Happy Thanksgiving or should I say, Happy Thanks-Living!
Even though I tend to make this day about food (a lot of food!), I always like to take a moment to really meditate on what I'm thankful for.
My health.
The health of my family and friends.
The health of my Herbies.
My Herbies in general...
...and so on.
My Dad ("Papa Herbivore") also emailed this in to share with you today:
BE THANKFUL
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary because it means you've made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.
-Author Unknown
There's so much I am thankful for — so much we're all thankful for — and in light of this day and giving thanks, this week's Herbie of the Week is YOU !
Last week I posted on Facebook: "What are some of the benefits you've experienced since adopting a plant-based diet?" and the responses came pouring in!
Here are some of the highlights!
You'll quickly see just how far-reaching the effects are.
"Had five clusters of intestinal polyps. Next exam, zero. Had a shadow on my mammogram for years, after the switch it "disappeared." Came off more than five meds for heart, menopause, gout. Lost 50 pounds. More energy." - Brenda R
"I cured my hypoglycemia. I went from passing out from behind the wheel and needing a service dog to being completely able to drive and not getting the 'shakes' anymore. My bgl has been 70-90 for 18mos." - Kate H
"My cholesterol dropped and my cardiologist stopped trying to get me to take prescription drugs and just told me to keep doing what I was doing and I would be fine. The arthritis in my knees also improved. (I did lose 40 pounds, went from a size 14 to a 10, and my husband has lost 25.) I love cooking now that I do not have to handle animal products!" - Karen J
"My husband and I struggled with infertility for five years. Eight months after going plant-based, I got pregnant . My diet was the only thing that changed in all of those years." - Kelly K
"I had suffered with irritable bowel syndrome my entire life and had two colonoscopies before I was 23. I had a hard time digesting any food and was very sick. Now I have zero issues praise the Lord! My plant based diet has given me my life back. " - Laura E
"It has revitalized family dinners by allowing us to learn, cook, and eat together. With others, the term 'plant-based' has opened the door to so many important conversations. I'll never go back!" - Jenna C
"I have had NO fibromyalgia since going plant based. There were days that I couldn't even get out of bed before I changed my way of eating. I will never stop eating plant based! And I love your meal plans." Carrie T
" I was supposed to have may gallbladder removed in Feb & 9 months later (& 49lbs lighter), I still have it & no pain!! Also, every since I was a toddler, I suffered from constipation (1x/wk bowels). For the first time in my life, I am regular!! I feel so great I will never go back to the traditional American diet! PS- I LOVE your recipes!!" - Dena B
"My daughters' Chronic Vomiting Syndrome (related to migraines) has disappeared and my other daughter has stopped having painful tummy aches! Both girls have been amazingly healthy considering the germ pool they are exposed to. I feel happier and have tons more energy. I lost weight, lowered cholesterol. And my husbands high blood pressure is way down!! So proud of the food our family eats! Thank you for all your help!" - Sonia W
"Here's a crazy one for you. No more sunburn, ever." - Tony M
"Reversed my diabetes!! My cholesterol has come way down also." - Jackie H
"Hubby had GERD which led to a variety of diagnostic tests (colonoscopy/endoscopy) which discovered pre-cancerous stomach lining, colon polyps...all reversed after a year of WFPB diet!!!" - Margret G
"My dental check ups have been fabulous. The hygienist actually asked what had changed." - Sandi E
"If I don't get to my sink full of dirty dishes right away, my sink doesn't smell so gross! Plant based leftover food on the plate doesn't smell nasty and rotten like dairy and meat does! Also, my grocery bills are so much cheaper! " - Emily H
"Being SO happy. Like being high on endorphins almost. Much lighter (not necessarily weight) just as if a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders." - Ashlee B
Summarized medical issues, symptoms and health problems that have been reduced or eliminated by adopting a plant-based diet (as reported by Herbies on Facebook):
- Acne
- Headache/Migraine
- Bloating/Stomach Issues
- Hypothyroidism
- T2 Diabetes
- Acid Reflux/Heartburn
- Cholesterol
- Anemia
- PCOS
- Joint/Muscle Pain
- Constipation
- High Blood Pressure
- T2 Diabetes
- Asthma
- Allergies/Nasal Congestion/Sinus Infections
- High Blood Pressure
- Disordered Eating
- Hot Flashes
Other noted improvements in health and well-being reported by Herbies:
- Weight-Loss
- More Happiness/No Depression
- Improved Appearance (look younger, more rested, etc.)
- Improved Energy
- Improved Immune System (no sickness, quick recovery, etc.)
- Improved Fitness/Muscle Mass
- Improved Sleep
- Improved Bowel Movements
- Improved Spirituality
- Improved Senses (smell, taste, etc.)
- Improved Teeth (less sensitivity, whiter)
- Reduced/Eliminated Cravings for Junk Food
- Reduced/Eliminated Insulin Dependence
- Reduced Inflammation
- Strong Nails/Hair
- Enjoy Cooking/Food
- Mental Clarity
- Off Medications
I did a similar post last year for Thanksgiving, that you can read here .
P.S. If you haven't heard, I'm hosting a LIVE webinar Q&A; on Monday December 2nd at 9pm EST/6pm PST . For more details and to RSVP, check out the Facebook event page !