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

This past December, Anthony, a recent high school graduate, was 67 lbs heavier than he is today. He was given a copy of Eat to Live and the rest is history! You will be inspired by this young man’s passion and determination to get his health and life back. Welcome to Disease Proof, Anthony.

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

My life was not how I wanted it to be at all. I was obese and felt horrible, and I couldn’t participate in any physical activities. My emotions were thrown off, I had no self-esteem, I had no confidence, and I was mad that I had let myself get so big. I was eating fast food at least five days a week, and I didn’t have a clue what was good or bad food. It was extremely hard for me to accept the fact that I was fat, because I was thin until age 14. Then I started to get the nickname, “Pudgy,” and I hated it so much. Although I had zero self-confidence, high school wasn't too bad because I had an outgoing personality. However, I discovered that peers view fat people differently.

The last month of my senior year we had a Government project where we had to take pictures, and I was stunned when I saw images of myself. At 6’1” I weighed 263 lbs and had a triple chin. I was so heartbroken and disgusted that I joined a gym and tried to lose weight. During the month of June [2010], I started dieting and worked out five days a week, and only lost 6-7 pounds . . . so I quit. 

How did you find out about Eat to Live?

This past December 17^th, my aunt gave a copy of Eat to Live to me and I committed to follow it. I’ve lost 67 lbs so far, and recently I began sessions with a plant-based wellness coach, and I’m continuing to lose weight. 

How do you feel now?

I’m loving life and have a 360 degree attitude change! I feel amazing; it literally feels like a completely different life!  

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

 

• Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. That’s all the inspiration you need. Don’t do it for the people who judge you. 

• Don't be afraid to go to a gym, because everyone there is doing the same thing.

• I like Dr. Fuhrman’s words, "If a motor is running at full speed compared to a motor running at half-speed, the engine running at half-speed will last longer." Basically, if your metabolism is slow, and you are healthy, you will live longer!

• Have a support system. I am so thankful for the support of my father, mother, brothers, and aunts; all of them have made the journey so much easier and I couldn’t have done it without them.

   

In a nutshell, what has Eat to Live done for you? 

It has completely changed my life!

Congratulations Anthony ~ we are so proud of you for choosing to eat for health at such a young age! Keep up the great job!

• Email This
• Print
• Comments (21)
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

In the Fall of 2008, after I had dropped 40 lbs in three months, my peers started commenting and asking questions about the noticeable changes. By the next Spring, when 100 pounds were off, complete strangers such as clerks in stores would comment and ask questions as well.

Everyone’s question was, “How did you lose weight?” 

Of which my reply would always be, “By following Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s book, Eat to Live;. . . . basically eating lots of high nutrient, plant-based foods.” 

“You mean no meat? No cheese? No pizza? No McDonald’s? . . . . Oh, I could never do that!” 

Now, over 2 ½ years later, the majority still say to me, “Oh I could never do that!” in response to anything remotely related to the idea of eating meals primarily composed of plant based nutrition. 

Well, the following is what I think in response to, “I could never do that”:

• I could never blow the family budget on unnecessary test strips, insulin, medications, doctor and hospital bills, or bypass surgery.

• I could never carry around expensive medical supplies and meds while traveling.

• I could never ask a loved one to mow the lawn for me due to fatigue and ill health.

• I could never turn a child away from playing a game due to a migraine headache.

• I could never miss out on the joy of a wedding celebration due to obesity and depression.

• I could never ask someone to drive me to kidney dialysis three times a week.

   

Dr. Fuhrman added:

• I could never have heartburn and burping half the night.

• I could never sit in the bathroom for 15 minutes trying to painfully squeeze out a hard log.

• I could never watch a volleyball game at the beach instead of playing in it.

• I could never have rubber bands put on painful hemorrhoids by a rectal specialist.

• I could never worry about running to catch a bus, for fear of having a heart attack. 

• I could never have such severe stomach cramps that emergency room personnel would assume it was a heart attack. 

• I could never fall down and fracture a hip because my blood pressure medications dropped my blood pressure too low.

• I could never be intubated in the ER with a tube put down my throat and hooked up to a breathing machine after suffering a heart attack.

• I could never be in a nursing home unable to talk after a stroke or move the left side of my body. 

How about you? 

