Huge congrats! One book I STRONGLY recommend that you read in your next steps down this plant-based journey is "How Not to Die" by Michael Greger. It really digs into the science behind the benefits of plant based diets and makes some great recommendations.
https://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Die-Discover-Scientifically/dp/1250066115
"In defense of food" and "Game Changers" started me down the path, but this book solidified in my mind that plant-based is truly the way to go. It will change your life, I guarantee it.
New Rules of Lifting for Women can give you a template plan for building strength unless you are already beyond that sophistication-wise. That emphasizes a lot of compound movements so the workouts aren't by upper and lower body days.
I found the New Rules of Lifting For Women to be really approachable. The writing's engaging with lots of references to studies and science and the exercises are all well explained (with pictures!).
It's been around long enough that you can find videos of each workout online, as well as excel spreadsheets to track your workouts/calories etc in.
(Caveat - I mostly ignored the nutrition chunk of the book so I can't say much about that part.)
Yes, it is possible to make arterial plaques regress significantly by switching to a plant-based diet. See the scientific papers (and books which are easily read by laypeople) of Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. Full of great references, and the books explain the science beautifully.
Everything you need to know about a plant based diet (there is also a cook book)
https://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Die-Discover-Scientifically/dp/1250066115
If you you want to make absolutely sure your body is getting everything it needs, use https://cronometer.com/, free for pc & phone.
> I'd wager even intermittent fasting would improve blood sugar numbers in almost all type 2 diabetics.
It does. Dr. Jason Fung's book demonstrates that most type 2 cases he treats are off their meds after a month or so.
Plant-based diets typically reduce the risk of both the first and second-leading cause of death in the U.S. (heart disease and cancer), and it's also known to reduce the risk as well as the mortality rate associated with Alzheimer’s Disease (6th leading cause of death) and Diabetes (7th leading cause).
Ignorance??? I don't know, but it's messed up that people don't know more about a Whole Foods Plant Based diet.This book saved my dad's life. He is no longer diabetic and his hypertension is controlled now.
I would recommend that you read https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Fasting-Intermittent-Alternate-Day/dp/1628600012/ And https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1771641258/
These books contains links to a lot of the studies that answers your questions in depth.
No it’s not sinful to break a fast. God is happy that you’re even trying, a lot of Christians don’t fast even though the Bible tells us to. I believe there’s a difference between fasting with God and fasting for him, and when it’s with him, Grace is there to help you and to empower you. There is no way I could’ve done the fasts that I have except by his grace!
I have a podcast episode i did on it if you want the link message me. Give some tips on what is helped me. Most of all I recommend this book called The Complete Guide to Fasting written by Dr Fung. It’s very informative!
Also fasting is not to get something it’s to become someone. You’re already close to God by the Blood of Jesus. Don’t use fasting as works, it doesn’t get us stuff. It helps us to learn who we are by the finished work.
I used the recipe from America's Test Kitchen Mediterranean cookbook. Eggs got a little overcooked--yolks were soft but not runny. Otherwise, this is the best shakshuka I've ever had, much less made!
I did have to make one substitution; the recipe calls for piquillo peppers and since I wasn't able to find them, I used some roasted red peppers along with some calabrian peppers. I knew the calabrian would make it a little spicier than intended so I left out the cayenne pepper to offset. Still ended up with the perfect amount of kick--a little bit of a runny nose but lots of flavor behind the heat.
I know this is a meme subreddit, but if you're considering not eating, look into fasting, you will see incredible results with a little bit of knowledge and preparation. This book is fantastic, and there is a very active subreddit for all the major fasting methods.
This is the absolute bible on the subject:
https://www.amazon.de/Prevent-Reverse-Heart-Disease-Nutrition-Based/dp/1583333002
Forks over Knives is also a good resource, as is anything by Dr McDougall (The Starch Solution, The McDougall Plan) and Dr Greger (How not do die).
All the best!
If you want to get rid of the diabetes and lose weight at the same time, please check out this book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Die-Discover-Scientifically/dp/1250066115
All of the info is free online at nutritionfacts.org if you don't want to buy or borrow the book. It's basically about using a plant-based diet to reverse disease. Everything is evidence based with links to the actual studies cited. I've been following this plan for less than a month (25 days now, to be precise) and my blood pressure has gone from 130/95 to 110/75 and I've lost seven pounds and counting. There's a whole chapter on diabetes, what causes it, and how to reverse it. I'm in the same boat as you, covid weight has not been pretty. Actually getting excited about losing weight now for once haha.
This is the only book you need to read: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Not-Die-Discover-Scientifically/dp/1250066115
TL;DR No animal products, organic, nuts seeds, fruits. He also has a daily dozen is what you should be having every day.
All his stuff if backed by science and there is evidence of Diabetes and other issue's been reversed.
Also check out tv show: Fat sick and nearly dead.
I was able to reduce my cholesterol significantly by doing the Mediterranean diet for 4 months. The link to the cookbook I used is below. Every dinner started with a salad (easy tub salad with oil & vinegar), soup (I made a big batch of soup from the Med cookbook at the beginning of the week), veggie course, protein/starch course (fish 4 days a week, meat 2 days a week, vegetarian 1 day a week smaller than average US standard because I was getting full), fruit course (simple sliced fruit). It took dedication only because it’s a lot of courses but it really worked.
The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook: 500 Vibrant, Kitchen-Tested Recipes for Living and Eating Well Every Day (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1940352649/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MQVH8RKY0XCPM4J63QYZ
Ethfinance into health now?
