For a 29 year old, my list of health problems seems pretty
ridiculous: Arthritis, Endometriosis, Interstitial Cystitis, and re-occurring bouts of mononucleosis (3x's) are
just some of the major players. The sad fact is, most of these things I have
lived with since my teens. Dealing with pain every day, and not to mention
constant exhaustion, was something that I thought I would just have to live
with. As I’ve gotten older though, the pain seems to only be getting worse.
The most important thing in my life is family. My husband and
two daughters are my world. They bring me more joy than I thought one person
could ever be blessed to have. As such, you can imagine how heartbreaking it is
to feel like you are missing out on special family time, because you just have
to take a nap due to pure exhaustion.
And this doesn’t just happen every once in awhile. This is every day.
Constant fatigue. To add to that, most of my physical involvement with my kids
is limited too. Not being able to hold your small child for long periods of
time because of the pain you start to feel in your lower back, hips, and pretty
much all over – is not only depressing, but it also makes you feel like a
horrible parent. I yearn so deeply to have the energy, endurance, and physical
stamina to hold my children, run after them in the yard, crawl around looking
for bugs, play on the slides at the park – all the things I SHOULD be able to
do. Medicine doesn’t help. There’s no
cure for Endometriosis, Arthritis, re-occurring mononucleosis – no cure for
anything that I have. Medication won’t stop these diseases. It may help treat
symptoms (which, for me, unfortunately, nothing has helped), but I’m looking
for more than just pain management. I want a life-changing cure. I long to be
able to be an ACTIVE part in my children’s lives – not just the parent who has
to sit on the sidelines and cheer their support.
It is this longing that has given me the courage to make a
major life change. It may seem crazy to many reading this that just changing
what you eat is a life-style change, but believe me – it is. I figure since I’m
pretty much out of options of what else to do, this is my last hope for the
life I want, and the life my children deserve to have. I journey into this new endeavor, not only
for myself, but for my husband and children.
THE FOOD
Here it is folks. This is not just a diet. This is a
life-style change. Why? Because it affects every aspect of your life, and it
does take a lot of effort on your part – at first. So what is this new way of eating? It’s a
WHOLE FOODS, PLANT BASED DIET. What does that mean? Basically, it’s no animal
products whatsoever (meat, dairy, cheese, yogurt, etc.) This isn't just Vegan either. It also
eliminates ANY added oils. Bye-bye olive oil, canola or vegetable oil, coconut
oil, etc. Oils occurring naturally are just fine. Also, no processed foods. So
white bread, white rice, white sugar, etc. are out the window. It’s whole
wheat, whole grains (like brown rice, quinoa, millet – you get the picture),
agave nectar – everything natural.
Yeah. It’s going to be tough. But guess what? The life I
hope to have with my family is worth it.
THE INSPIRATION
Simply put, “Forks over Knives”. Watch the documentary. But
a word of Caution: Watching this documentary will change the way you view food
– for the better. You can’t unlearn truths. You just may be making a life-style
change as well. I won’t go into the
details, because this blog is about my journey. I’ll provide the books,
research, and information you can look up on your own if you are interested.
JUST KEEPIN’ IT REAL
I’m creating this blog to record my journey into this new
way of eating. I want to be open, honest, and tell it how it is. I’m sure there
will be lots of laughs with stories of my ups and downs, and possibly some tears
along the way. Maybe the tears will be from me longing for a Hershey bar...
just being real. If you so choose to follow my journey, please feel free to
comment, ask questions, or hey- maybe even try the “Diet” out for yourself. I’m sure this is going to be quite the
adventure! Until next time –
~Lindsay
Information:
Books: The Forks Over Knives Plan: How to Transition to the Life-Saving, Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet Alona Pulde, M.D., and Matthew Lederman, M.D.
Forks Over Knives - The Cookbook: Over 300 Recipes for Plant-Based Eating All Through the Year
The China
Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted And the
Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, And Long-term Health
T. Colin Cambell, PhD., and Thomas M. Cambell II
In The China Study,
Dr. Campbell details the connection between nutrition and heart
disease, diabetes, and cancer, and also its ability to reduce or reverse
the risk or effects of these deadly illnesses. The China Study
also examines the source of nutritional confusion produced by powerful
lobbies, government entities, and irresponsible scientists.
DVD:
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