Moving towards a plant-based diet

If you have been reading about the food-cancer connection, you may have seen recommendations for shifting to a plant-based diet. I'm new to the topic, so have been trying to determine how well this is backed up by science.

My first contact with this in recent days was reading about Bill Clinton's recent weight-loss using The China Study by Colin Campbell. I started to learn more when I found Meg Wolff's posts on the Huffington Post. People who believe in changing to a plant-based diet can cite all sorts of anecdotal evidence of it working to reverse cardiovascular disease and fight many cancers. Yet there are still doctors who do not support the drastic changes this approach represents for most people, who instead just want us to "eat healthier" and manage our weight.

So how do we decide what works best for us? At this point, I've decided to start making gradual changes and continue to research and talk to my health care providers. I'm increasing the quantity and variety of vegetables I eat and cutting back on animal protein. I try to satisfy my sweet tooth with fruit. I will still consume dairy (I'm allergic to nuts so don't tell me to drink almond milk) but in smaller amounts; I make my own yogurt and love cheese, but I will make sure to monitor my portions and opt for lower fat versions whenever possible. I will continue to eat flax seed, but limit my intake to a couple of tablespoons a day. I still have my morning latte, but drink nothing but tea or water for the rest of the day. I am increasing the beans and legumes I consume and opting for whole grains over processed white flour. I am cutting back on my alcohol intake. And, I am getting more exercise.

But in the interest of full disclosure, I will admit that after Bunny's soccer practice tonight, we stopped for takeout poutine. Yes we did. Because sometimes you need to share something ridiculous with a couple of goofy boys.