NEAL H.
I’m definitely the last person I’d ever expect to be writing about adopting a plant-based eating
regimen and lifestyle.
You see, I’m a musician who was raised in New York on the typical Western diet, with fast
foods, hot dogs, reuben sandwiches, french fries, and too many cokes! When my band was
traveling on the road, we’d often look for each town’s “fast-food strip,” for nourishment. After
our gig, we’d often go out late at night to hang out, and gorge on more unhealthy food. I also had
an affinity for “all-you-can eat” style restaurants, so much so that my drummer gave me the
nickname, “Buffet!”
My traditional Western-style eating habits and sedentary lifestyle took its toll on my health, over
the years, resulting in high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and blood sugar levels, sleep
apnea, and fatigue. I eventually developed Type 2 Diabetes. All of that led to quintuple heart
bypass surgery in May of 2007, and new medications, including insulin.
I was not advised by my doctors of any alternative to the bypass surgery, nor did I have much
time to do any research on my own, prior to the surgery. I felt very rushed in undertaking the
medical procedures.
I took part in an area hospital’s cardio rehab program following the bypass surgery. Though the
exercise and dietary information I received were of some help, I remained on the insulin and
other medications for over seven years! My doctors left me with the impression that I would be
on these medications for life! It seemed, at best, I could only hope to manage my chronic
illnesses.
In January of 2014, I read an article in the West Bloomfield Beacon about heart patient Paul
Chatlin, his association with holistic cardiologist, Dr. Joel Kahn, and the upcoming plant-based
nutritional support meeting they planned for February. I attended the first meeting – and I was so
impressed by the group and Dr. Kahn that I switched cardiologists. It was a move that
dramatically changed my health and life!
After my first office visit with Dr. Kahn, he suggested I watch the documentary, “Forks Over
Knives,” and (among other recommendations) suggested I read The Spectrum by Dr. Dean
Ornish. These were game-changers for me! I also learned much from Dr. Kahn’s book, The
Whole Heart Solution (i.e. to eliminate my late night eating, common to my musician’s
lifestyle).
I decided to convert to whole foods, plant-based eating, beginning May 1st of 2014, doing so in
stages. First, I would eat meat (poultry) only once a week. Other stages included 1) swapping
almond milk for cow’s milk, and eliminating dairy; and 2) eliminating nuts. A key for me was to
find enough diet-compliant foods (that I enjoyed) to keep me satisfied. With oatmeal and fruit in
the morning, and a choice of hearty vegetable soup, big salad, veggies, and veggie burgers later
in the day, I was all set. I especially liked the fact that I didn’t have to count calories, and I didn’t
have to starve myself!
Within the first few weeks of the plant-based eating, plus regular use of the treadmill most days, I
noticed my pounds start dropping off! It was extremely motivating, encouraging me to stay the
course!
After the first couple of months of eating plant-based, I found my blood sugar levels dropping
and averaging in the 80s and 90s range, enabling me to soon discontinue the insulin and any
diabetic medication! None of my doctors had ever mentioned it was possible to reverse the
diabetes, or offered a way to do so.
When I next had my blood work done 4-5 months after becoming plant-based, I was extremely
pleased to learn both my total cholesterol (original 258 to 139) and triglycerides level (original
154 to 71) had been reduced about one-half!* I had also lost about 37 lbs and ended my sleep
apnea!
With my new lifestyle, I now have much more energy, and feel like getting on the treadmill! This
health turnaround has been accomplished by someone who could never stick to a diet / eating
plan for more than a week! I’m eager to see future health improvements, including possibly
eliminating the need for other meds!
I want to leave you with a message of hope: Whole foods, plant-based eating definitely works to
significantly improve your health! You may be able to halt and even reverse some chronic
diseases! You are not just a victim of inherited genes and stuck with these illnesses. If I can do it
— with my poor health history — most anyone can! I do wish you well!
¡Gracias por visitar nuestro sitio web! Somos Kim (Garbanzo) y Marc (Bean), la pareja de plantas. El 3 de diciembre de 2011 comenzamos un estilo de vida basado en plantas y alimentos integrales. Este cambio curó la diabetes tipo 2 de Marc, el colesterol alto, la presión arterial alta, la disfunción eréctil, la acidez estomacal, la obesidad, y la psoriasis. Nos sentimos muy emocionados con los resultados, queremos gritar desde la cima de una montaña para que los demás sepan que comer de esta manera también podría ayudarlos. Un estilo de vida de alimentos integrales, basado en plantas también ayuda al medio ambiente y evita la crueldad hacia los animales en la industria alimentaria. Entonces, este sitio web es nuestra montaña, y estamos gritando ...
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