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Is anyone transitioning to a WFPB diet for Health Benefits?

7K views 36 replies 15 participants last post by  FredVegrox 
#1 ·
I'm currently transitioning to a more whole foods, plant based diet for the potential health benefits of eating this way. I'm following Dr. Fuhrman's Eat To Live protocol and basing my days around his GBombs list.

Yesterday after I did an introduction post and received a pm, I realized that this is an ethical vegetarian/vegan forum, but was really hoping to connect with others who are following a WFPB diet because of the solid research showing this woe may be the best for long term better health/longevity of life. I'm feeling a bit alone right now, trying to make all the changes to my diet, and would love to connect with others who are doing this for health reasons, follow Dr. Fuhrman etc.

Anyone?
 
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#2 · (Edited)
I realized that this is an ethical vegetarian/vegan forum,
Hi, this site is for both vegetarians and vegans.

Vegetarianism is a diet rather than an ethical belief system; a diet that excludes animal products in varying degrees.

Vegetarians exclude all forms of 'flesh' (including from mammals, birds and fish) but often eat eggs and milk. Other vegetarians exclude animal flesh as well as animal products like milk or eggs.

Traditionally a diet that excludes all forms of animal foods, is called 'strict vegetarian', however in mainstream media this older term has more recently been replaced with 'vegan', resulting in some confusion for people adopting a plant-based diet.

People can be vegetarian for any reason at all, including health.

Welcome to the forums :)
 
#3 · (Edited)
Hi, this site is for both vegetarians and vegans.

Vegetarianism is a diet rather than an ethical belief system; a diet that excludes animal products in varying degrees.

Vegetarians often eat eggs and milk, but other vegetarians also completely exclude animal flesh or animal products like milk or eggs.

Traditionally a diet that excludes all forms of animal foods, is called 'strict vegetarian', however in mainstream media this older term has more recently been replaced with 'vegan', resulting in some confusion for people adopting a plant-based diet.

People can be vegetarian for any reason at all, including health.

Welcome to the forums :)
Thanks for the clarification and the welcome! I mentioned in my intro post that I've eliminated all animal/dairy products from my diet except for 1 serving of fish a week at this time, and received a pm from a senior member informing that this was an ethical forum. Don't mean to step on any toes, just hoping to find others who also eat a predominately whole foods, plant based diet :)

I'm also coming about this whole thing in an unconventional way-several years ago I was labeled a pre-diabetic and was on my way to joining my many family members who were type 2 diabetics. Decided to try and beat the odds and lost around 50lbs, becoming the first person in my family who's lost the extra weight and maintained the loss for any amount of time, as well as the only one who's reversed the progression of pre-diabetes. I lost the weight and improved all my health markers/blood work panels while still eating a typical SAD diet, just with the correct calorie intake for my weight management goals. Still was eating fast food 3-4 times a week, guzzling diet soda, eating all sorts of processed/convenience foods, animal products every day, very minimal veggies and no fruit at all etc. This made my doctor's eye twitch lol. But, my test results have come back consistently solid for the past few years now and the data is pretty black and white.

Maintenance has been going good for the past 4-ish years, but earlier this year I became interested in how food may play a role in long term health/longevity of life. The big meta study that came out earlier this year from the Imperial College London, about quantity of veg/fruit, and how that relates to a significant reduction of various diseases really intrigued me, and that tied into my research on Blue Zones, especially the one group in the U.S.- which is a SDA vegetarian community in CA.

All of that led me to getting into Dr. Fuhrman's books/site and over the past couple months I've been switching to his eating protocol. Every day I make it a goal to get in 'Gbombs' (leafy greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, berries and seeds). And then I fill in the rest of my menu with other veggies, fruit, whole grains, nuts, fermented foods etc. I'm not super strict about it and yesterday I ate a serving of Oreos, no regrets lol. But, overall my way of eating is centered around a more whole foods, plant based diet.

So, not only am I statistical freak of nature for successfully maintaining weight loss long term, but I'm also that weirdo who's drinking canning jars full of green smoothies every day for breakfast and opting for sides of broccoli instead of french fries at restaurants, (my husband things I'm totally nuts :nerd: ).

edit: for clarification

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#5 ·
I don't follow any one particular method, but work hard to consume mostly whole food plant based options based on observing many methods and trying a few myself. I decided to put all of my energies into that after being harmed even worse by so called professionals who heavily practice their gigs based on peer-reviewed information. I remain very jaded and cautious regardless of how many letters they have behind their name or how many peer reviewed studies they can produce. Not all things are suitable for all people, even the things the alphabet agencies highly suggest, even sometimes, as I painfully learned, especially the things they suggest.