What could you never do?     

image credit: flickr by Claudio Matsuoka and FotoosVanRobin 

• Email This
• Print
• Comments (106)
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

It’s been a privilege to interview such a variety of nutritarians of all ages, from all walks of life; and especially fun to meet young adults who have embraced the healthy eating style. Natalie is a junior in college and has learned the art of eating high nutrient foods while living in a dorm on campus - it can be done! Welcome to Disease Proof, Natalie.

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

I ate like a typical “healthy” college student. While I had vegetables and salad every day, I also had my fair share of dairy, meat, and occasional desserts. I usually had three servings of dairy a day, cereal with lots of milk in the morning, yogurt with lunch, and a glass of milk with dinner. After every exam my friends and I would eat ice-cream, cookies, or some other treat to celebrate. Although my friends considered me a healthy eater in general, I was far from healthy. I often got really tired in the afternoons around “nap-time” and would need something to pick me up and keep me going until dinner. I also had exercise induced asthma that I controlled by inhalers, and I had eczema on my upper arms.

How did you find out about Eat to Live?

I initially read The China Study and it fascinated me. A friend gave me a CD copy Eat for Health, narrated by Dr. Fuhrman, and my mom and I listened to it while driving over spring break. We were so absorbed in it that we didn’t want to get out of the car.

How do you feel now?

I feel fantastic! I have a ton of energy and no longer get sleepy in the afternoons. I also don’t need inhalers any more, and my running times have dropped dramatically. I am on the Endurance Racing Team at school and last spring we ran a relay race across New Hampshire, and I also placed 3^rd overall in a ½ marathon in the fall. The eczema on my upper arms is improving as well. 

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

 

Go all the way. If you try to limit yourself to one non-nutritarian treat a week or so it won’t work. Certain foods are addictive and once you have them you want more and more. Simply set boundaries for yourself and stick to them. Also, if others know you stick to your boundaries they won’t push you as much to eat unhealthy foods.

 What is it like being a nutritarian in college?

It’s hard but far from impossible. My dining hall has a good variety of beans and vegetables in their salad bar. Most of the time I can also get a side of steamed vegetables or a sweet potato. The more challenging aspect is trying to get a variety of foods. Having the same vegetables available day after day can get tiring, and I always look forward to going home where I can cook delicious meals. On the weekends when there are not as many options available in the dining hall I often bike to the grocery store. I get food for the weekend as well as nuts and seeds for the week. This year I invested in an electric rice cooker that I can use in my own room and I use it every morning to make breakfast. I also often use it to steam vegetables. Next year I am hoping to be out of the dorms and live in an apartment with my friends so it will be much easier. I’m looking forward to sharing healthy recipes and meals with my friends!

While none of my friends are fully nutritarians, they support and respect my decision to be one. I’ve also been able to encourage many of them to eat healthier, and they often come to me for healthy recipe ideas. They’ve dramatically increased their fruit and vegetable consumption and don’t eat as much dairy. I was talking about the benefits of kale once, and a friend tried it the next day and said it was one of her new favorite foods. On my birthday my friends surprised me with a delicious, nutritarian, zucchini muffin!

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

 

Nutritarian eating has provided me with the nutrients for my body to optimally function as it was created!

Congratulations Natalie on making wise food choices early in life! We applaud your commitment to health - you are truly a role model to many!

• Email This
• Print
• Comments (17)
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

Candee was first introduced to Eat to Live at one of my library talks in Fort Wayne, Indiana; but like many successful nutritarians it took her awhile to fully commit to following the eating plan. However, once she made the commitment, she took off running at full speed! She lost fifty pounds and now feels like she has her life back! Welcome to Disease Proof, Candee.

What was your life like before discovering Eat to Live?

I have always struggled with my weight, and I’m a lifetime member of two other weight loss programs.  In my thirties I was thin and worked out after work everyday, and I ran 3 or 4 miles several times a week. At that time I didn't have a husband or kids. In my forties the weight started creeping on and I did lose most of it on the Atkins Diet; only to gain it right back and then some. I struggled with sugar, and over the last ten years I quit trying to get healthy and had pretty much stayed at the same (overweight) weight. I felt like hiding and didn't want to participate in physical activities, because it was too much effort and I was always tired.

I bought Eat to Live as soon as you told me about it, and read it while on vacation. I had good intentions to start following it as soon as I got home, but the commitment wasn’t a solid one. However, I did start drinking blueberry / spinach smoothies. 

How do you feel now?

