September 10, 2012

Down 20 Pounds = Meatless Monday + Life-Changing Documentary

About a month ago, my beloved and I watched "Forks Over Knives" on Netflix.  My friend Vicki had recommended it last year, but we were busy with life and put it off, darn it!  You know how sometimes you wish you could have a do-over?  This is one of those times.  We have been telling everyone about this movie, which now includes you.  Don't wait.  Watch it right away.  TWO THUMBS UP! 


The documentary takes a look at the theory that most, if not all, degenerative diseases can be controlled, or even reversed, by following a whole-food, plant-based diet. The story traces the personal journeys of two pioneering researchers, Dr. T. Colin Campbell (author of The China Study and nutritional scientist at Cornell University) and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn (top surgeon and head of the Breast Cancer Task Force at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic).

Dr. Campbell was concerned in the late 1960s with producing high quality animal protein to bring to the poor and malnourished areas of the third world. While in the Philippines, he made a life-changing discovery: the country's wealthier children, who were consuming relatively high amounts of animal-based foods, were much more likely to get liver cancer. Dr. Esselstyn found that many of the diseases he routinely treated were virtually unknown in parts of the world where animal-based foods were rarely consumed.

These discoveries inspired Drs. Campbell and Esselstyn, who didn't yet know each other, to conduct several groundbreaking studies. One of them took place in China and is still among the most comprehensive health-related investigations ever undertaken. Their research led them to a startling conclusion: degenerative diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even several forms of cancer, could almost always be prevented - and in many cases reversed - by adopting a whole foods, plant-based diet.

Their website, FORKS OVER KNIVES, has so many interesting articles, videos and more. Check it out
  
Found on page 27 of the book:  “The fact that so many diseases are dependent on diet is the reason why, for health and healing, it is far better to rely on food (i.e., your fork) than surgery (i.e. the surgeon’s knife). Simply put: forks over knives.” 


Super duper news is that my husband was so moved by the film that he immediately adopted a whole-food, plant-based diet.  He dropped 20 lbs. in one month and feels like one hundred dollars.  He didn't over think it but rather jumped in feet first.   I am taking the more timid big-toe-in-the-water approach but will get there, and will keep you posted.  Our kids haven't noticed much of a difference.  Our son, who happens to have autism, has been gluten-free for 18 years, and our daughter is dairy-free, so modifying diets is our way of life.

I will be posting yummy plant-based recipes HERE that have all been taste tested and approved by my family.

When you watch the film, let me know what you think.

~Merrill  

3 comments:

leela said...

Thanks so much for posting. Pat on back to Bob. I discovered gardein chickenless strips the other day, they are pretty good. At the same time, I can see they may not have wide appeal because they try to get at that breaded chicken strips taste.

MERRILL WEBER ART said...

Thanks, Leela. I'll have to try those. Let me know when you watch the movie. I'd like to hear what you think. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi! Congrats to you and Bob. It takes a little will power and motivation to change a diet, especially since our society has been so focused in one direction for generations. Way to go! Keep up the good work. :)