"If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading." Lao-Tzu

     I have been absent, I know.  I have a pinched nerve in my neck, and sitting at the computer and typing are not comfortable.  I am icing, using heat packs, and taking anti-inflammatories so am slowly getting better.
     I have done some skimming of more health related books.  First up:  "Disease-Proof Your Child" by Joel Fuhrman, M.D.  I really wish this book had been available to me 40 years ago, and we would have raised our kids on a totally plant-based diet.  He explains how eating right in childhood is the most powerful weapon against developing cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders later in life.  He does state that it is never too late to change your diet and start eating right, but that during childhood with its rapid growth is the optimum time.
     The next book I read is "21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart" by Neal D. Barnard, M.D.  It guides the reader to change to a plant-based vegan diet in 21 days.  Weight loss will follow without calorie counting.  It  includes recipes for several menu items that sound wonderful and I can't wait to try.  I am always adding to my non-meat recipe repertoire.
     Dr. Barnard is the president of the non-profit Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine.  That group offers a 21 day kickstart to a plant-based diet.  It is an on-line program, the next one starting on Sept. 5th.  Go to http://www.21daykickstart.org/ for more information.
     I had previously read "Engine 2 Diet" by Rip Esselstyn, which offers a 4 week program to immerse yourself in a plant-strong diet.  Rip Esselstyn is the son of Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn who, as chief of surgery at Cleveland Clinic Hospital, researched and proved that a plant-based low fat diet could reverse heart disease and diabetes.  Rip was an All-American swimmer in college and was a professional triathlete for 10+ years all while eating plant-strong.  While employed as a firefighter and EMT in Austin, TX  he converted his Engine 2 firehouse to this diet helping all the Engine 2 firefighters to lose weight, and lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. He then developed this 4 week program to help the Austin community.  His book is an easy starting point to change to a plant-strong diet. It includes recipes and a suggested exercise program. 
     If you are considering changing your diet, or have children and desire optimum health for all of your family, you might consider trying one of the above books. They are all by reputable authors.
     Did you notice that the authors use the phrase plant-based or plant-strong diet?  The term "vegan" must be outmoded, confusing, or alienating to people.  I like the new terminology, though.  "Plant-strong" is such a positive phrase.  After all, it is all about all the wonderful plant-based things available to us all.