Disease Proof : Disease Proof : Health & Nutrition News & Commentary : Dr. Joel Fuhrman

There comes a time in the journey of getting health back that it’s good to honestly evaluate progress and ask, “Do I have both feet in nutritarian eating or am I straddling the fence?” Many start the journey with the mindset of, “I’ll eat high nutrient foods during the week and splurge with family and friends on the weekends,” or “I’ll eat nutritarian at home, but eat SAD at work.”

The danger of straddling the fence is that taste buds never change and one never gets to the point of naturally desiring nutrient rich foods. Worse yet, one never gets through the withdrawal phase of crossing the threshold of overcoming toxic food addiction. Unfortunately this results in never getting free of SAD food addiction which is the root culprit of obesity and deteriorating health.

One hundred percent commitment to Eat to Live produces significant results rapidly. It’s not uncommon for many to lose 10-20 lbs a month, and for blood pressure and cholesterol to drop right along with the weight loss. This progress creates ongoing momentum that is highly motivating and begets more success. Yet, those who straddle the fence do all the work to attempt to get health back, but because they are not 100% committed, they never see results. They may lose a few pounds here and there, but repeatedly gain it back with each SAD occasion. At best, this cycle is the ultimate frustration.  

In order to get completely out of food addiction and restore health, 100% commitment is required. Both feet have to be in nutritarian eating all the way. No exceptions. No shortcuts. [100% commitment doesn’t mean 100% perfection. Occasional slip-ups happen for many; they just do. The key is to not allow a slip up to produce the dangerous mindset of, “I’ve blown it now so I’ll just throw in the towel and eat whatever for the rest of the week and start over again next Monday.” If a relapse happens, the key to success is to get up quickly, keep moving forward and don’t look back!] 

At times it’s beneficial to stop and honestly ask, “Am I 100% committed and experiencing great results, or am I straddling the fence resulting in captivity and poor health?” 

May we all choose 100% commitment. For life.     

image credit: pecorfamily.com 

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Anthony was only 33-years-old when he was denied a life insurance policy due to obesity and poor health. In desperation he had to do something so he scoured the internet and discovered Eat to Live. Today, Anthony is 163 lbs lighter, has his health restored, and has more energy than he could’ve ever imagined. Most importantly, he doesn’t feel like he’s given up anything; he’s truly been set free from toxic food addiction!  Welcome to Disease Proof, Anthony! 

What was your life like before discovering Dr. Fuhrman’s nutritarian eating-style?

I thought my life was fine; not great, but certainly not too bad either. I describe my prior life as being “functionally obese.” I was relatively active, usually happy and able to do almost anything I wanted.  I’ve been snowboarding, skateboarding, bicycling, and hiking for the past 20 years and was pretty good at those things.  However, there were some things I couldn’t do:

• go on rides with my son at amusement parks
• wear a seat belt on an airplane without an extension
• ride in small cars
• sit in plastic outdoor chairs,
• climb a ladder (unless it was extra heavy duty)
• weigh myself on a "normal" bathroom scale
• participate in anything that had a weight restriction

I also had frequent migraine headaches, and when I had a headache I couldn't do anything except lie very still.

Health wise, I was in bad shape. Doctors had been telling me to lose weight and watch my blood pressure for as long as I can remember, and I eventually stopped listening. I accepted obesity as a part of who I am, because it is common in my family.  We all looked the same and had similar health concerns so it was easy to accept my condition as unavoidable.

I did occasionally get depressed in the evenings after finishing the better part of a decadent pint of ice cream.  I distinctly remember my beautiful and physically fit wife consoling me through some of those tough times.  The problem was neither one of us knew what to do about it. I hit my lowest when I was denied a twenty-year term life insurance policy at age 33. The thought of not making it to age 53 hit hard, especially coming from a life insurance company.  Logic told me that insurance companies have the data to predict life expectancy and want monthly premiums, so the fact that they didn't want my business was not good. I had to do something.

How did you find out about ETL?

Luckily I discovered Eat To Live while scouring the internet for weight loss information. I needed something that made sense to me, and I bought it immediately after reading the description and reviews. I couldn’t wait to start reading it!  [After finishing the book I was surprised to find out that Dr. Fuhrman's practice is about eleven miles from my house.  I'm still looking forward to the day that I bump into him and introduce myself as one of his success stories!]

How do you feel now?

Now I feel great!  I wake up every morning ready to take on the day.  I can do all of the things I enjoy in life, now better than ever.  I can out run my kids and all of their friends.  I’m always in a good mood and calm. I have more energy today than I could’ve ever imagined, and I never get tired during the day.  I also never get sick or feel depressed.  My self confidence is higher than it has ever been, and I’m truly proud to be me!  [read more . . .]

Do you have any success tip(s) to share?

The first tip is to not worry if you slip-up once in awhile.  The most important thing is to keep moving in the right direction.  Think of slip-ups like speed bumps; they don't stop you from trying to get where you are going, they just slow you down a little.  As long as you stay on course and keep moving in the right direction, it will get easier and you will hit fewer speed bumps, and eventually you’ll be exactly where you want to be.

Another tip is to never allow junk food to displace healthy food.  If you do slip-up, and eat something unhealthy, make sure to also eat some healthy food as well. 

In a nutshell, what has nutritarian eating done for you?

Nutritarian eating has given me a new life!  I actually feel like a new and improved version of myself.  I am better in every way!  Some things are also much easier for me now.  I fit comfortably into airplane seats.  I buy regular size clothes from regular stores.  I don't worry about weight limits on chairs, ladders or anything else.  I enjoy snowboarding, skateboarding, biking, and hiking more than ever, and I've now added running to my list of favorite activities.

I truly enjoy eating the most nutritious foods available. I love knowing that by doing so I am ensuring my own health, and setting a great example for my family and friends.  Becoming a nutritarian has added so much to my life that I never even think about the things I used to eat and drink.  People sometimes ask how I could give up this or that.  The truth is I don't feel like I have given up anything!  What I have gained is so great that it could never compare with the temporary feeling of putting junk into my body.

Congratulations Anthony ~ we celebrate with you and applaud your life-saving accomplishment of earning health back!

 

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