Tuesday, August 4, 2009

A New Step Toward Commitment

I just completed week one of being on Dr. Fuhrman’s Eat To Live program 100%. I am going for the level with hardly any added grains, just fruit, veggies and beans. I was already eating a vegan diet that was low fat so this has not been a big stretch. I just wish I would have read his book over a year ago. I have no doubt that I would be at my ideal weight by now but better now than never. I have joined his site after getting a great deal on July’s special so now I have access to his library, forums and over 700 recipes and that has helped a lot.
I am eating greens even more now than ever and have really grown attached to cooked swiss chard. The chard is very good piled in a bowl with a yummy thick bean based soup on top, yuuuuum. Trying to eat a whole pound of raw veggies, a pound of cooked veggies and four fruits has been challenging though. I can always get the fruit in by making the World’s Greatest Pure Fruit Ice Cream in my high speed blender but it is difficult because I am so full. I have been able however to get in at least two fruits a day.
Something has been on my mind recently about the cost of veggies. I hear things like, “Grains are so much cheaper per calorie than fresh veggies so I am eating more grains”, and “I just can’t believe the cost of eating this way”. It does make me wonder about the value that people put on health and living when we focus on the negative and forget the huge 500 lb gorilla in the room. People are overweight, tired, depressed, some face total bankruptcies from just one hospital stay, and people are so sick they don’t even want to participate in life anymore. What is life worth? If we insist on cutting things down to the bare minimum why can’t we give up meals out (eat at home), gyms (walk or bike), and expensive entertainment (pick a cheap hobby or more family time), stop buying things we don’t need, and also use the library and other community resources when available? Why is it that diet seems to be the target of the cuts? Could it be that we just are just lacking the will? If you are not willing then the battle is already lost. You just as well sign over your estate to the health-care industry; throw up your hands and say, “I surrender”! It’s ok if that is what you want to do, that is your right, but for me I want to live. I have already saved over 100 dollars a month on my diabetes of the past and that is not even counting all the over the counter stuff connected with eating the Western diet. It is not really so daunting, you can do it if you are WILLING.

3 comments:

  1. Well said! Also, it would help if the government didn't heavily subsidize soy and corn and dairy and the meat industry. That makes sweets and processed food and dairy and meat are artificially cheaper than vegetables. But I agree, I'm happy to cut back on other things and spend more on delicious healthy produce!

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  2. You are so right about the subsidies kneecap. If that was not going on what would beef and chicken be, 24.95 a pound? Now that is motivation for people to change their ways! Nobody asked me if I wanted to pay for GMO corn I don't believe in and would never touch myself, or the factory farming of animals.
    Blessings,
    Rosemary

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  3. Hi Rosemary..I grew up in Crescent City so Tulelake sounds familiar. I am vegan...somewhat lonely too in a sense. I am mostly conservative but have found that I am a bit more tolerant of some things than I used to.
    We don't wear Patchuli oil or anything like that, but one time I wore some as a social experiment. It was funny really.
    We are Believers too. I am enjoying what I am reading.
    Keep up the inspiration!
    Theresa

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