Thanks for your response and most especially for your honesty in your story.
gail f wrote: It probably goes without saying that my motivation was 100% based on fear....unlike people who chose a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle in a calm and deliberate way.
It is true that many people do make casual decisions to become vegan and/or vegetarians and do so without any health emergencies. However, those are usually not the people I see or work with or choose to adopt a diet like this one. And, someone correct me if you think I am wrong, they are also not the ones who choose to go to a 10 day program or anyone else like this one.
Most people who make changes and are directed to programs like this one, usually do it for the same reason you did. As others have discussed, this is not a vegan/vegetarian program though it can be. However, the principles are almost exclusively plant based. BTW, by either percentage of calories, or percentage of servings, so are the USDA, ADA, AHA, NHLBI, DASH, WHO guidelines mostly (though not as much as this one) plant based.
This is a health supporting program. And, as I mentioned, by the time most people make it to me, they are not in the best shape, medically or health wise. Often they come because they are on their least leg.
You, are actually in much better shape then most people who come to me for help. I have rarely found the person who tried to adopt a program like this because they woke up one day and had nothing better to do.
gail f wrote: I suppose that I am now looking to numbers and tests in order to see whether I really am at high risk, or whether I can put the bulk of my fear behind me.
I have nothing against any test. And, am a fan of information and numbers. However, they are really not going to change anything about the best and optimal diet and lifestyle recommendations. That is why programs like this one, are SO effective towards so many issues. For most of the reasons we get sick and die from diet and lifestyle related issues, the problem and the solution is the same. The only difference is the degree to which you are willing to apply the principles.
But, in the end (and I am really glad you say it below) most people are really not trying to find out what they have to do and how far they have to go, they are really trying to find out how much they can get away with and how little they have to change.
Realize, that if you live in America, and eat anywhere near a typical diet, or what most Americans think is a healthy diet, then you are not only at risk, but at high risk and all the numbers prove this. In another thread I posted the study that showed that the lifetime risk of getting HTN in American, even if you are in your 50s or 60s and don't have it yet, is over 90%. Also, I will have to find the exact quote but one of the recent editors of one of the leading medical journals just said that doctors should assume that if their patients live in American they are at high risk for heart disease.
So, the only difference between you and them, is you now have confirmation.
gail f wrote: I will be honest and say that I would like to be able to eat a less restrictive diet. I also want to be able to share in the meals that my friends offer. I live in a shellfishing community and I have a commercial shellfish license myself, which I used occasionally to provide my own shellfish. I love to be out on the tidal flats. We have clean waters and safe shellfish. While, I can easily live without dairy and meat, I am having touble with the thought that I will never be able to return to eating my beloved oysters and clams (and I wouldn't mind eating avocado daily(':?')).
I appreciate your honesty and when push comes to shove, this is what I find most people are really arguing for. Not about fish, or fish oil, or coffee or tea, or chocolate or wine or anything else, but just for evidence that they can somehow (Please!!) continue whatever it is they are enjoying that they are being told to (or fear will have to) give up. The real fear is not heart disease or having to take medication, but their real fear is the quality of life that perceive they may have to give up and the one they may have to settle for.
gail f wrote: But, I am prepared to do what I have to do to not compromise my health, and if that means no meat, no fish, no oils, then that is what I will continue to do. However, I would rather it be a decision based on reaching out for improved health, than one based 100% on fear.
I have never seen anyone, whether it be I, or Dr Mcd or Dr Ornish or the Pritikin Center, or anyone I know in relation to health, having said anywhere that this is only "all or none". Now, maybe some vegan, or raw food, or vegetarian, or animal rights advocates may say that, but I have never ever heard someone from a pure health perspective say that, and if they have, know it is simply not true.
But don't do it out of fear, do it out of love. For love of exuberant health. For love of life. For love of a healthy future with your family and children and grandchildren. For love of things you enjoy so you can keep doing them longer and in good health.
BTW, there are several published studies on people who have had to adopt very strict diets either by choice or because they had to, and they have been followed for a year or more and in almost all cases they report a greater quality of life in every measure. Same thing in the National Weight Control Registry, as over 98% reported an improved quality of life even after having to make the most dramatic changes to get the best results then ever before.
But don't do it out of fear, do it out of love. Don't be afraid of what you will lose. Look forward to what you will gain.
Once last point. Lets say you had a very dear friend who you used to go out with every week for dinner. Then suddenly they disappeared for a month or two, and you finally called them to see what was up. They told you that they had a health scare and decided to go away for a few weeks to a place like the McDougall Center and now were staying away as they didnt want to impose on you or go out with you anymore because they had to be careful about what they eat. What would you say to them? Oh great, I never liked your company anyway? Or would you say, Hey, I am your friend, and love you, and will do whatever it takes to accommodate you, let me know how I can help?
Think about it.
They may even say, hey, tell me about what you learned because it turns out I also have high cholesterol and high BP and just never say anything.
gail f wrote: Thank you again. Best, Gail
No, thank you.
It's been a great discussion.
I wish you only the best of health.
You deserve no less.
For love.
In Health
Jeff Novick, MS, RD