Plant-Based Eating: First 21 Days

Switching to a plant-based diet this January? Dr. Neal Barnard walks us through what you can expect the first month of going vegan. Plus, he provides tips on switching your diet when he talks with "The Weight Loss Champion" Chuck Carroll. Happy New Year!
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The Physicians Committee is dedicated to saving lives through plant-based diets and ethical and effective scientific research. We combine the clout and expertise of more than 12,000 physicians with the dedicated actions of more than 175,000 members across the United States and around the world.
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[@allenmiller5403]

When I told my P.A. I was going plant based for 90 days, I got the eye roll 🙄. In 90 days, I took my A1c from 13 to 5.6. When I saw him he said “You did that in 90 days without any medication?” Yeah Baby. As of 03/10/22, I’ve been eating a mostly wfpb lifestyle for a little over 2 years and have taken off 75 lbs.

[@basbleupeaunoire]

Good for you!

[@cathipa]

Wow that’s sad for them, but great you’ve decided to take your health in your hands! I’m a PA and I am thrilled when someone goes plant based or even tries a meatless meal once a week. Great job!!

[@halinasobradow5214]

Hey Allen, This is amazing. You actually took your health in your hands and worked your way out of Diabetes. I will tell you me being a dietitian I still visit the same PA that saw me whan I was a child for loyalty purposes. He does not understand very well the plant based. He seemed concerned at the begenning. They do care, just that do not have enough info on the subject. Luckly this info has been spreading more :)

[@Scottlp2]

Question: Plants are great except most grains (except like barley and buckwheat) spike glucose/insulin. Q1: were you eating the typical grain heavy vegan diet? Q2: were you eating less calories than maintenance? Thanks for your time.

[@allenmiller5403]

@@Scottlp2 I was eating as much food as I wanted, mainly beans and vegetables, a little fruit and I had oatmeal for breakfast. I made my own peanut butter 💚 and veggie broth (from veggie scraps). I also did 16/8 intermittent fasting and a after a couple of weeks in I started exercising daily. The only real grains I had were oatmeal (almost daily) occasionally brown rice, and a (1) loaf of whole grain bread (which I devoured in a couple of hours - What can I say... I’m a bread lover 💚). I hope this helps.

[@cassandrapno]

Transitioned 6 months ago. Wfpb cholesterol went down dramatically, gut healing, anxiety leaving. Dropped over 40 lbs. never felt better.

[@lisamartinez3001]

Congratulations

[@johnnypenso9574]

Vegans tend to see their HDL (good) cholesterol go down and triglycerides go way up. LDL is an insignificant marker for heart disease compared to HDL levels and the HDL/trig ratio.

[@rebeccaindy]

Thanks for posting this. It gives me inspiration! ❤️

[@beth9034]

@@johnnypenso9574 I've been vegan over 3 years. My good cholesterol is higher and triglycerides are low. When I was eating lots of coconut cream my bad cholesterol went up. It depends on what your nutrition is like and high intensity exercise is important for your heart and body as well. I don't do the really high carb really low fat stuff which could raise triglycerides or high fat with high sugar. Most of the time I get the bulk of my fats from tahini, chia seeds, peanut butter and tofu, I eat one to two serves of fruit a day and I'll typically choose berries and banana as my main fruit, I eat a serve of leafy greens most days, my other veggies are mainly sweet potato, broccoli, mushroom, sauerkraut and onion, I eat higher protein in general because I train and my high carb sources are typically oats, kidney beans and/or a Turkish pizza base. If I want more sweetness I use Stevia because it's no sugar, natural and tastes good. Never had triglyceride, blood sugar or nutrition problems eating this style. My inflammation markers are also low according to my latest blood test.

[@fredacharbel7510]

@@beth9034 I basically eat very similar and my cholesterol is very high! And I have been a vegan for a long time.

[@sunflower5858]

I started WFPB 3 days ago! So far so good. I’ll be updating :) 29 days in and feeling AMAZING! My skin is soooo radiant and my hair is fuller. I now crave fruits and veg and I’ve tried so many different delicious foods from other cultures I thought I would never try! I’m going to keep going! Update. 62 days in. I LOVE MY LIIIIIFE !!!

