These documentaries could save your life... and maybe even your soul

This week, I saw two documentaries that, though seemingly unrelated to each other, impacted me in a combined way.  They are each in limited distribution (well, in Phoenix anyway) and just happened to release during the same time period.  


Forks Over Knives is a research and clinical trials-driven film that retraces the steps of Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn as they independently realize through their research that a plant-based diet can save lives.  Yes, I did say "save lives".  Dr. Campbell's The China Study, the largest nutrition research project ever undertaken, proves that a plant-based diet can not only prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and other ailments, but it can actually reverse them.  Dr. Esselstyn comes to the same conclusion through his clinical trials and also learns that casein, an ingredient in animal products (most notably in cheese and milk) can actually turn on cancers.  So why isn't everyone eating this way?  Unfortunately, corporations, factory farmers, government agencies and even the scientific community benefits when consumers continue to eat meat and dairy.  And if this thought makes you angry, I felt the same way!  


I Am is a documentary by Tom Shadyac who directed Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Liar, Liar and other side-splitters.  After a bike accident where he suffered debilitating symptoms that weren't getting better, he thought more about his life and what he'd learned.  And he realized that money wasn't making him happy.  Like most of us, he'd been taught that competition and "winning" was the route to happiness.  Here he was, at the top of his game, and he felt nothing.  He met with top scientists and thought leaders and found something profound.  Not only are humans not hard-wired for competition, compassion and cooperation are in our DNA.  Moreover, we are all connected.  I know this sounds like new-age stuff (I thought so too, at the beginning of the film), but he proves his point in a very compelling way.  And it's our responsibility to help others on this planet, not run over them on our quest for the top.


Together, these films made me think about what my best life looks like.  Do I want to continue killing myself, animals and the environment by eating animal products?  (We know the answer since I am vegan).  And how do I live my best life - is all the "stuff" really important?  Do I need to work for that big corporation so that I can have nicer clothes or a bigger TV?  Both films put into perspective what a best life might look like and helped me to refocus my energies.  Take a few hours out of your day and see both of these films before they leave theaters.  I would bet that you will take something profound away from each.   

Vegan Perks

I'm sure you've heard that going vegan is difficult.  Maybe you've considered it, but like so many people, decided you just can't live without your cheese.  It's understandable since cheese has casein in it which is an addictive substance (casomorphine, actually!).  And you're right, being vegan outside of a major hub like New York or Portland CAN be tough.  But I'm here to tell you that, in addition to the most promoted benefits of veganism (preventing cruelty, saving the earth, becoming truly healthy) there are other, side benefits that might just change your mind!


1. Say goodbye to your allergies: I live with 2 dogs and 3 cats, and have always been horribly allergic to them.  I'm an animal person, however, and they are part of my family so I've dealt with it.  I was on 3 allergy medications - a nasal spray, Singulair and an inhaler.  And sometimes even that wasn't enough.  Since I've been vegan, however, I've given ALL of them up.  And I still sneeze occasionally but for the most part the allergies are gone.  And the pets are still here - by my feet as I write this.


2. Your skin will glow: I've never had terrible skin - I thank my mother's genes that I don't yet have wrinkles and rarely have major breakouts.  But since going vegan, my skin positively glows.  I've even gotten comments from friends about it.  I'm not using any new products or even drinking more water.  My diet has made all the difference.  And keep in mind that I was vegetarian for 3 years before becoming vegan, so these changes are just from giving up dairy and fish.


3. Your energy levels will even out: Unlike many vegans, I haven't given up sugar - I still love vegan chocolate chips, which is why you won't see me adding "weight loss" to this list!  However, I've found that my energy has much fewer ebbs and flows during the day.  I rarely feel like I need a nap in the afternoon anymore.  I have more energy to walk/run with the dogs farther in the mornings and have stepped up my exercise routine as a result.  Can't claim weight loss yet but working on it!


These 3 changes underscore that I'm doing something wonderful for my body (and the animals, and the earth) and make me feel great every day - even on days that aren't so great.  Try it for a week and see how you feel!  

Vegan Poem

Point of View


Thanksgiving dinner's sad and thankless
Christmas dinner's dark and blue
When you stop and try to see it
From the turkey's point of view


Sunday dinner isn't sunny
Easter feasts are just bad luck
When you see it from the viewpoint
Of a chicken or a duck


Oh how I once loved tuna salad
Pork and lobsters, lamb chops too
Till I stopped and looked at dinner
From the dinner's point of view


- from the beautiful mind of Shel Silverstein