I read and watched many different wfpb consumption suggestions, and those who were practicing them, through the years that convinced me it was the right path for me to take. Including, but not limited to, the Mucusless Diet Healing System (also received a pretty stern pm when I first joined for sharing that resource and explaining how helpful it was to me, but I still strongly feel it saved my life - I weighed over 300 lbs and was damn near bed ridden prior to discovering and using it), the 80/10/10 book, Rational Fasting, Nutritional Influences on Illness, Forks Over Knives, Eat This and Live, and Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life. Pulling from each source what felt right to my gut, literally and figuratively.

I started the process for the health of it, with close one on one guidance from a local friend who healed many of her own issues via practicing it, out of desperation from trying every damn thing else, immediately after a visit to the ER a little over two years ago.

Prior to that attempt, I had switched to only local meat, dairy, eggs, and what I thought was "cleaner" seafood options, yet was still suffering tremendously. Then I started watching documentaries about the path all things take to get to my plate and learned all that marketing of "happy cows/pigs/fish", and grass fed benefits BS was just that, BS. Fish swim in their own waste, along with what the humans pollute it with, and that just sounded so gross to me. I'd never had a reason to think of this stuff before. I was infuriated. Until animals start volunteering their body parts and secretions for us to consume, I'll happily refrain from exploiting all other living things. My heart can never again be okay with it.

It's the hardest thing I've ever done. EVER! Even in a community of others who practice vegan eating, I'm still looked at and often spoken to as an oddball for doing mostly whole food plant based and often read comments about how folks who eat that way must simply be way too obsessive/compulsive and are just too anal, militant, (insert favorite degrading adjective here). It often feels similar to the reception I typically get from some meat eaters, but oh well. Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy.

I decided to become a bit more lax in my discipline, especially over the winter time, to try more of the packaged vegan options I kept hearing rave reviews about, only to gain 30+ pounds back of the 110 I lost. That's enough proof for me that the wfpb option remains the healthiest and most highly functional option for my particular biology. I look forward to a day when it's as warmly embraced as many other things. But until then, I'll keep foraging for and growing as much of my own plants as possible while avoiding as much of the stuff made in plants that I can. Glad you're a part of the community. Welcome.
 
#7 · (Edited)
I don't follow any one particular method, but work hard to consume mostly whole food plant based options based on observing many methods and trying a few myself. I decided to put all of my energies into that after being harmed even worse by so called professionals who heavily practice their gigs based on peer-reviewed information. I remain very jaded and cautious regardless of how many letters they have behind their name or how many peer reviewed studies they can produce. Not all things are suitable for all people, even the things the alphabet agencies highly suggest, even sometimes, as I painfully learned, especially the things they suggest.

I read and watched many different wfpb consumption suggestions, and those who were practicing them, through the years that convinced me it was the right path for me to take. Including, but not limited to, the Mucusless Diet Healing System (also received a pretty stern pm when I first joined for sharing that resource and explaining how helpful it was to me, but I still strongly feel it saved my life - I weighed over 300 lbs and was damn near bed ridden prior to discovering and using it), the 80/10/10 book, Rational Fasting, Nutritional Influences on Illness, Forks Over Knives, Eat This and Live, and Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life. Pulling from each source what felt right to my gut, literally and figuratively.

I started the process for the health of it, with close one on one guidance from a local friend who healed many of her own issues via practicing it, out of desperation from trying every damn thing else, immediately after a visit to the ER a little over two years ago.

Prior to that attempt, I had switched to only local meat, dairy, eggs, and what I thought was "cleaner" seafood options, yet was still suffering tremendously. Then I started watching documentaries about the path all things take to get to my plate and learned all that marketing of "happy cows/pigs/fish", and grass fed benefits BS was just that, BS. Fish swim in their own waste, along with what the humans pollute it with, and that just sounded so gross to me. I'd never had a reason to think of this stuff before. I was infuriated. Until animals start volunteering their body parts and secretions for us to consume, I'll happily refrain from exploiting all other living things. My heart can never again be okay with it.

It's the hardest thing I've ever done. EVER! Even in a community of others who practice vegan eating, I'm still looked at and often spoken to as an oddball for doing mostly whole food plant based and often read comments about how folks who eat that way must simply be way too obsessive/compulsive and are just too anal, militant, (insert favorite degrading adjective here). It often feels similar to the reception I typically get from some meat eaters, but oh well. Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy.


