with your breakfasts and change what you eat on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, for example. Instead of ordering coffee and a donut, you could order oatmeal and juice, or you might prefer staying at home for some green tea and your own homemade oatmeal with fruit and spices. Try that for a week or two, and then move on to your lunch options. Or start with your dinners - whatever is easiest for you. You can combine convenience and healthy eating; there are many resources online to help you with quick, tasty recipes. Since I don't really like to cook and my taste buds are still getting used to the change in diet, I will admit to being reluctant about this way of eating, but I've also learned from the DVD, the books I recommended, and the many informative websites I've looked at, that this change in eating will result in an improved change in my health and my family's health. Living longer and living healthier is worth it!
7. You'll find easy recipes with photos and even videos at the Happy Herbivore (Lindsay Nixon's) website. Her cookbooks are said to be excellent and very helpful to those starting out. We've enjoyed Lindsay's Black Bean Burgers. You can even type in up to three ingredients on the recipe index page, and Lindsay's site will recommend recipes for you. :)
8. Another doctor you'll see in "Forks Over Knives" is John McDougall. His website is full of information and recipes that will help you along in this new way of eating and living healthier.
9. Facebook - yes, Facebook - can be a real help to you as you search not only for recipes but for support. The Happy Herbivore has a facebook page. There's even a page for happy herbivores of advanced aged like me. :) As you search online for vegan, plant-based, whole foods recipes, look on those websites for links to their Facebook pages. You'll see new information and recipes as quickly as they post them to Facebook. Easy!
10. Pinterest, an online 'bulletin board' of sorts where you can 'pin' things you like, is another resource for healthier eating with boards by Forks Over Knives, Rip Esselstyn's Engine 2 Diet, My Vegan Journal, and so many more. There's even a video by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn Jr. on how to "Make yourself heart-attack proof."
I know I've reached 10 things, but here are two more. :)
11. You may want to invest in a good food processor. We bought one at Walmart for around $30. It comes in handy for making the no-tahini roasted red pepper hummus recipe in Dr. Esselstyn's "Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease" book.
12. Whenever you change a habit you've had for a long time, such as eating foods that are not healthy for your body, there can be some questions and problems such as "What can I substitute for certain ingredients?" or "What recipes have others tried and liked?" For some advice, recipes, and meal photos, check out my youngest daughter's new blog Vegan Problems. I believe you'll be inspired to improve your eating habits!
Eat healthy, plant-based, whole foods
and enjoy the benefits to your health!
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and enjoy the benefits to your health!
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