Forks Over Knives

I watched the documentary Forks Over Knives ( the other night just after learning that my father has colon cancer.  Americans are sicker than ever with type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer, heart disease. The documentary reminded me why I became a fitness coach - to empower people to help themselves to feel better and healthier.

We are all told we should eat more vegetables, more fiber and that we should eat less meat, blah blah blah…. But what if you were told eating a plant-based diet could actually reverse disease? I have worked with a lot of sick people and I have never heard of their doctor prescribing certain a way of eating as a treatment (nor do I hear about an exercise program) Healthy food and exercise=medicine – what a concept!

The documentary provides evidence that the consumption of processed foods and animal based foods (meat, dairy) is directly correlated to illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.  What I liked about the movie is that it gives the average Joe an understanding of the effects of processed foods and of animal based foods on the body.  The website also provides some good tools for how to incorporate these foods into your diet. www.forksoverknives.com

Of course we all know that many of these documentaries have bias and as a health professional I wonder what would be the motive or agenda for the Dr’s in the movie?  However these docs seem to really want to help people reverse disease through healthy foods and they both practice what they preach….so refreshing!

Am I going to become a vegan or vegetarian after watching Forks Over Knives????  Nope, I can’t live without my fish, eggs, soy sauce and I can’t imagine my significant other living without her wine?!!!!  However it helps me as a health professional, and as a parent, to understand how important food is our overall wellness.  And any tool that can help inspire others to lead healthier lives is a good oneJ

Does it mean we all need to go on another diet?  Well sort of…. taking the time to prepare healthy meals and eat more plant based foods may be a drastic change in your diet.  How about adopting a meatless Monday? Every Monday for example, you incorporate both raw and cooked vegetables and beans and whole grains. It’s pretty easy and convenient to throw a steak or burger on the BBQ or a pizza in the oven (after all the USDA recently stated pizza is a vegetable….YIKES)  Yes, it is more time consuming to chop vegetables and prepare foods without throwing them in a microwave.  But isn’t your health and your families’ health worth it?

I challenge each and everyone of you to take a good look in the mirror…..are you your best, healthiest self? Watch this movie for some inspiration!


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