I decided to become a bit more lax in my discipline, especially over the winter time, to try more of the packaged vegan options I kept hearing rave reviews about, only to gain 30+ pounds back of the 110 I lost. That's enough proof for me that the wfpb option remains the healthiest and most highly functional option for my particular biology. I look forward to a day when it's as warmly embraced as many other things. But until then, I'll keep foraging for and growing as much of my own plants as possible while avoiding as much of the stuff made in plants that I can. Glad you're a part of the community. Welcome.
We can be oddballs together :D My husband is a meatarian-the guy literally does not eat any veggies or fruit. Since I now base my daily menu around 800+ grams of vegetables and fruit, my produce has taken over our entire fridge/freezer, and my other food stuff (bean pastas, nuts and seeds, oats etc) have taken over our pantry lol. He's used to my 'quirkiness' and puts up with it as long as I don't push it on him, so we're co-existing in harmony yet :)

eta: congratulations on your weight loss! It's nice to connect with someone else who's in a similar life situation, (you lost a lot more than I did though!). There's such a small group of us maintainers and many people just don't get the challenges that we face with keeping the weight off. For me the weight loss part was definitely the easy part-maintenance is where the real work begins!
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#8 ·
My husband still consumes things I don't, as well. It just isn't prepared in our kitchen. When we go out, he orders what he wants, and if he wants to cook something here that is meat, egg, or dairy related, he'll use the grill or camp stove so it doesn't smell the house up. (his idea...and a great one!) He already loved his fruits and veggies, so it was a lot easier than I anticipated to have him partake with me more than I ever thought he would. It can pluck the nerves on occasion, still, especially from the ethical standpoint, but I'm sure I pluck a few of his, too. lol Balance.
 
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#9 ·
Love this thread! I made the transition coming up on 5 years ago. Same reason: health. Battled weight, drugs & alcohol until finding the WFPB WOE. Not an ethical choice at first, simply looking to save my own life. Of course, the more I learned, the more ethical reasons entered the equation, reinforcing the lifestyle for me.

And it's funny to think that the WFPB label would earn the 'weirdo' label. Particularly here. I guess I'm a weirdo too;-)

But hey, I'm a newbie here so what do I know.

Nice to meet you weirdos!
 
#15 ·
I became a vegan for ethical reasons but I recently read The Starch Solution and re-watched Forks Over Knives and I have been inspired to eat WFPB for the millionth time... But this time I'm sticking to it!

It's been about 6 months of eating a diet of mostly fruits and vegetables and starches like rice and potatoes, with some healthy fats like tahini and avocado. I've also been walking a lot more and doing some light weight lifting. I've lost over 20 pounds and I feel amazing. :smitten:
 
#18 ·
I became a vegan for ethical reasons but I recently read The Starch Solution and re-watched Forks Over Knives and I have been inspired to eat WFPB for the millionth time... But this time I'm sticking to it!

It's been about 6 months of eating a diet of mostly fruits and vegetables and starches like rice and potatoes, with some healthy fats like tahini and avocado. I've also been walking a lot more and doing some light weight lifting. I've lost over 20 pounds and I feel amazing. :smitten:
That's fantastic! I'm still in the transition period-I do really well during the week but then the weekends are a lot more lossey goosey :naughty: I'm pretty sure root beer flavored beer is NOT a whole food, but dang does it taste good lol.

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#17 ·
Rice does not cause leprosy. If this forum is going to allow people to promote a diet which makes such a claim, then it's going to cause confusion among new vegans.

Moderators, please review this situation.
 
#19 ·
I am a moderator and I can't find a single thing Knowtions in Motion has said that violates our rules. Please don't report posts just because you disagree with them.

People are allowed to disagree and have various opinions on a forum, in fact that is the purpose of forums. We aren't a hive mind and Veggieboards is not intended to be a peer reviewed science journal, it's a casual hang out for vegetarians and vegans of all sorts.

Knowtions in Motion is sharing what works for her and not pushing her beliefs on others, please do the same.
 
#22 ·
I am a RN and originally went vegan for the animals/ethical reasons. The more I learned about it, I became more focused on doing it for the health benefits. I have been reading so many great books on the subject (my new one I am reading now is Fiber Fueled). So many great reasons to go plant-based. Maybe search on facebook for groups under "Plant-based" and you might find others of like mind? I am member in a few groups such as this. Also, there are many podcasts to listen to: the Exam Room Podcast and the Plant Strong podcasts are 2 that are top of mind. Hope this helps.
 
#26 ·
Changing your diet and becoming a vegetarian or vegan takes a responsible approach to the process itself.

I personally took several quality courses on the Core Spirit website several years ago: Core Spirit

It's a huge community and a global leader in the world of Wellness, Health, Spirituality & Technologies. There are quite a lot of high quality articles on veganism and vegeterianism so you can easily educate yourself. The point is also that Core Spirit services are provided by good specialists from 80+ countries and you can be sure that all your peculiarities will be taken into consideration and all texts are written by professionals. I recommend you just to take a look!
 
#27 ·
I'm currently transitioning to a more whole foods, plant based diet for the potential health benefits of eating this way. I'm following Dr. Fuhrman's Eat To Live protocol and basing my days around his GBombs list.

