I have always been thin and thought I could eat whatever I wanted. Looking back, I suffered from health annoyances which compromised my life. I took Motrin at least twice a week for neck pain that lead to headaches. I suffered from an overactive thyroid issue, colds and flu that would take me down for at least a few days, and was afflicted with pneumonia once. I accepted these ailments as general part of ‘getting older.”
I was observing more and more loved ones with health issues, and thought “Is this all there is? Get older and get a disease?” I was reading different diet books (such as “Eat this vegetable or fruit, not that one”), and through discussions with health conscience friends, I was invited to attend a local class. “It’s vegan,” my friend announced. “Hmmm. I don’t think I’d go that route, but maybe I’ll learn something.”
The Class was presented by a Nutrition Coach educated through Cornell University, Cyd Notter. She presented the Forks over Knives movie, and I was impressed! She offered more classes and food samples. The more I learned, the more it made sense—and the food was good! Easy, no calorie- or carb-counting, science-based information. I jumped in and changed my diet to one of whole plant-based foods.
Quickly, I observed that my mood and sense of well-being leveled out. There was no longer a feeling of heaviness after eating, and the dishes were easy to clean up. Plus there were considerably less aches and pains, and I rarely reached for the pain medication. I have more energy, feel much better, and have far fewer colds and bouts with the flu (with quick recovery and fewer symptoms). My thyroid doctor thought it would just be a matter of time before I would need to take medication for low thyroid. It’s been ten years so far with no need for thyroid meds. I’ve found many resources for support and plant-based recipes, but the best support is feeling at my best when I eat this delicious food.
(Cyd's Note: Thank you, Kim! I'm so glad you attended that class many moons ago. You have faithfully stuck to the plan and are a great testimony that aging (not that you're old!) does not have to mean failing health. Keep up the great work!)