Is This For Real?

With the new documentary out, What The Health, there has been lots of conversation about this new way of eating/living.  I've had several people trying to convince me that this documentary, along with The China Study, Forks Over Knives, Eat To Live, etc are all bogus, and not true.

Well Pat and I are not here to try and prove what is right scientifically, or what is wrong.  All we can do is look at the clinical signs that we have experienced eating plant based and make decisions on what WE have experienced.  All the signs point to YES, this way of eating and living brings us toward a healthier way of life!  A few of our results that cannot be argued:

1.  Our weight has dropped!  I went down three sizes, Pat dropped 2 sizes.

2. Our cholesterol numbers have plummeted from above 200, now in the 140-160 range.

3. My hSCrp, which was once over 5.0 (high risk) for a decade, is now obsolete, = zero.

4. No stomachache, no headache, no infection, no sinus issues...NADA for 2 years plus.  Oh wait, there was that horrific stomachache we both had after we downed the small mini bluebell ice-cream (less than 6 oz) they handed out free at a community event. #dairyneveragain

5. Have not bought a box of kleenex for 2 years!

6. No more need for naps at 3:00 everyday. 

7. We wake at 4:45 am for morning workout, and we go to bed between 9-10:00 every night!

8. More energy than we had in our 30's!  

9. My age spots on my face disappeared!

10.  No problems with constipation, EVER EVER EVER.  

11.  Bad breath issues disappeared when meat and dairy left our bodies.

12.  Oh and maybe an important one saved for last...our cancer has not returned in either of us! We really do feel that we are doing everything we can to keep our cells in a cancer fighting mode.  Everything we put into our mouths we ask, "Will this feed or fight the cancer that might be lurking in our bodies?" #plantsfightcancer

So when someone tries to put up an argument, our response is always, "Well, it has worked miracles in our own lives",  and that is really about all we can say. 

So What about the Fiber?

One of the biggest problems with the Standard American Diet (SAD) is the lack of fiber.  When you eat animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, fish), you are getting NOOOOO fiber.  And it is the fiber that is most important for a healthy body, not the PROTEIN!  A high fiber diet (plant based) lowers your risk of developing many cancers by keeping your gut in check!

There are 2 types of fiber, soluble fiber and insoluble fiber.  Both are undigested, and therefore NOT absorbed into the bloodstream.  And of course, consumption of fiber provides 0 calories.  It is not used for energy (thats the carbs job), but is excreted from our bodies.  And that is good, because it attaches to all the bad things (toxins, cholesterol) and carries them out of our bodies!

Soluble fiber forms a gel when mixed with liquid, and it slows the speed of food going from the stomach to the small intestines.  This slowdown allows for sugars to be released and absorbed more slowly, a good regulator for those with diabetes.   It binds with harmful chemicals and heavy metals so that those toxins are not absorbed into the body.  It also binds with cholesterol in the small intestines, and removes it from the body as well.  Large consumption of soluble fiber (plant based) will lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol reducing the risk of heart disease. Examples of soluble fiber are the INSIDES of most fruits, whole grains and veggies. 

Insoluble fiber passes through our intestines largely intact.  It shortens the transit time through the large intestine, so it has less time to sit and purify.  It will control and balance the pH (acidity) in the intestines by preventing microbes from producing cancerous substances.  Insoluble fiber retains a lot of water, which gives BULK to food, and thus provides satiation.  The insoluble fiber will help with bowel-related health problems like constipation, hemorrhoids and IBS.  Foods high in insoluble fiber are beans, seeds and the outer skin/layers of most fruits, whole grains and veggies.

Sooooo, don't worry about WHAT kind of fiber you get!  If you eat a WFPB (whole food plant based) way of eating, you WILL get all the fiber you need.  And most of us realize that within the first few days of going 100% plant based!  Your body will cleanse itself, and remove all those toxins!  Be ready for the plant cleanse!

Forks Over Knives Coming To Dallas!!!

Don't miss this exciting opportunity coming to Dallas on Sept 30-Oct 2.  The conference will be held at the Dallas/Addison Marriot Quorum near the Galleria.  The list of speakers and presentations is well worth every dime!  Pat, Sharon and I will be attending, and we encourage you and your loved one to sign up for the event.  The presenters are the experts, and they will teach you all about how and why to live a Plant Based Life.  Email me if you are interested in coming, even if you just can commit to one day!  The link to registration is https://2forksevents.com/events/2forks-weekender-dallas-2016/