by vegAnn » Sun Sep 25, 2011 11:29 am
Last week I turned 41 and I am happier and healthier than ever thanks to a diet based on plants and whole grains. When I turned 40, I promised myself I would get healthy, but I had no idea how to make it last long-term (believe me when I say I've tried just about every diet out there). Six months ago I came upon this lifestyle by reading The China Study, which led me to Dr. McDougall and this website. It has saved me from the typical diet of deprivation and hunger by trying to cut down on the foods that were making me sick. Since then I have lost 30 pounds, and I now have a BMI in the normal range.
I had all the markers for the onset chronic and degenerative diseases and I didn't understand how to resolve my issues, but I was set on not turning to pills. Since I was a teenager I have been on the higher side of normal for blood pressure, and by adopting this lifestyle, my headaches have gone away, my blood pressure is under control, and I have loads of energy.
I am not someone who loves to spend a lot of time in the kitchen and this still works great for me. I try to cook one day a week and have found many foods that are quick, convenient, and not processed at my grocery store now that I am looking for them. I am enjoying food more than ever before and am so thankful for the years it is adding to my life!!
I have given up trying to explain my changes to friends and co-workers for all the reasons many people have mentioned in their posts, and I want to thank all the wonderful people who share your stories on this blog. I have read your posts for information and to feel like there are others out there who have the same vision for long term health through nutrition.