The title from this episode comes from my favorite cookbooks - Thug Kitchen (more cookbook recommendations at the end) and the Book of the Week is one that transformed how I eat forever.
In today's conversation, we're getting into the book, The China Study: Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-Term Health by T. Colin Campbell PhD and Thomas M. Campbell II.
It's filled with research, studies, and resources on the benefits of minimizing the meat and dairy we consume and the case for adding in more (real) plants.
You'll get a sneak peek of the wide-range of areas this book covers as we go through today, 13-fun and random facts that will give you something to chew on (cheesy pun intended) and might entice you to go and grab this book for yourself.
It is VERY "sciency" so if you like that kind of thing, ,you'll appreciate this. If you're not so much into that level of detail, there's plenty of charts and graphs to follow along and still get the point. Either way, once you get into it, I think you'll find it very eye-opening and maybe even binge-worthy as you learn more about how to live longer, be healthier, and prevent/reverse disease.
You'll hear how despite being a vegetarian since college, I wasn't that healthy (mostly because I didn't actually eat that many vegetables), and how this book significantly shifted my perspective on what I put into my body and what goes into the food I put into my body.
After committing to this transformation a little over 10 years ago, my acne and "backne" that I was still majorly struggling with in my mid-20s became almost non-existent, my skin also felt brighter, I rarely was ever constipated (I thought this could me TMI, but I know you can handle it), I lost weight, and I was able to complete a full marathon, 100% on a plant-based diet, in less than 4 hours (sharing this not to brag, but to highlight the strength and energy I had from this shift).
When you think about food, I always like the approach of how I can add in more healthy foods instead of focusing on all the will-power you're going to need to cut things out. I have found almost by default that will happen overtime by getting crowded out by all the food that's bringing you health and energy.
*I think we all already are aware of this but just in case - I am NOT a medical professional of any kind. The information I shared today is directly from this book or my own personal experience, which most likely will be different from yours. I know you're smart and will consult with your doctor on any major changes this book might inspire. xoxo.
Grab The China Study here: https://amzn.to/3fPez5U
Thug Kitchen Cookbook: https://amzn.to/36jxQta
The Joy of Vegan Baking: https://amzn.to/37g2B1s
Prevent and Reverse Hearth Disease book: https://amzn.to/36nswVU
The Truth About Cancer: https://amzn.to/2VkdTvX
Thrive - The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports: https://amzn.to/2JwEZxd
Forks Over Knives documentary: https://www.forksoverknives.com/
Food Inc. documentary: https://youtu.be/IJDGUxqEdYY
Mayo Clinic article - How plant-based food helps fight cancer: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/how-plant-based-food-helps-fight-cancer/art-20457590
The Gerson Therapy method: a natural treatment that activates the body’s extraordinary ability to heal itself through an organic, plant-based diet, raw juices, coffee enemas and natural supplements - more here.