“Jackie has me living on berries and roots,” as my husband would inform any sympathetic ear. I suspect he was only half joking because they say misery loves miserable company.
However he, like myself, has finally come around to know the benefits of a vegetarian diet. The facts have become, to us, irrefutable. Incontrovertible. I’d like to introduce you, too, to the work of the world-renowned clinician and the research scientist who gave us our own personal epiphanies. But first, let me give you some background.
I come from country folk. Uncomplicated. Salt of the earth, hard-working and devout. Among my earliest memories are my mother preparing a traditional country breakfast consisting of fried eggs, sausage and biscuits with gravy. Then we would all go forth and work hard all day. This hearty fare was served every morning. Oh, what wonderful, tasty, artery-clogging meals!
Mom came by it honestly. She was raised on a farm and everybody worked at hard, physical labor. They raised their own cows, pigs and chickens and they were prolific gardeners. I have fond childhood memories of that old place! It was common knowledge then that robust, active lives required robust meals, and Mom continued cooking in the tradition of her people.
When we had vegetables they were often cooked almost to mush, like most other southern country home cooking. (I remember the culture shock at my first Chinese meal– as a 27 year old– when we first moved to New York. I didn’t know quite what to do with those crunchy, wok-fried vegetables at the restaurant in Manhattan’s Chinatown.)
Fast forward now about 30 years to our 25-year-old daughter. That’s the elder one– a pulled together young woman who my husband and I both lovingly called a “foodie” or a food snob. She is an eclectic vegetarian and has a wonderful eye for the unusual meal. In a case of daughter teaches mother, she nudged me toward the plant based diet. She recommended to me the videos and books titled, “Forks Over Knives.”
Once she and I had a conversation– well, a teaching moment for me– when I was lamenting her perceived inadequate vegetarian diet. “Sarah, you’re in your child bearing years. Honey, you need protein.”
“Mom,” she gently admonished. “Just go watch Forks Over Knives, and if you still want to argue with me, we will.”
And it came to pass that I, too, walked in the light. I was converted and have since become an advocate for the whole foods, plant based diet. I do want to impress upon you that this lifestyle isn’t just another one of those trendy doctor or celebrity diets, destined to run its course and then become sooo last year. I’ve tried my share of those, just as many of you have. I would respectfully introduce you to the astonishing natural lifestyle that could save your, and your loved ones’ lives. You will devour the solid, fact-based information and begin to live a healthier life. Warning– I can attest: it’s not easy to shed a lifetime of habit, bad information and, yes, propaganda but you will find this is powerfully compelling stuff.
If you have Netflix you can view the videos there. If you don’t, click here to view the books, DVDs and Blu-rays so that you can experience your own epiphany. (Note: if you decide to buy any product we may receive a small commission as an affiliate.)
I’m looking forward to provide you with more details in Part 2!