by: Eben Davis, D.C.
I have been a vegan for over 20 years now. I was first introduced to the vegan lifestyle through a professor in Chiropractic College. He had encouraged the class to learn more about plant based nutrition, specifically the McDougall Program developed by John McDougall, MD. Dr. McDougall is located in Northern California where I was going to school and now reside.
My class professor, Dr. Dan Murphy, who is a famous chiropractor in his own right for his research on chiropractic, brought his wife and kids into class and I was amazed at how healthy they looked and how much positive energy they seemed to have. It just seemed obvious that whatever they were doing was working. That something according to Dr. Murphy was a plant based diet and chiropractic.
However, being a chiropractic student I was not that much of a cook… so I did my best to stick to a plant based diet based on my limited cooking skills and budget. Fortunately, the cafeteria at our school prepared many vegan dishes and I learned how to shop wisely and choose the right foods when I went out to eat.
Fast forward 20 years or so and I am now 52 years old. But the thing is…I weigh less than I did in high school and I am in the best shape of my life. Chiropractic adjustments, exercise, plant based nutrition, and clean living are definitely paying dividends.
When I go to high school reunions or visit friends and relatives back home in Florida…I am often shocked at how they have let their health go. Sure, I realize that 70% of our population is overweight or obese… but when it’s someone I know and love it really hits home.
Recently, I learned how to use a pressure cooker from Jill Nussinow, otherwise known as The Veggie Queen. I now purchase most of what I feed my family in bulk from Whole Foods Market. I can tell you this… there is nothing more satisfying than shopping for your own plant based meals and then cooking and serving them to your family.
Of course, eating these meals is the best part. You can make a lot more than you need and eat later… pack your child’s lunch or store in the freezer.
The meals are very satisfying as they are loaded with healthy fiber foods, such as rice and beans, which are very filling. My favorite meals to prepare are Curried Rice and Lentils, Brazilian Brown Rice and Black Beans, and Vegetable Stew served over Thai Purple Rice (you can buy these at Whole Foods Market).
Anyway… if you want to look great, avoid most of the killer degenerative diseases, feel good, have more energy, have smoother skin, and a more enjoyable life… consider plant based nutrition… you wont be disappointed!
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