[@sunflower5858]

UPDATE! Tomorrow makes 15 days. I feel amazing. Most noticeable changes: I feel lighter, no bloating whatsoever, regular bathroom visits, vibrant skin. I’ll continue updating!

[@sunflower5858]

@Brandy harris fraud!

[@sunflower5858]

UPDATE 23 days in. I feel amazing!!! I have So much energy. Thanksgiving was so tough, but I ate before going to my families house since I knew my options would be limited. I’ve gotten a cookbook and I’ve also been grocery shopping at internationals stores. I’m really enjoying the food I get to it. Excited to see what the month of December has in store! I’ve lost 11.6 pounds 🤯

[@juiicii1]

Your hair is fuller? In 29 days? That’s not how the hair cycle works actually. You wouldn’t see a difference in fullness for several months. I’m plant based and see what you’re TRYING to do but don’t give false sis.

[@sunflower5858]

@@juiicii1 Dr. Isabel, thanks for your response! My hair DEFINITELY got fuller, and my assumption is that my body was responding greatly to the nutrients I was getting. I went from intermittent fasting, to fully plant based, and noticed a difference in just a few weeks. I was extremely iron deficient and it took a toll on my hair. It was thin and frail, and going plant based changed the state of my hair drastically and it didn’t take long for me to see the changes. My hair grew in fully, and stopped breaking so easily. So while it’s real cute that you’re trying to discourage me and other people who are looking for hope and a way to better themselves and their health, your negativity won’t work. Because you “know” how the hair cycle works, doesn’t make you the official hair doctor of every human being on this earth. Take your discouragement somewhere else “sis”. To everyone else - I’m still here on my journey, going on 7 months! I’m also enjoying a healthy pregnancy! You can do this!!!!!

[@DianeShugart]

My tip: don’t think “substitutes” but look at going vegan as trying a whole new cuisine. The bonus here is you automatically sidestep a lot of processed foods.

[@rl9808]

Eating the foods I already eat minus the most nutritious part (animal products) does not sound very smart.

[@debbimorgon2988]

@@rl9808 animal foods don’t have nutrients they only have protein and saturated fats which will clog all your arteries and slowly kill you. Plant foods will unclog your arteries and they are filled with nutrients antioxidants and they all have protein in them. Do some research guy.

[@rl9808]

@@debbimorgon2988 your are a. Morgon. Hahaha. You can’t make this stuff up. Animal foods are the healthiest food. Sat fat is very healthy. Check for yourself. You can’t just take dr Gregory’s and barnyards advise, they are Morgons

[@rl9808]

@@DAVE_WHITE lots of seed oils.

[@veganleigh4817]

@@rl9808 The animals that you eat get their nutrition from plants. Cut out the middleman.

[@fruitascension5089]

On my plant-based lifestyle since 2010. It's hard to believe that I'm the age I am, because I feel like I'm so much younger. 58 going on 30. I also feel like I have avoided all the chronic illnesses that every one of my family members have suffered from. So thankful that I decided to try it. Can't believe it's been a decade already.

[@sungheelee9358]

Great job!! 👏

[@JB-he1jt]

That's why the media and primary care doctors don't recommend it or acknowledge it!! But they are aware of the positive affects it has on all humans.

[@azmidollah8596]

If you dont mind sharing the menu you eat during breakfast lunch dinner supper

[@user-fm9ii8rl5o]

Yay I’m so happy for you! I made the switch when I was 14. Going on a year!

[@ceolbeats7182]

@@azmidollah8596 Go2 Utube What Dr Neal Barnard eats all day, What vegans eat all day, utube full of vegan recipes enjoy 👌🏻

[@rosamaundallen7784]

I went vegan in July 2020 and I am down 72 pounds. I suffered from back pain for two years and after 5 days my pain improved by 50% and by 14 days my back pain was completely gone and I could stand straight again! My blood pressure is improving as well as my other health issues.

[@RiDankulous]

It works and I hope more people get the message instead of being stubborn that the foods are like 'eating grass'. They are very filling and totally satisfying, in fact more so because a big piece is we don't crave the over rich foods then, plus they have huge amounts of fiber, known to satiate.

[@tacos_are_life]

That is so exciting! Congratulations!! I am only on day two and feel slightly overwhelmed, but so far I don’t miss much. I hope I have the results you have had. Praying for your continued success!

