Contemporary Realism

Contemporary Realism
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5/19/12

Trying To Go Vegan ♡

ⓒ Barbara Goodsitt
My husband and I have been (mostly) vegetarian for many years. Recently, we saw Dr. Sanjay Gupta interview President Bill Clinton on CNN about his battle with heart disease. Clinton is currently following a diet recommended by Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, which is designed to prevent and actually reverse heart disease.  

This diet is totally plant based, or vegan. Dr. Esselstyn also discourages eating nuts, avocados and oils such as olive oil.  We bought the book and our family is now vegan when we eat at home. We are slowly losing weight and feeling very healthy.  This diet change was easier for my husband who is a very disciplined and focused person. I occasionally succumb to gastronomic temptation, especially when a Thanksgiving turkey is presented to me!   After many years of being lacto-ovo vegetarians, we became aware that we needed to cut eggs and cheese out of our diet for health reasons. 

I hope that more people will do their best to cut down on the unhealthy foods that are so prevalent in America. It is very hard to make these fundamental changes to one's diet. Food is wrapped up with many strong emotions: love, memories, pleasure, not to mention taste!  Taking small steps towards more healthy eating and getting more exercise is a good plan. A more plant based diet not only helps us individually, but it helps the health of our planet. Raising beef, poultry and commercial fishing practices are depleting resources around the globe as well as causing more pollution that contributes to climate change.    

3 comments:

Janet C. Fish said...

What was the reasoning behind getting the "healthy fats" out of our diet? This is the first time I've ever heard that.

I went on a nearly fat free diet years ago. It was one I got from a nutritionist. All it did for me was make my skin dry and my hair lost luster and I lost energy.

But it wasn't vegan either. Now I'm on an anti inflammatory diet and my health is improving.

It means little to no dairy. So, I've cut cheese out of my diet.

But I still have avocado and some other sources of fat. Not a lot of it, but I do have it.

I'm wondering how getting that out of my food plan could benefit me. Do you have a link for that info? I'd sure appreciate it.

BTW, I couldn't agree with you more on the meat industries. It is appalling.

Barb Goodsitt said...

We are trying to eat as healthy as possible most of the time. I do indulge in fish, nuts and oils so I don't et problems with dry hair or a lack of energy.

Barb Goodsitt said...

HI again Janet,
Here are more links to Essylstein's diet and philosophy
e.g.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/08/19/heart.attack.proof.diet/index.html
http://www.heartattackproof.com/
http://www.heartattackproof.com/qanda.htm