Sadly, the status quo isn't working.
Each year, the health statistics in our country continue to worsen. Taking
prescription drugs has become an accepted rite of passage, and more than 70% of the population are overweight (with 40% of those being obese). Despite all the diet plans available and the millions of dollars spent on weight loss efforts, the U.S. continues to rank as the most obese nation on the planet. To add to our woes, a 2016 survey of the eleven wealthiest countries sadly revealed that American adults continue to be not only the heaviest, but the sickest population—with more multiple chronic conditions than those in the other ten countries. Total health spending grew to $3.3 trillion in 2016, and children are developing diseases that were previously only prevalent in adults. Eighty percent of military recruitments are being turned down, largely due to weight issues.
It’s evident that the further we veer from God’s design, the heavier and sicker we become. Poor food choices are the major factor in up to 90% of our ailments, including heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, digestive issues, dementia, joint pain, migraines and more. Diet is by far the greatest determinant of our health outcomes—more so than any other factor, including genetics.
Diet and disease are intimately linked. Diets centered around saturated fats and cholesterol meats, - meats, dairy products (especially cheese), junk foods, fast food, oils, refined flours, bakery items, and sugary beverages - are largely to blame.
Diseases that have been linked to poor diets include heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, high triglycerides, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, some forms of cancer, digestive issues, autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer's, and musculoskeletal diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis - just to name a few.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 80 percent of cases of coronary heart disease, 90 percent of cases of Type 2 diabetes and 33 percent of cancers could be averted by eating a healthier diet and exercising. And the National Cancer Institute ranks diet risks at 59% - twice as much as smoking risks.
Regular "diets" don't work
Diets which restrict calories, or require clients to count calories, count carbs, count points, weigh things, measure or cut portion sizes can leave us feeling hungry or frustrated - and who wants that? These are temporary "fixes" that don't last. Regaining health and losing weight does not mean counting or weighing smaller portions of the same unhealthy foods!
The "Plan A Diet" Works
On a low-fat, plant-based, no-oil diet, which centers around high-fiber, complex carbohydrate, and densely nutritious foods, the body is nourished, fueled and energized. Health benefits are derived from an increase in plant-based nutrients and avoidance of unhealthy saturated fats. To benefit from a plant-based diet, it is important to focus your diet around nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Plant-based diets contain all of the nutrients we need, with the possible exception of vitamin B12. Protein, calcium, iron, vitamins, and minerals are all easily available through a well-structured diet. Read more on the Protein and Calcium page.
Some processed foods such as pastas, breads, tortilla shells, crackers, healthy soups and frozen foods are allowed (provided they meet the label reading criteria); however, highly processed foods are not recommended as a part of a healthy plant-based diet, even if the ingredients are all "vegan". We can teach you how to read labels so you're aware of the manufacturing loopholes, and focus on what's most important - the ingredients! The amount of benefits you reap from a healthy diet depends on the number of changes you make to your diet. Small changes often mean little or no change in health status, sometimes frustrating people and leading them to stop trying. Make big changes and you'll see results in a short amount of time.
If you think that plant-based diets are only about eating salads, twigs and "rabbit food", let me tell you that nothing could be further from the truth! (although, yes, it certainly should include lots of greens - eating salads is a great idea.) Plant-based diets are not about restriction or deprivation. There's no weighing, measuring, or counting anything. You'll learn to cook lasagna, burritos, soups, stews, burgers, casseroles, pasta dishes, tacos, stir-frys, wraps, appetizers, desserts, oil-free dressings, sandwiches, and more.
Delicious foods that you can feel GOOD about eating!
Note: Information provided on this website is for general dietary purposes only and is not intended to be construed as personal medical advice. Please consult your physician for medical advice pertaining specifically to you.