[@livingfree2333]

Amazing! Good for you.

[@danetspeaks8708]

Congrats how much weight did you start out with ?

[@rosamaundallen7784]

@@danetspeaks8708 Thank you! My starting weight was 386 lbs. Now I'm in the low 300s. I know I have a lot more to lose but I'm committed to living this healthier lifestyle.

[@angelahill3556]

In three years I went from 320lbs to 125lbs. Almost two years wfpb. Dr. Barnard I love you. Your knowledge & research were a catalyst to save my life. No so called doctor ever told me about wfpb. God Bless you Sir ❤️

[@normhanson981]

Incredible weight loss , seriously well done.

[@kevinbermingham7941]

Amazing !!!

[@johnk6749]

I went plant-based a year ago. I didn't think I could make the change, but I find myself looking forward to what I eat now every day. I could never go back.

[@davidthescottishvegan]

Congratulations on the 1year plant based or vegan anniversary. I have been doing it for 5 years in June.

[@smartauth7342]

Yo that's hype.

[@miriyumyum3590]

I'm slowly going plant based (but not fully vegan and neither vegetarian) for better health. Hope I'll loose weight get more relaxed menstruations, and feel healthier overall.

[@macheo6272]

Great to hear that kind of story, for me it’s opposite, I went carnivore and lower blood pressure from 150/90 to 120/70, lower blood sugar from pre diabetic to normal, I get rid of joint and back pain and for me personally most important thing I get rid of seborrheic dermatitis after 15 year, I’ve try all diets vegan, vegetarian, paleo, keto and nothing, now on carnivore my skin is phenomenal, and my dermatologist said there is no cure for that and cause is unowned, so in my case obviously cause was plants

[@shapourdashtpour63]

Did you feel tired or lack of concentration, or lack of strength to do physical activity, or less motivated? That's what I have on day 4 😄😳🤷 and I'm taking B12, eat legumes with vegetables. Any advice is appreciated

[@enchantress7]

I started officially in February and I'm not looking back. I never thought I could live without cheese, but I'm happy to say I don't miss it at all. My anxiety has reduced significantly.

[@Letstalkaddiction1]

I’d like to try this

[@gmr1241]

@@Letstalkaddiction1 Go for it. Don't confuse veganism with WFPB - the latter is a lot more healthy and you're still not eating meat.

[@keirra6327]

That is promising to hear. I'd love to reduce my anxiety levels. Thanks for sharing!

[@inspirationalempressoflove220]

What can you eat in place of cheese? Can you still eat feta cheese.?

[@gmr1241]

@@inspirationalempressoflove220 Feta cheese is still cheese.

[@naymadelinharesgarbin9239]

Yesterday ONE YEAR VEGAN 🌱 🌱🌱🇧🇷😉👏😘👍💪

[@veganleigh4817]

Congratulations, Nayma!

[@nakkadu]

Nice one 👍

[@basbleupeaunoire]

Hooray!

[@johnnypenso9574]

My condolences.

[@m.janell7530]

CONGRATULATIONS 🎊

[@eveleena7978]

yeah i got a doctor like that as well. he half yelled at me ( older Greek DR) -backstory- i was 5'8 and 265lbs...so quite overweight. one day i went to my dr. and he said i need to loose weight so i tell him i want to go plant based. What? no! you dont need that! all that sugar wont help you! all those callories! just cut all your food intake in half! its that easy! i honestly got shut down...and did the cut in half( but within 2 months i ended up in te hospital with seazures- and i never had them before) turns out im pre-diabetes. my heart is not doing well and my pro-brain Natr. peptide was high of 186 ( range should be5-125),my cholesterol / HDL ratio was 5.6( indicator of high risk for coronary heart desease) I am scared, but as soon as i came home i decided to go all plant( iknow its only been 3 weeks but im determined to live and so far lost 20 lbs. i could care less what he thinks...honestly maybe its time to change to someone who didnt "sleep in his classes" on nutrition lol

[@johndavid3474]

The problem with your doctor is not that he is wrong, it's that the food we eat is laden with drugs and chemicals, unfortunately it's the lesser of two evils. Plant based foods like pears and apples are laden with pesticides and meat carry traces of drugs used on the animal. Farmers who grow their own produce live on average 10 years longer. Theres a reason people choose to grow their own produce.

