In early September I wrote a rambling post that mentioned a "healthy heart" class and reading labels to see what's in the food I'm eating. On a guys camping weekend at the end of the month, we discussed eating habits and trying to make healthy choices. One of my friends from St Louis mentioned a documentary called "Forks Over Knives". Last weekend I found it on Netflix and found it very interesting. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in a healthy lifestyle. Basically, it makes the case for a whole-food, plant based diet. As for giving up meat, dairy, and all animal-based protein, I'm not ready to go cold-turkey. ;)
But I am seriously considering this dietary lifestyle. I know several people who are vegetarians or vegans. Some made the choice for moral reasons, others for improved athletic performance. Forks Over Knives makes the case that a plant-based diet can help prevent , and even reverse some devastating physical ailments that plague our nation. Cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension can all be linked to diet, not to mention the obesity we hear so much about, even in our children.
I'm on a quest to find out more about a plant-based diet, what to eat, how to prepare it, etc. Until I have all the information I need to take the plunge, I plan on trying to make good choices. I hope that I can share my journey as I look to combine a healthy diet with cycling and workouts that can keep me riding well into my rapidly approaching old age. I found a quote from Michael Pollan that sums up what I think I need to do:
"Eat food, not too much, mostly plants".
I've been thinking about this diet too. I'm going to look at that documentary too. for me it would be for reasons of all of the above.
ReplyDeleteSince you've been researching plant-based diets, you've probably heard of the following cookbooks, but when I made the switch I found them very helpful: Engine 2 Diet by Rip Esselstyn and Get Healthy Go Vegan by Dr. Neal Barnard. Get Healthy Go Vegan is especially helpful because most of the recipes are pretty quick and easy.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you Linda. Thanks Shellie, I've heard of Engine 2 diet, but I'll check out Dr Barnard's book.
DeleteJeff, thanks for asking this question because I am trying to find the recipes myself to make the (gradual) change. We can't just give up generations of food ideas without some disappointment at the transition.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great movie. Following it is NOT hard. Also, you may want to check out "Eat To Live".
ReplyDeletePeace, Jeff!
Ted- Thanks for the inspiration. You are the wind beneath....never mind.
ReplyDeleteChandra- Your Vegetarian Cyclist blog has had me thinking about this for some time. I think I'm getting closer to taking the next step.
I too have put thought to cutting out or at least limiting red meat. I don't think I could go all the way vegetarian. Thanks for putting it out here. Gives one something to think about.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post,
RL