The endeavor started mostly for the animal activism aspect; if you've ever watched the documentary Earthlings, then you know what I mean! Watch it for an eye opening experience. Anywho! As I progressed and noticed the change in me health-wise, I began to grow more health conscious about what exactly I was putting into my body. It's so easy to fall prey into "junkfood vegetarianism/veganism;" Oreos and Sour Patch Kids are vegan, after all.
Andrew and I watched Forks Over Knives, a documentary that really gives perspective on the benefits of a raw food-plants based diet.
Don't be fooled: I am not embarking on a wholly raw food/plant diet. I'm incorporating more of these foods into my daily eating habits. But, come on. I'm way too much of a pasta fanatic to go raw just yet :)
As I was saying, Forks Over Knives exposes the benefits of a raw food/plant based diet and the amazing impact it has on several degenerative diseases and disorders. The idea of "food as medicine" is fascinating to me. How is it we are one of the, if not the, most technologically advanced nations in the world, yet we have one of sickest populations in terms of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease? It's quite the wake up call.
Food Rules, a short and sweet book by Michael Pollan (who also authored The Omnivore's Dilemma), offers practical tips and guidelines for eating healthier. Here are some of my favorites:
- Rule 19: If it came from a plant, eat it; if it was made in a plant, don't.
- Rule 20: It's not food if it arrived through the window of your car.
- Rule 21: It's not food if it's called by the same name in every language. (Think Big Mac, Cheetos, or Pringles.)
Pollan also stresses the importance of knowing exactly what we're putting into our bodies. Example: sugar isn't good for you, but at least it's sugar. Splenda, aspartame, and other artificial sweeteners are filled to the brim with chemicals and lord knows what else. If you're going to sweeten, do it yourself, and use raw sugar over the falsies.
I encourage everyone to take baby steps into a healthier lifestyle. No, I'm not telling everyone to cut out the meat and dairy right this second. I am asking everyone to at least look at what they're eating and take small steps into a healthier life.
Alrighty, I'm off my soap box for the morning. Ciao, darlings!