[@queenc8280]

I'm so happy God brought me to this video. In 2019, I lost 56 lbs in only 5½ months by eating plant based. I've had 2 more babies since, and I decided to start over today. I'm so excited, and this video has given me the boost I need. 🙂🥑🥬🥦🍊🍎🌽🥕🥗🍠 Best Wishes everyone!

[@greaterishe7197]

❤

[@kevnosity]

I can’t believe this doctor is in his mid to late 60’s , he looks great! It’s gotta be the vegan life!

[@sionjones4368]

67 years of age I believe. He looks fantastic, vegan is the way it seems!

[@mzartdesigns]

@@sionjones4368 WHAT???!! I thought this man was in his early 50s!! WOW 😳

[@wobblybobengland]

You can tell he is an ex-smoker

[@sarasolomon3129]

I’m on intermittent fasting every day plus I’m vegan. My third month since I became vegan. I used to have hip pain, since I became vegan and with intermittent fasting all my pain gone. It’s like I am living in heaven. Praise the Lord. Becoming a vegan also gives you happy mood. ❤️

[@crystaltorres7313]

What is intermediate fasting?

[@StephanieHallBurns]

@@crystaltorres7313 typically you eat within an 8 hour window only, and do not eat anything for 16 hours each day

[@jannabil3166]

Have you lost some weights?

[@mikedetillio1428]

Please Jesus, glorify him.

[@christinachef]

I started eating vegan last year around June (2022), lost 25 pounds and felt amazing. During the holidays I got off being vegan. I gained back 8 pounds, feel awful, my eyes are constantly swollen and puffy and I have aches and pains. Anyway, this is the first new year where I feel like I know exactly what to do to fix it and feel better. No stressing on which diet or exercise program to do. Plant based is healing for your body and your mind!

[@mymail1938]

How is it going now?

[@emilygeorge9567]

Going plant based one of the best best decisions I have ever made. Once I learned that all foods have an energetic quality it changed my perspective. Imagine the emotions from factory farm animals - terror, sorrow, despair - when you eat this flesh you also ingest these fear hormones. You are eating terror and death. You are what you eat. Milk is a cupful of sorrow. Once I went plant based I began to feel so light. After meals I didn’t immediately feel like I needed a nap because I felt so bogged down. Energy through the roof, joint pain disappeared... I could go on and on.

[@veronikatheodoridoy5034]

💖

[@salujathustra9905]

Thanks for understanding the emotions of animals, instead of sprouting out ancestor, biblical or protein theory, or 'the smell of bacon' mm. Thank you so much!

[@mariannewolf57]

Could not agree more, Emily. Humans eating flesh do ingest the STRESS HORMONES of the factory farm animals. "Milk is a cupful of sorrow". . . time to change.

[@CT-ob2bw]

I will say if that cow isn’t milked it will become very painful. When it’s milked it’s relief. So actually, you’re drinking relief.

[@emilygeorge9567]

@@CT-ob2bw ummmm.... cows don’t need humans. when they nurse and wean a calf NATURALLY there is no problem or need for relief. dairy cows and the calves they produce (male calves are immediately slaughtered) are the most horrifically abused animals in the world. yes... drinking milk is drinking sorrow.

[@DawnKlinefht]

I seriously was amazed to find that after the initial 7 days that a lot of my inflammation significantly decreased. Stuff that I never even knew was impacted by my food choices such as the pain and stiffness in my left knee. Not to mention the GERD that I have had since childhood...gone! No more throwing up every morning...no more eating Tums every night. It seriously made a believer out of me!

[@oneheart19]

Wow that's great!! I noticed many positive changes as well. I'll never go back!

