Food Healed Me: 5 Things I Learned After Being Plant-Based for 1 Year

One year ago I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I had been pretty ill all my life and I was over it. I wanted to truly get well from the inside out so I researched how to reach optimal health. Everything I read said that a plant based lifestyle was the path to get there.

Growing up in the midwest, not eating animal products was a tough concept for me. We ate meat at every meal. I had evolved from cow’s milk to almond milk over the past couple of years. But giving up cheese? I KNEW that was gonna be rough. I mean, pizza is my favorite food.

At urgent care in early 2018…this was the norm

But when you’ve been sick long enough. You’re willing to try anything to get well. And for me that anything included going plant based.

A year later I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions of my life. I haven’t been on any antibiotics at all during this year. That’s something that hasn’t happened my entire life.

I’ve been sick twice in the past year with a cold but my body was able to fight it off on it’s own (again something that I previously was unable to do without antibiotics). I’ve had drastically less migraines, sinus infections, bronchitis, respiratory infections, seasonal allergy and period symptoms.

Imagine being sick to the point of going to urgent care once a month, getting frequent migraines and just not ever really feeling good.

Now imagine the opposite.

My life has completely changed for the better – all because of food.

I’ve regained my health and found my purpose/ministry in sharing the benefits of food + fitness + faith being the transformational formula for optimal health. I soon will be certified in holistic nutrition. My goal is to help as many people as I can.

As I mentioned above, the transition hasn’t always been easy. That’s why I wanted to share with you a few things I’ve learned in this last year in hopes that it will help you along your journey to holistic wellness.

1.Be open

One of the keys to successfully transitioning to a plant-based diet is remaining open. Open to the idea that yep, it’s a meal even if there is no meat. Willing to get creative in the kitchen. Saying, “sure I’ll try that!”

Being open to expanding your horizon and putting an end to just eating the same three fruits and vegetables. Allowing yourself to try the bounty of goodness the good Lord provided us. Not boxing yourself in. That’s a life message right there!

2. Prioritize your health

Not sure why we treat ourselves so bad. Is it because we think that when we destroy this body, there’s another one waiting for us? We’ve seen our family members leave this earth due to heart attacks, cancer and diabetes which can be reversed and prevented. So why do we continue to eat the way they did? We’re quick to say, certain diseases and medical conditions run in our family but genetic factors are not the major cause of chronic diseases.

Our dietary habits are what runs in our families and until we prioritize our health by changing the way we eat that will continue. It already is, the generation of kids currently growing up is on path to be the first to not live longer than their parents. Wake up ya’ll. Time to take responsibility for not only our health but our children’s as well.

3. It’s contagious…in a good way

It’s a fact that positivity is contagious. The hubby and I wrote about that last week. So when other folks see you prioritizing your health. They’ll start to ask questions. The next thing you know, they’ve starting taking steps to improve their health. The next thing you know, they’ll be telling you that you should start a blog. I’m just telling you what I know. When folks see other people thrive, they want in too. And is that not why we are here? To share? The bible says in Hebrews 13:16, “And do not forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” You’ll feel so good that you can’t help but share, my friend.

4. You need it, Yep. YOU.

Some of you thought while reading the into to this blog, “my immune system is NO where near as bad as yours was. Mine is iron clad…I don’t have those problems.” That may be true but everyone can take steps to be healthier. Maybe it’s exercising more. Or eating less junk food. Maybe it’s trading in the pop for sparkling water.

All changes, big or small, are steps towards a healthier you and are worth taking. We can often be shortsighted when it comes to our health. Just because something tastes good doesn’t me we should eat a plethora of it to the detriment of our health. You may be a functioning 42 year-old but if you’re on blood pressure meds, have joint pain and your pants size is going up every year. Guess what? You need it.

5. Make it work for you

If I had a nickel for every time I heard, “I could never do that,” I could pay off these University of Michigan student loans. You can do this. You just have to make it work for you. One of the reasons I’m plant-based (over being a vegan) is that it’s flexible. The goal is to eat mostly plants and whole (unprocessed or minimally processed) foods. Unlike veganism which totally excludes all animal products, my plant based lifestyle includes an occasional piece of fish and I love honey, so that too. I try to live by the 90/10 rule. Meaning I stick to eating plants 90% of the time and may eat seafood 10% of the time.

The point here is that if you just can’t give up chicken don’t let that stop you from eating more plants. Maybe only have it 3 days a week. Try having meatless Mondays. My husband doesn’t eat meat at all during the week but allows himself to on Saturday and Sunday. It’s all about finding something healthier that works for you. Again, each step forward is super beneficial to your short and long term health goals.

It’s been an honor and a pleasure sharing my journey with you. Thanks for reading, subscribing, fasting with me and listening to all my random health facts. You’ve been confirmation of God’s purpose for me. I wholeheartedly thank you for that. I pray for continued progress and blessing along your path to optimal health.

XOXO,

Whitney

What healthy habits have you incorporated in your lifestyle? What changes do you know you need to make? What’s holding you back?