Happy Thanksgiving or should I say, Happy Thanks-Living!
Even though I tend to make this holiday 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.
There's so much I am thankful for — so much we're all thankful for — and in light of giving thanks, this week's Herbie of the Week is YOU!
Last month I asked Herbies on Facebook to share any kind of benefit they've experienced since going plant-based, and the responses came pouring in!
Here are some of the highlights!
You'll quickly see just how far-reaching the effects are.
"7 years of trying to conceive with no luck. Pregnant after three months of both my husband and I going plant-based. We are currently expecting our third." - Annie W
"Asthma for 47 years disappeared. Plantar Fasciitis disappeared." - David V
"I was on 3 different meds for depression/ anxiety. A very unexpected "side effect" of going plant-based was being able to ditch all meds, better focus and state of mind. - Jen S
"I am off of my fibromyalgia meds, and down a little over 20 lbs." - Caroyln A
"My sinus issues went away. No longer needed medications for sinuses and other medical issues." - Joy B
"Better skin. Better sleep. Stamina to do my weight lifting program! Anxiety is almost nonexistent. No PMS! Weight loss tho i tossed my scale so i dont have a number...but its the equivalent of 2 pant sizes!" - Samantha R
"No recurrence of breast cancer in 3 years when it was highly guaranteed!" - Tamara B
"Hair, skin, nails - shining!! Energy levels thru the roof! GI issues, gone!!" - Rachel P
"I've lost 25 pounds, got off 4 medications, reversed my PCOS, no more migraines, more energy, better skin, better teeth, and I'm rarely sick." -Shannan W
"My husband has been going for colonoscopies since he was 27 for a family history of colon cancer. On his first colonoscopy they found tumors and polyps that they just wanted to watch. We went plant-based and he just recently had his first colonoscopy in 8 years that is clear. No sign of the polyps or tumors, they've disappeared!" - Kristen L
"After 2 1/2 years the list is long....50 lbs down and no difficulty maintaining / eliminated rheumatoid arthritis symptoms / no migraines / blood pressure good / lowered cholesterol 120 points / perfect blood sugar with no diabetes problems / no acid re-flux or indigestion since 2nd day plant-based / mega energy / oh have had no allergy symptoms or colds! This is a miracle for me since I have had two strokes and am 65 years old. Would never go back to eating animals and oils!!!" - Charlotte G
"Depression and anxiety disorders eased, PCOS gone, acne gone, hair thicker and darker, better mental clarity, significantly reduced sinus problems, no more GI issues, higher energy levels, and (last but not least) significant amount of weight lost." - Bailey G
"Here's one I never hear about: less plaque! I used to have to get teeth cleanings every 3 months and was having gum issues (in my late 20's!). Since I went plant based I only go for cleanings every 6 months and my dentist can't believe the difference! She couldn't find a study done on it but I know it's from not drinking milk and eating yogurt all day!" - Erika S
"Not only did I lose 100 lbs in 6 months in 2011 after going veg. The 3 autoimmune disorders that I was just diagnosed with and told there was no cause and no cure for, as well as being bed ridden and told I'd buy myself a wheelchair in a year? Yeah.. No trace of any!?! Veg for life." - Dawn R
"I don't poop more. I poop better. Before I may have had IBS or something (never got diagnosed or took it to a doctor) or just normal reaction to a very fiber-poor diet. Anyway, much more consistently regular BMs." - Rachel R
"75 pounds lost, rosacea (gone), acid reflux (gone), sciatica (gone), plantar fasciitis (gone), candida infections (gone), anxiety (gone), depression (gone)." - Christina G
"For me it was pre-menopausal hot flashes, I can honestly say that I have had 1 since going plant-based." - Brandi G
"My heartburn and reflux (gross, I know) have gone away COMPLETELY. I never feel over-stuffed anymore, I sleep more soundly, my face is clearing up, and I can breath easier during cardio. I've only been plant-based for several months." - Alexis G
"Faster recovery from training sessions which means ability to push harder which means faster race times." - Jason 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
- Asthma
- Allergies/Nasal Congestion/Sinus Infections
- 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.
