Forks Over Knives

So today marks a time of MAJOR change in our lives. Today we start working towards a lifestyle change that will make us healthier, trimmer, and that will increase our energy! It will protect us against heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic health problems. Sounds perfect huh? Well, I have a feeling it is going to be some work and a LOT of adjustment, especially on Jonathan's part. Today we start a lifestyle of eating only plant-based whole foods. What does that mean you ask? Well it means no animal products. That's right...no meat, no eggs, no milk, no cheese.
I know the looks a lot of you are giving me (through the computer) are of disbelief, disgust, and of why in the world? Well, I can say for our family it is a decision we made after watching the documentary Forks Over Knives. If you have Netflix you can find it in the movie section. It was very, very eye opening as far as what chemicals in animal products do to our body. And I am talking about naturally occurring chemicals, not the ones the we add (which are also very harmful).
So what do we eat if we can eat meat and dairy? Well, you would be amazed at all the foods out there other than meat and dairy. We will eats lots and lots of vegetables and fruits. We will eat a great deal of beans and legumes of all kinds. We will eat whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat breads, whole wheat pita's and whole wheat wraps. We will eat hummus instead of mayo and mustard on sandwiches. We will eat oil free salad dressings (you would be amazed at how many recipes there are out there).
We certainly will not be starving that is for sure! In fact, we get to a whole lot MORE than most people because every calorie we put into our bodies is nutrient rich, versus the empty calories of the normal American diet. I am very excited about this new endeavor, but a little nervous too. I am married to a man who was raised on the meat and three mentality. However, I must say, he has been much more open to this than I expected.
I am sure you are asking..."What about eating out or eating at someones house?" Well, we have agreed that this lifestyle is what we will do when we are at home. We will never let it interfere with going to someones house to hang out. We wouldn't ever want to make it hard on someone else. And about twice a month we will probably eat out whatever we want. We do not intend to be so extreme that these changes take over our lives, but do intend to make the changes for the sake of our health.
So I HIGHLY recommend you watch the documentary Forks Over Knives as well as the Engine 2 Diet movie on Netflix. The Engine 2 video is made by Rip Esselstyn who is the son of one of the physicians who did the research for Forks Over Knives. Both movies are a wealth of knowledge and evidence-based information on eating a whole food, plant-based diet. I encourage you watch the videos and make a decision for yourself and your family.
So, what's for supper tonight? Veggie Chili....YUM! I'll keep you posted on how it is going, how much weight I lose, and of course, what are we eating.
Have a wonderful, blessed week!

Here are the links to the websites coordinating with the videos:
www.forksoverknives.com
www.engine2diet.com