Successful People Aren't Born that Way
“Successful people aren’t born that way. They become successful by establishing the habit of doing things unsuccessful people don’t like to do. The successful people don’t always like these things themselves; they just get on and do them.” - author unknown
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For the better part of a year, I’ve been interviewing those who’ve been successful at getting their health back through nutritarian eating. As an interviewer I get the unique opportunity to hear the rest-of-the-story that often doesn’t make it to Disease Proof. I’ve discovered a few common threads among all of them; in fact, not just their stories, but also those from the member center of drfuhrman.com who’ve also successfully earned health back. The following are a few commonalities:
- Each successful nutritarian thoroughly studied and understood the science behind Dr. Fuhrman’s nutritional recommendations in his books and articles. That was a given.
- They each had a desperate tenacity to hold fast to the purpose of earning health back, no matter what. This steadfast resolve caused them to do things that weren’t necessarily pleasant and easy at the time, but they did it anyway. For instance, Scott, who lost 333 lbs, started riding a bike at 501 lbs. He lived in Minnesota and that first winter he rode in minus 43 degree weather. No excuses. Isabel, a die-hard people pleaser, was sick of being depressed, tired, and ashamed to be seen in public due to obesity. She finally got desperate enough and chose to put her health before pleasing others; regardless of what anyone thought. No excuses.
- For everyone, there was a steadfast understanding and determination to cross over the threshold of unhealthy food cravings; all had to overcome this hurdle. However, as the cravings for unhealthy foods decreased and taste buds changed, the natural desire for nutrient rich foods took precedence over low nutrient foods. They no longer felt deprived, and as a result, eating actually became more enjoyable and pleasurable than before. Most everyone expressed a whole new world opened up to them of what they “could” eat instead of the traditional, restrictive dieting mentality of what they “couldn’t” eat. This freedom created a momentum for continual success.
- One member, who has now been a nutritarian for almost four years stated, “Unhealthy food eventually became unappealing, unappetizing and ‘untasty’.” Laurie, who is now free from yo-yo dieting and MS flare-ups, resolved in her heart to never cheat on the Eat to Live plan because she was desperate to be medication free. (That was five years ago!) Now, nutritarian eating is a way of life for her, and she actually feels sorry for those who don’t eat nutrient rich foods.
- Most importantly, as everyone experienced significant improvements in their health and energy levels, it motivated and exponentially increased their confidence to keep going. Many described it as feeling tremendous, youthful and vibrant. Some, like me, were so malnourished and miserable that we noticed the improvements immediately. Others had to make it through rough withdrawal symptoms first, but everyone eventually got to the point of feeling energetic and well for the first time in his/her life. This “feel good” attitude has propelled all of us to maintain this excellent health for life! There’s no turning back.