Highly recommend reading How Not to Die. Easy read filled with citations on nutrition science and health. TL;DR: eat whole plant foods, especially fruits and vegetables and beans. Add some turmeric, pepper, and flax seed to meals. Avoid salt, processed foods and meat. These things are common sense but the science blew my mind.
It really does. I recommend going through and doing a workbook as you wait to get therapy, or even while you get therapy. It will help show you the ways you're unintentionally making things worse. Here's a good one for OCD: https://smile.amazon.com/OCD-Workbook-Breaking-Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder/dp/1572249218/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=ocd+workbook&qid=1611442175&sprefix=ocd+&sr=8-3
(And I have harm, too. Mine, thankfully, is self harm so I recognize that I'm honestly fortunate in that way.)
I've done counting calories on-and-off in the past. And what I've really taken away from it is I can be good at tracking...tracking all those extra calories I didn't need 😝
But I've had my biggest success with food this past year after discovering and reading about fasting. The Complete Guide to Fasting, by Dr. Jason Fung (Amazon Link) is very informative and easy to read.
You don't need to do long fasts, I never have and don't plan on doing anything past a day. But following a 16:8 (16 hour fast + 8 hour feeding window) had helped me immensely. It's basically skipping breakfast (just get some coffee (black or with a little cream, NO sugar)) and delaying lunch so it's more of an afternoon snack, if anything, then dinner as normal. Following a 16:8 schedule really helped me get out of snacking at work... Which is my greatest challenge. I simply tell myself I can have that afternoon snack, but not till 3pm. By then that 2pm craving had subsided... But if it's still there then it falls within my feeding window.
The best thing about fasting is that there are so many protocols to follow, some are even do popular they have a common name (leangains, warrior diet).
I don't track calories, but I do yet to make smarter food choices (low carb, less sugar, etc...). This year I have gone from about 150 to ALMOST 140. And it's been pretty easy. No stressing, no debating if I can have this, no determining what do I have to sacrifice in order to have an indulgence. The 10# may not seem like much for nearly half a year, but I succeeded with that along with managing a of stress at work, which led to lots of junk food, a long distance relationship, and a cross country move for work.
If you don't want to commit to a $20 go check out a copy from your local library or check or out some of the subreddits to learn more: r/fasting r/intermittentfasting r/leangains
I found this book (the language and exercises) really helpful! I also have the anxiety book from the same peeps.
Really the diet is mainly focused on vegetables and beans (black, white, navy, etc), so you should be fine.
From what I’ve learned myself, I’m not an expert here, chicken is fine like, twice a week or something. It’s just not meant to be eaten every single day ya know? So you’re good. I wouldn’t worry about the fish thing since you can look for vegetarian style recipes.
The nuts I see the most are like pine nuts and almonds, but again not completely necessary. I don’t really care for pine nuts so I just substitute it for almonds or omit it completely if I’m not feeling them.
Basically I think you should find protein sources you enjoy and look for Mediterranean recipes that include those. Again there’s soooo many vegetable, soup, pasta, rice etc recipes to work with. The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook has tons of ideas if you wanna check it out at the library or buy it.
Because you're asking for reassurance which, if given, will only help feed the disorder and push you further into your anxieties.
If you want to break the OCD cycle, you need to start engaging in the necessary therapies and/or medications. You can discuss what's appropriate for you with your doctor.
If you are unable to get treatment, I recommend resources like the OCD Workbook for a CBT oriented approach (https://www.amazon.com/OCD-Workbook-Breaking-Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder/dp/1572249218/) or similar works for other therapeutic practices.
You should read this book:
The Complete Guide to Fasting (Heal Your Body Through Intermittent, Alternate-Day, and Extended Fasting) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1628600012/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_u5IcGb59PSDE3
It’ll do a better job explaining it than anything anyone here says
This book and it’s cook book state they can totally clear any plaque buildup. The Dr’s approach is plant based and shows X-ray proof it works:) good luck
It's totally fine - but working up to three days may be needed.
If you're interested in fasting, I suggest you get some quality information and not just ask around - even here, with all these fabulous people! Download Dr. Jason Fung's The Complete Guide to Fasting from Amazon. Lots to learn.
“The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook” from America’s Test Kitchen has been an invaluable resource for me
The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook: 500 Vibrant, Kitchen-Tested Recipes for Living and Eating Well Every Day https://www.amazon.com/dp/1940352649/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_lMQHJWdjXLFLn
The America's Test Kitchen Mediterranean cookbook is fantastic! I love it.
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Mediterranean-Cookbook-Vibrant-Kitchen-Tested/dp/1940352649
Calorie restrictive diets cause hunger or decreased energy (or both). It makes sense you’re having a hard time.
I just finished reading a book that goes into detail on why calorie restrictive diets are so hard to maintain and gives solutions (based on science and results of many case studies) for lasting weight loss and health improvement.
I highly recommend it. Link below.
Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It https://www.amazon.com/dp/0307474259/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_M68X83S08Y0P1V7FCYRH
You will do well brother.
I found the book <em>The Complete Guide to Fasting</em> by Dr. James Fung a good resource backed by science.
This isn't so much reassurance seeking as it is looking for a solution to a very real problem finding treatment. If absolutely can't change your living circumstance, then I second the recommendation by Rusted_Metal: find books and other resources on CBT that work for you. A classic that is very often recommended is "The OCD Workbook" (https://www.amazon.com/OCD-Workbook-Breaking-Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder/dp/1572249218/).
Medication will help tamp down your symptoms overall, but CBT especially when coupled with Exposure Response Prevention therapy has a fantastic rate of putting the disease into remission.