I feel like I have my life back!  I no longer have sugar cravings, and I have lots of energy and confidence now. I feel like the real me is here again because I’m not embarrassed by how I look anymore; plus I’m not afraid to try new activities again. This past summer while on vacation we climbed Sleeping Bear Dunes in northern Michigan. The summer before I would have been waiting in the car!  I also had to go horseback riding with my daughter on Mackinaw Island because my husband is allergic to horses, and I was able to successfully do it! 

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

 

• Make the decision to do it. 

• Change the way you think. It’s about getting healthy; not just losing weight.   

• Eat to Live gives a good plan to follow. I planned out what I would eat everyday and it has never been a problem for me. I eat oatmeal and fruit for breakfast. I always make a big pot of bean or vegetable soup to eat for lunch, and salad or raw veggies and a hot vegetable dish and nuts/seeds for supper.  I try lots of new recipes, and it has really helped me to have a handful of favorites that I know also fit the eating plan. 

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

I’ve lost 50 pounds, and went from size 16 down to a size 6; plus, my cholesterol dropped 60 points! I no longer have acid reflux disease, of which I had taken medication for 20 years. I’m still taking blood pressure medication, but I’m hopeful that I’ll be off of that entirely this year. I’ll turn 57 this month and I feel like I’m no longer getting older; I’m getting better!!

Congratulations Candee and keep up the great job!

• Email This
• Print
• Comments (11)
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

It’s always fun to watch the rippling effect of those who get their health restored. This past January my story inspired Gary to get his health back. Then Gary’s co-worker, Bill, noticed Gary’s dramatic changes and was motivated. Now, almost 100 lbs lighter, Bill is so excited to be healthy and feeling great for the first time in his life! Welcome to Disease Proof, Bill. 

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

My life was out of control, but I didn’t know it. The mirror was a lie for me, because I was living in denial. I had high blood pressure, and I was on meds for various things but thought, “Hey, I’m getting older and this comes with age.”  Food was an addiction and I was addicted! I ate all day and no food was off limits. I hate to think how many calories I ate and how many of them were empty calories.

How did you feel then?

I felt like garbage after eating a meal. At 268 lbs I couldn’t run or participate in activities that I wanted to do. I was slowing down to a crawl, and my future didn’t look hopeful. The really sad part is that I didn’t see myself as obese, and I didn’t realize that being tired all the time was due to poor nutrition and the excess weight that I was carrying around.  It was a downward spiral that desperately needed to be stopped.

How did you find out about Eat to Live?

I was beginning to lose weight through eating better foods and exercising when a co-worker introduced me to nutritarian eating. He was eating more than I was and losing more weight! I was beating myself up in the gym and closely monitoring everything I ate while he was eating big meals of raw veggies, beans, fruits, and nuts. I decided to start eating high nutrient foods also and my body responded in the first few days! I was hooked!

How do you feel now?

I feel like for the first time in my life I have energy! I now weigh 172 lbs and I’m alert and function at a higher level than ever before. I enjoy life now! I eat foods that make me feel good and give me the nutrition that my body has needed all along. My stomach is never upset and I love the way that food tastes these days.

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

Go all the way and get yourself clean from processed foods. Do the six week challenge religiously! It works so well the first week, and each week gets better and better. By the end of my six weeks I wanted to stay on the program forever. Do this for yourself and for your family; it’s so worth it!  It’s hard for me to think that anyone could read Eat to Live or Eat for Health and not want to begin the program.

 

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

It has saved me from leaving this planet early and has made me a better person with more confidence and a renewed zest for life. I want to eat foods that feed my body and allow me to function at the highest level possible. This way of eating fits into my lifestyle and is sustainable for the rest of my life!

Congratulations Bill and keep up the great job!

• Email This
• Print
• Comments (11)
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

Ruth always took good care of her body, but right along with middle-age birthdays came increasing weight gain. She was feeling the heaviness and burden of the scales climbing higher each year .  Thankfully, at age 44 she discovered a new book that changed her life in the aisle of a Whole Foods Market. Welcome to Disease Proof, Ruth.     

What was your life like before discovering Eat to Live?

I’ve always been into health and exercise, but when I turned 40 it became harder to keep weight off and look toned; even with the daily cardio exercise and weight training.  Although I was still able to fit into most of my clothing, some were snug and I would no longer wear them. The numbers on the scale were creeping up and I felt heavy and sluggish.  

