Forks Over Knives

         Did you know one million Americans die each year from cancer and heart disease? With 40% of the American public considered obese and half of our country taking prescription drugs on a regular basis,  the health of our country looks quite bleak. But fear not, Dr.'s T. Colin Campbell and Caldwell Esselstyn to the rescue! Promoting a nutrient filled plant based diet, these whole foods specialists are equivalent to modern day Super Men.  Their specialized eating plans have the potential to save millions of lives. The documentary "Forks over Knives,"dives deeper into  the new information these highly acclaimed doctors have uncovered about the negative effects of meat and dairy on our bodies, as well as the positive effects of a plant based nutrient dense diet. Throughout this documentary we follow these highly acclaimed doctors on their journey to discover what it means to be truly healthy.

             Many people today believe meat and protein are synonymous. Although meat does provide all nine essential amino proteins, it has also been shown to cause heart disease and benefit the growth of cancer. Complete protein can be found in many unsuspecting non- meat products such as quinoa and soy. You can also combine incomplete proteins like beans, rice, legumes (nuts), and vegetables together to create a complete protein.Dairy has also been shown to be an unsuspecting accomplice. Dr. Campbell discovered a link between the amount of casine (the main protein in dairy) we consume and tumor growth in the liver. The whole foods eating plan also addresses the ever increasing obesity epidemic, and its connection to our consumption of overly rich processed foods. With the average American carrying twenty three extra pounds one question that comes to mind is, why? What has changed in the last fifty years to cause our countries weight and waistlines to expand so drastically? One belief is the consumption of unnaturally dense processed food, such as high fructose corn syrup, is the main reason for our countries sudden and continual weight gain. To learn more about the benefits of  a plant based diet visit t.colinandcampbell.org. With followers like Bill Clinton, who gives credit to these two extraordinary men for his drastic weight loss, and professional athlete Tony Gonzalez on board, whats stopping you?

          Dr. Campbell has published several articles and books about his findings, many of which are controversial. In his article, Fat and Plant Based Diets, he discusses his beliefs on mono-unsaturated fats as well as his questions about the Mediterranean diet. He also discusses soy in, Soy and Your Health, focusing on the health benefits of soy, as well as its positive effects alzheimer's and cancer.The American Institute for Cancer research also supports a plant based diet. In their article Changing Lives to Save Lives they suggest we cover 2/3rd's of our plate in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. Even though many believe the plant based diet to be extreme, the success and health benefits are undeniable. 

"Sometimes the most elegant solution is the most simple. Why plant-based nutrition? Why not? Why develop heart disease? Cancer? Diabetes? The epidemic of chronic, degenerative disease that is sweeping the western world can not only be stopped, it can be reversed. The power lies in the hands of the consumer, in the choices we make about what to put on our plates." -Anonymous

                                    This is an example of a holistic plant based food pyramid.

O and p.s. for all the Moms out there this is a great blog! Kim is relatable, fun, and has tons of advice. I highly recommend you take a look at Kim's Blog.