I’m not one to jump on, or off, the bandwagon just because there’s a new study published citing research supporting “this claim,” or “that claim.” And I’m not one who believes there is one diet everyone should follow. Humans have different genetic predispositions, different makeups, different tolerance levels, different chemical compositions … and what works for one person, may not work for someone else. Caveat, everyone should steer clear of highly refined foods and anything overly processed. Period.
But, watching the documentary What the Health, changed my perspective on a number of things. And I believe everyone should watch it. Here’s why …
While there are some startling statistics and some very disturbing facts presented (of which I did do my own research) the bottomline and greatest takeaway from the film is this:
You can prevent and reverse disease—diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, and certain cancers simply through lifestyle, regardless of genetics.
And the best lifestyle choice you can make to do so, is to follow a plant-based diet—note, I don’t eat beef, pork, poultry, eggs, or dairy except, as I’ve mentioned many times, the occasional bit of brie, Camembert or goat cheese (what can I say, that’s my “flex” in flexitarian) and some seafood that again, as I’ve mentioned many times, I am very careful to choose. But I didn’t begin my walk down this path after watching the show. I’d started the journey months beforehand and only learned about the show because Eric had seen it and asked me to watch. And in no way, shape, or form have I been endorsed or compensated by the filmmakers to post this.
So please, pop some popcorn and take an hour and watch the film. You can scroll through the facts and the various studies that support the film’s claims, like I did, or just watch … if nothing else, it will get you thinking and hopefully get you on a path to include more plants in your diet, and less (and less and less) animal products.
Oh, and about that popcorn recipe … it’s like this: heat a little olive oil in a pan, add 1/4 cup corn kernels, TONS of chopped garlic and cover. Then, after about 2-3 minutes, start shaking the pan like your life depended on it and before long, you’ll have the MOST delicious meal (yes, it’s good enough to be a meal) ever!!
DISCLAIMER: Our recipes are just that, ours. Some are modified versions of dishes we’ve had elsewhere or old-favorites that contained animal proteins that we replaced with plant-based options, while others are a concentrated effort of trial and error. But all are intended to be altered by you and made to suit your tastes. So if you want more garlic or none at all, go for it. You do you ; ) Now for the serious part … periodically this site does offer health, nutrition and exercise information. The information provided is not intended as medical advice and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice given by a licensed physician or other health-care professional. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, consult your physician and never delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have read on this site. The use of any information provided on this site is solely at your own risk.
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My Flexitarian Kitchen 
We are on a similar journey Shauna!
There are finally some good documentaries out there and I’m lucky enough to have a doctor who believes very strongly in food as our first and most important medicine. She told me to watch both What the Health and Forks over Knives as my assignment last year because my cholesterol was hovering approaching the high level. The movies pretty much reinforced all the things she had advised beginning with giving up animal products, for the most part. I haven’t eaten beef or pork for decades, so I was already part-way there. I’ve been a year without dairy, like you mostly, and while I miss that real cheese the hardest for me was giving up the cream in my morning coffee. Still miss that! Well, my bad cholesterol went down by 35 points this year without any medication, so she was pleased. I still eat fish and shellfish, and local organic duck on my birthday and turkey gravy on Thanksgiving (you can keep the meat). We all have to find our own way, and it’s different for everyone.
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