Yesterday after I did an introduction post and received a pm, I realized that this is an ethical vegetarian/vegan forum, but was really hoping to connect with others who are following a WFPB diet because of the solid research showing this woe may be the best for long term better health/longevity of life. I'm feeling a bit alone right now, trying to make all the changes to my diet, and would love to connect with others who are doing this for health reasons, follow Dr. Fuhrman etc.

Anyone?
I have been plant based for 10 years. I also studied and watched a lot of videos on how and why other people stay and just live this life. Bruce Mackay
 
#29 ·
I am older and very glad for the changes I made. I was vegetarian for half a dozen years, before I went vegan which there are a number of important reasons for over ten years ago. One thing I did not know then was whether there was a healthy way with being vegan. It is true there are unhealthy ways to be vegan. But over seven and a half years ago I found the information published about whole food from plants being so healthy, it prevents and maybe reverses serious problems to health including cancers, strokes and heart attacks, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes type 2. I am in better condition than I might have been at this age.
 
#30 ·
I should say that while giving up a lot to eat what is actually healthy instead I choose things that I really like that are still whole foods that while mixed are not with chemically processed stuff, and have what I enjoy, which is really important, that I am not ever missing things I gave up. Really, I have things with hummus, with natural whole ingredients, I do not need things in place of meat from animals that is in some way like that, and I don't miss cheese, at all. Tastes change with our change to healthier things, I got past those things I liked before very quickly, I don't even remember there being any issue that was any difficulty in doing that.
 
#31 ·
I mainly stick with routine foods which makes my choices easy, avoiding most processed stuff for good, still with use of nut milks, or rice milk that is fortified with vitamin B12, or oat milk. And I get salsa that is minimally processed, with whole foods in it. Besides the vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds that I get, I also get hummus, sliced pickles, breads and some cereal without animal products, whole grain pasta, refried beans without animal products, vegetable soups, seaweed to have a few times, and seasonings including cayenne pepper, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and something like Italian seasonings. I generally have green tea with ginger and agave nectar along with a bit of vegan complete cookie, sometimes it is coffee with some of the fortified rice milk. And I use water for cooking and that is pretty much it.
 
#32 ·
I try to share my experiences with being vegan and ways of coming to using whole food all from plants virtually exclusively, to encourage others. I expect there would be questions. They don't always come but when they would I would answer. There are choices that would make this way completely satisfactory.
 
#33 ·
My experiences are my own, others have experiences I don't. Even so with being vegan about ten and a half years and going without meat from animals years longer, and now close to eight years with this healthiest way, I am doing something that works, and I can share answers to questions any would give me about that. What I share from my experiences could help someone or some others still with any of this way being sought.
 
#34 ·
I came to the healthy way of eating to avoid cancer, heart attacks or strokes, and other serious issues to wellbeing when learning of it eight years ago and I had already been calling myself vegan, and it is not a negative thing. This healthy way that studies show is important in avoiding these certain serious issues to health is very relevant, and there are all the other issues, which can be said more.
 
#35 ·
I've been vegetarian since the early '70s because of my care for animals. After becoming more aware of how the dairy and egg industries treat animals, I started phasing out egg and dairy. But more recently, I've become concerned about developing Type 2 diabetes, and have cut way back on baked goods which are high in refined carbs. These were the main remaining foods I ate which had milk and egg.
 
#36 ·
Within a few years of when I went to being vegan from having been vegetarian I found out about this healthy way with having what is whole food plant-based for everything. With this cancers and heart attacks and strokes, and high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 2 diabetes, can be kept away, along with a number of other issues. I eliminated processed foods and other things not desirable for the sake of wellbeing, and my food from grains then whole grains. I still have great meals I make which I enjoy, while I use hummus which make what I have very enjoyable, especially when I make a special sauce better than other sauces I've had with adding medium salsa and seasonings I like. And I choose a good variety of vegetables for meals, sometimes instead of whole grain pasta or noodles I use potatoes, now always organic. I use whole grain bread, sometimes that being multigrain, which I find that is without dairy or egg, or honey, in it, and also whole grain tortillas.
 
#37 ·
Other people around us such as the ones around me are addicts, the general culture an media have them roped in to a standard way of eating that they are fully led to trust, and they can't be persuaded to change to any better way of living and they won't believe there is such a better way, they can find their own information to agree with them. And cheese is one of the most powerful things that keep such people addicted, even if they give up other things, or maybe go vegetarian. There are just some people who move beyond what they manage with a revolutionary paradigm shift in world view. In my case, I was vegetarian many years already, but I learned of the issues that were reasons I, and others too, should be vegan. Finding hummus, I used it in things that were so good that I didn't miss cheese. Hummus can be used as I found to make the best sauce I've ever had, with some medium salsa and seasonings I most like.
 
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