I had been mainly a vegetarian. I ate lots of fruits and vegetables, but I did eat cheese, yogurt and salmon.  I tried The Zone Diet but gained 10 lbs. after a year of sticking with Dr. Sears' terribly unappetizing recipes.  At 5’7” I topped the scales at 140 lbs. I was open to becoming vegan, but afraid to take the plunge, because I wasn’t convinced that it was healthy. 

How did you find out Dr. Fuhrman high nutrient eating style?

 I went to Whole Foods and saw a display of health books.  One was Eat to Live, and I noted that the book quoted from The China Study, which I had read and greatly respected. I decided to commit to nutritarian eating.

 What happened and how do you feel now?

Within three months I lost 15 pounds, dropped two to three dress sizes, and reduced my body fat from 33% to 24%. I feel younger and sexy, and I now have more energy and feel rested each morning.  My workouts are stronger and I’m finally toned again ~ my husband says that my body looks like a teenager’s! (By the way, my husband also lost 15 lbs!) 

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

•  It’s important to understand that you can’t eat all-you-want of “healthy” foods like nuts, seeds and whole grains.   When I first started Eat to Live, I wrote to Dr. Fuhrman on Ask the Doctor and told him that I couldn’t believe how much food I could eat and still drop 4 lbs. in the first couple of weeks.  He warned me not to "pig out" and to only eat until I was full.  I was initially put off, but eventually learned that he was right.  I learned to listen to my body and stop eating when I was full.  After that, I dropped even more weight rapidly. 
   
• I eat greens with every meal: spinach in my morning smoothie, a large salad with soup for lunch, and a large salad with dinner.  By loading up on salads first, my “hunger” is largely quenched.  I’m amazed at how much more energy I have by eating less!
   
   

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

It has made me able to be more in tune with my body.  Fueling my body with nutrient rich foods helps me have more energy and look and feel great!

Congratulations Ruth for taking the plunge into nutritarian eating! 

• Email This
• Print
• Comments (17)
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

I became acquainted with Laura through the member center of DrFuhrman.com. I’m always impressed when young adults take control of their health destinies at a relatively young age, and Laura is one of them. It’s exciting to know that she will save herself a lifetime of unnecessary suffering and costly medical expenses in the days, months and years ahead! Welcome to Disease Proof, Laura.

What was your life like before discovering nutritarian eating?

Even though I wasn’t that overweight, I used to be obsessed with food. I felt guilty whenever I ate anything fattening, and most of the time I had stomach aches after eating the standard American diet. I didn’t think there was anything abnormal about it so I didn't try to find a solution. However, fast food always made me sick so I stopped eating it altogether. This helped, but I still didn't feel well most of the time.  

I also had terrible allergic reactions to grass, ragweed, pollen, cats, trees, etc.  If I was invited to a home where there were cats, I'd either decline the invitation or take Benadryl; which always made me groggy, and I still sneezed and sniffed.

How did you find out about Dr. Fuhrman?

About four years ago I was unemployed and spent much of the day online reading about nutrition. Eventually I saw a presentation that Dr. Fuhrman gave on a raw food website and I liked his discoveries that were based on scientific research.

How do you feel now?

I lost close to fifteen pounds and feel lighter; both mentally and physically. I feel more alive and have a bounce in my step. I used to think that it was normal to feel stuffed and not want to move after eating. Now I like to take my dog for a walk after I eat; plus, I have enough energy to workout, whereas before, I couldn’t make myself exercise.

My former obsession with food is gone and I don’t feel guilty about eating now. I know that certain foods make me feel good and other foods make me feel lethargic, stuffed, and overweight.  I’ve now trained myself to think before eating, “Is this food going to keep me feeling light, able to exercise and move around, or is this food going to drag me down?” Meals have never been more enjoyable.  

I haven't taken Benadryl for a couple of years, and I even live with a cat now! This has been the most remarkable change since I never expected to get rid of allergies.  I still have symptoms if I pet cats and scratch my eyes, but for the most part, I’ve forgotten what is was like to have allergies.  

Plus, I used to have urinary tract infections and now I don’t, and I used to have continual sinus drainage down the back of my throat and now it’s completely gone!

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

• It's been extremely helpful to have a friend who is supportive. I recommend attending a lecture that Dr. Fuhrman gives in-person, and take a friend or relative along. [Dr Fuhrman was speaking in New Jersey and I begged my friend to go with me; I’m so glad she did!]

