Show Me the Money!
In the final course toward eCornell’s certificate in plant-based nutrition, I’m asked to defend my diet — again. Of course, I’ve done this before and posted my “ESAD” philosophy, but if you don’t want to be offended, don’t click the link. Meanwhile, here’s a refresher on the question, “Why don’t you eat a normal diet?”
Eating the normal American diet is a form of slow poisoning. I don’t do it because I don’t want to be sick with normal American diseases like cancer, heart disease and diabetes. And because I don’t want to be a victim of food industry marketing, or government misinformation, or rely on our health care system.
A natural diet of plant foods, similar to what our hunter/gather ancestors ate for thousands of years, is so health promoting that there are ultra marathon runners, like Grant Campbell and Mike Arnstein, who fuel their bodies with nothing but clean burning fruits and vegetables. They’re not taxed with the “biological debt” a normal diet causes.
Americans’ diet of high protein animal foods, and highly refined carbohydrates and manufactured “foods” is a recipe for feeling tired, getting sick and eventually getting deadly diseases, in spite of what the food industry and our doctors tell us. Our doctors aren’t taught about nutrition and prevention in medical schools. Further, food and drug companies fund much of their continued education and scientific studies, so most doctors simply prescribe pills that don’t address the cause of health problems.
Remember the movie Jerry Maguire with the line, “Show me the money?” We should think of that line whenever we see a packaged food, or marketing about calcium, protein or other single nutrients. Animal protein and processed foods don’t do a body good, they just help industries make more money off of our ill health. The complex nutrients from plants can’t be patented and sold for huge profits, but they are the nutrients you can trust for optimal health.
Amanda, I am right there with you! You're not defending your position, but educating others.
Thanks, I’ve just been checking out cosrues. I too have become much more conscious about what I eat and drink following major surgery a few years ago and the roller coaster that follows. Why don’t doctors play a bigger role in educating people on this subject? no wait!! I already know the answer to that!