I think I’ve found a new way to lose weight. It’s called boredom.
I recently read a book by Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., M.D. titled ‘Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease’. In the book Esselstyn talks about the many marvelous and rewarding consequences of switching to an all plant-based (vegan), no-fat diet. He has been studying coronary and cardiac disease for many years and his results are definitely astounding, to say the least. He gives numerous valid reasons for choosing a no-fat, vegan diet over the common American diet which contains high fat content, animal-based protein sources and far too few vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Esselstyn states that by making the dietary change, any American can prevent and/or reverse cardiac and coronary disease. He goes on to state that by making the change to all plant-based nutrition, one can lower cholesterol down to levels that statin-type drug usage can’t manage. Along with lowering one’s blood level cholesterol, the person choosing to adhere to the no-fat vegan diet can expect to lose weight, gain energy and can look forward to lowering their risk of heart disease, atherosclerosis, stroke and diabetes to almost zero.
Okay, so far so good, right? So the next logical step is to inventory my fridge, my staples, and fresh produce to decide how to begin implementing this radical (for me) dietary change. I find, to my dismay, that I need to discard most of the contents of my food in cold storage (refrigerator and/or freezer) and change my menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as finding ‘allowed’ snacks and drinks (water is good although not terribly satisfying at times).
After visiting a wonderful new supermarket in the OKC area on Saturday, I found all kinds of vegan products to smooth the transition. This find made my level of enthusiasm rise to the point that I was more and more willing to start easing into this new lifestyle.
Today, I am facing the question of what to prepare for my evening meal and finding that I really don’t have any enthusiasm about eating another whole grain based meal. I’ve even lost my taste for whole wheat bread! I find it’s too sweet.
And breakfast, well, let me say it this way, “if I never see another bowl of oatmeal sans dairy milk, it won’t hurt my feelings.”
I’m wondering if this disenchantment will pass. It’s so bad that I’m not interested in eating anything; not even those ‘forbidden’ things like meat and cheese and omelets and MILK CHOCOLATE. The best part of my lunch was fresh, raw veggies and fresh fruit.
Do you suppose that whole grains kill taste buds?
Meet the Author: Phyllis
My daughter’s pediatrician has said that from 12 months to four years a child should have Whole milk (if the child still isn’t breastfed)… and after four years old that they can have 2%.
Seems to me, Harry and the Gang, that your daughter could have whole milk whether your pediatrician gave you permission or not, it being a free country. The question, according to Esselstyn, is not whether you can drink cow’s milk (or any animal derived dairy product, for that matter). The question is whether a person should drink animal products such as whole or even skim milk since it is a source of high cholesterol.
Each person must weigh the risks and make their choice based on the facts, as well as their family health history. If you feel that it is a reasonably low risk and you know that your child is not allergic to dairy animal products, you might choose to follow your pediatrician’s advise.
Phyllis,
I have read Dr. Esselstyn’s book and I am not a vegan but I do eat very little meat. I think that this way of life is great! Its the best way to not only reverse heart disease but to also prevent it along with many other diseases. Good luck in your quest and let me know how your are doing with it!