Hey everyone!
I wanted to share my journey to becoming vegan, a decision that has profoundly changed my life and health. It all started when I began visiting a chiropractor school in my city for adjustments. I’ve always struggled with high blood pressure, and one day, the student chiropractor was concerned enough to call in their teacher. This teacher, who happened to be a functional health doctor, gave me a life-changing recommendation.
She suggested that I reduce the stress in my life (obviously), gave me an encouraging pep talk, and, most importantly, recommended that I read a book called “How Not to Die” by Michael Greger. This book opened my eyes to the incredible benefits of a plant-based diet.
About “How Not to Die”
In “How Not to Die,” Dr. Michael Greger examines the top causes of premature death and explains how certain lifestyle and dietary changes can prevent and even reverse these causes. He emphasizes the power of a whole food, plant-based diet to improve overall health. From my understanding, most health related issues stem from animal products. That’s insane to me. The book is packed with scientific research and practical advice on incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet. One of the key takeaways for me was understanding how what we eat can directly impact our long-term health and longevity.
My Plant-Based Journey
Ever since reading “How Not to Die,” I have committed to a plant-based diet. It’s been almost two years now, and the changes have been remarkable. I strive to stick to a whole food, plant-based diet with no salt, no sugar, and no oil. Admittedly, this can be extremely difficult, and while I always maintain a vegan diet, I do still enjoy my sugar. I work hard to limit my oil and salt intake, never adding salt to my food and seeking out seasonings without salt.
Health Improvements
The most significant change I’ve noticed is in my health metrics. My blood pressure has decreased considerably over time. Even more encouraging are my blood lab tests—my cholesterol levels, diabetic precursors, and other health markers have all improved significantly within the first year. While I haven’t lost any weight, which is likely due to still indulging in some junk food like oil fried fries and Impossible Burgers, the overall improvements in my health have been motivating.
Recommendations
I highly recommend reading “How Not to Die.” Dr. Greger also has another excellent book called “How Not to Diet,” along with corresponding cookbooks that I find incredibly useful. If you’re looking to change your health and life, these resources are a great place to start. Of course, this is my personal journey, and I always advise consulting with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes.
Thank you for letting me share my story with you. I’ll include some links to the books and cookbooks for those who are interested.
Until next time,
Ryan from Ryan Can Make It
Links to Resources:
• How Not to Die by Michael Greger
• How Not to Diet by Michael Greger
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