Making a Change to be Healthier Part 2: Road to Plant Based

I went several years just dairy free and never felt better.

Until I woke up one night with what felt like something squeezing my intestines and pain that radiated to my back. Over the next few weeks I had two other similar experiences. After the third instance I setup an appointment with my doctor. After my blood work came back normal I had an abdominal ultra sound. The ultra sound showed possible gallstones so I had gallbladder scan performed. Luckily the gallbladder scan showed my gallbladder was working fine.

Shortly after my attacks I did some research on the causes of gallbladder attacks and was able to link several foods to my symptoms. After learning this information I was determined to keep my gallbladder working properly so adjusted my diet to include less corn, onions, oranges, fatty meats and fried foods.

My husband and I made the decision to go plant based in April of 2013 after watching the documentaries Forks over Knives and Food Inc. We made this decision because we wanted to be healthier and help the environment. Here are a few of the main reasons we made the switch

  

      - Health – research has shown a plant based diet lowers your risk of cancer, heart disease and type II diabetes.           Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn has also been successful in reversing heart disease in his patients.

      - Better for the environment – a 2011 report from the Environmental Working Group shows that meat produces             the most greenhouse gas compared to common proteins and vegetables

      - Feel better – since switching to a plant based diet we both have more energy and feel better

  

Here are a few tips I used when I started out on a plant based diet.

           - Stock your pantry and fridge with items to make quick meal

           - Try new foods

           - Focus on what you could eat rather than what you can’t

           - Don’t be afraid to ask questions when dining out

If you are interested in finding more about going meat free here are some good TED talks

     - Weekday Vegetarian

     - What’s Wrong with What We Eat

Please note I am not a registered dietitian or doctor. The information shared in this post and on this blog is from my own experiences and personal knowledge.