• There are lots of healthy recipes that you will like.  You don't have to eat foods that you dislike.  
   

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

 

It has totally changed my life! I’m so thankful to be able to really enjoy eating with no guilt while also giving my body the nutrients it needs to fight off viruses, cancer cells, bacteria, etc. It has also caused me stop obsessing about food and finding the right diet.  There's no longer the temptation to find the latest way to lose weight or feel better.  I’ve discovered what really works to live in great health and that settles it for me.  Nutritarian eating does takes some effort, but it doesn’t take long to see and enjoy the rewards!  

Congratulations Laura ~ we are so proud of you for choosing optimal health so early in life!

image credit: Reggie Meneses

• Email This
• Print
• Comments (9)
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

As a Grandma to three energetic grandsons, Sue is thankful to have lost the 117 pounds that she was carrying around on her small, 5’ 2-1/2” frame. She’s your typical American woman who was caught in the downward spiral of yo-yo dieting, malnutrition and poor health as a result of the dieting industry; that is, until she was introduced to eating for health. Welcome to Disease Proof, Sue.   

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

When I was 28-years-old I weighed 245 pounds and wore a size 22.  Climbing the stairs caused me to be out of breath, and leisurely walks and bike rides were tiring. In our house we ate a steady diet of McDonalds, pizza, roast beef with mashed potatoes, and we didn’t eat fruits and vegetables except for some occasional sweet corn. Needless to say, my body was starving for nutrition and I didn't even know it.

When my son started school, I decided that I would lose some weight, so I started the cycle of yo-yo dieting.  I tried many different diets: Weight Watchers, Protein Power, Atkins, The Carbohydrate Addicts’ Diet, and Pure Weight Loss...these diets worked temporarily, but I always gained the weight back. Nothing made me healthy, and I was always on a continual search for a quick fix to lose unwanted pounds.

However, at the end of my 89-year-old mother’s life, I spent time assisting her in a nursing home. Watching her in physical therapy trying to do simple tasks like lifting her hands above her head made me realize that I needed to take care of myself NOW! That was my “wake-up call.” 

How did you feel then?

I didn’t feel well.  I was pre-diabetic, lethargic, and my legs, feet and back hurt.  I intentionally stayed away from my doctor, because I was afraid of what he might find. 

How did you find out about ETL?

I joined a 12-week weight loss program, led and taught by Dr. Kachmann, a neurosurgeon in Fort Wayne who introduced me to a healthy lifestyle. At one of the sessions, Emily Boller shared her story of how she became healthy as a result of following Dr. Fuhrman’s books, Eat to Live and Eat for Health. I bought Eat to Live and couldn’t put it down.  

How do you feel now?

I’m totally energized and no longer pre-diabetic.  I walk for exercise; plus, I take yoga classes 5 days / week.  I have three grandsons and I can keep up with them; even from opening to closing at Disney World for five days in a row!

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

• Put your health first.

• Read "Eat to Live." Mark it up and know what it says. 

• Eat high nutrient foods, and don’t worry about weight loss as you’ll naturally become thin, healthy and happy as a result.

• Take your time and get used to eating correctly.  Your body will love you for it!

   

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

At age 61, I’m now healthy and eat lots of fruits, vegetables and beans, and very little meat; plus, I’m no longer bound by counting calories and points, and the downward cycle of yo-yo dieting.  Eat to Live has changed my life!  

Congratulations to a healthy and energetic Grandma . . . for years to come!

• Email This
• Print
• Comments (14)
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

 Dr. Fuhrman's upcoming Weekend Immersion is being held January 14-16, 2011 at The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village in Princeton, NJ.

Be immersed in a nutritarian lifestyle:

• Seven lectures presented by Dr. Fuhrman that will transform your thinking about health and disease
• Dr. Fuhrman's great-tasting high nutrient cuisine at every meal that is sure to satisfy;
• Recipe and menu planning instruction that will inspire and spark your culinary skills;
• Exercise classes
• A warm, friendly environment to make connections, build relationships, gain knowledge to control the future of your health and have fun!

When you leave stay connected with a FREE 1 month subscription to Dr. Fuhrman's Member Support Center.

Read more!

• Email This
• Print
• Comments (3)
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

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 

• Email This
• Print
• Comments (21)
• Trackbacks
• Share Link