[@Ripkisses]

I'm so glad you mentioned the knee pain and GERD. I was still in my 20s and experiencing the same. I had fallen a year prior really hard on my left knee and it was still bothering me. Few months into getting the hang of a whole food plant based diet, those symptoms were both gone. Absolutely mind blown. One day I just realized I hadn't felt those symptoms. My acne cleared up, my brain fog, headaches, I lost 20 lbs in less than 3 months, fatigue and sleepiness after eating went away, painful bloating gone, throat clearing gone, and I got my menstrual cycle for the first time after almost a year (shorter/lighter cycle and significantly less symptoms than before). So many wonderful changes. I feel so blessed, like I cheated the system and didn't have to take medications to feel better. I'm a nurse and I refused at the time to see a doctor about all my symptoms. I knew a prescription was waiting for me and I just knew that couldn't be the only way. We weren't designed to have such poor quality of life. I can't believe how horrible I felt in my 20s. That was not thriving. I went vegan for the animals after watching several documentaries and regret not doing it sooner for them. The whole food plant based diet followed thereafter upon realizing how much better I felt and how quickly the weight started melting off. I will never go back. So thankful for this community and the work that is done to provide everyone free access to evidence based information. Considering changing my current specialty in nursing to something in plant based nutrition because I find it so fascinating. Wishing everyone the best of success on their journey. So grateful 🙏🏽

[@riaana5537]

So interesting that you say that. I only starting having GERD when I was 25 and I had it shortly before I was operated on (they removed my gallbladder) for my gallstones. I continued to have a lot of acid reflux and the only thing that stopped me from taking proton pump inhibitors and anti-acid meds on a regular basis was changing my diet. If you had told me I would switch to a plant based diet (baring in mind I'm allergic to soy) I would have laughed. So it's basically whole foods that I consume which is the best thing I ever did. I still eat fresh fish once or twice a week but I'm hoping to eliminate that soon and find an alternative to give me the same benefits. Been plant based (with fish) for 5 months and no regrets!

[@myrhev]

I wonder sometimes how much diet advice is universal versus unique. For me, the more vegetables I eat, the worse my GERD gets. The six months of low-fat whole food healthy vegan I did were the worst gastric wise for me. I tried everything everyone was suggesting from probiotics, to timing and size of meals, but nothing worked.

[@ashleycbla]

@@myrhev Maybe you need to fast and give your body time to reset for a day or two. Maybe you rushed into the vegan diet too soon instead of easing into it. By all means if you felt better eating foods other than the vegetables you’ve been eating then eat those as long as you feel healthy. No need to make yourself feel sick eating a the vegetables you could be allergic to. What type of vegetables are you eating as well would help in knowing why you could be having the issues you are having, some people have allergic reactions to certain foods.

[@Lp78Ch]

I've been vegetarian for 27 years, but I've always had a weight problem. Then a year ago I went low-fat vegan thanks to Dr. Barnard's videos. I lost 15 pounds and my blood pressure returned to middle school levels. And all this happened without ANY exercise. The trick is to get the refined oils out of the diet--that's the real culprit. My goal this year is to add exercise.

[@johnnypenso9574]

Low fat/high carb was my diet for about 20 years. I didn't call myself a vegetarian but technically I was. I couldn't get to a healthy weight, osteoarthritis came on like gangbusters in my 50s, various other health issues. Going meat heavy/low carb was a godsend. Arthritic pain down 75% to just nuisance levels, lost 35 lbs and down to highschool weight for the first time in 40 years. BP in the ideal range, HDL up, trigs down, inflammation markers back to normal. A literal miracle to me.

[@ashleyburks4639]

You go hun.💪💪😌🤪💖💕

[@ashleyburks4639]

Y'all should check out Plantiful Kiki, you'll love her.

[@myrhev]

@@johnnypenso9574 with how some respond to keto and some to low fat plant based, I wonder how much really isn’t one size fits all.

[@johnnypenso9574]

@@myrhev Low fat plant based is not a natural human diet. Fats are essential. We don't digest fibre. Those two things alone tell you it's not a species appropriate diet. It takes a long time for deficiencies to show up. Vegans have an 80% failure rate in the first year. If you read the accounts of those that failed you see the same common issues. Hair loss, digestive issues, bloating, gas, skin irritation incl. rashes and acne, brain fog, listlessness, constant hunger, depression, massive time lost preparing food etc. etc. etc.

[@thaisoneon]

The only reason I’ve been able to try and mostly stick with whole food plant based eating is that I followed Dr Barnard’s advice. I listed vegan foods I’d actually look forward to eating. Knowing I had all those foods I loved eating is what prevented me from thinking very much about the ones I wasn’t eating. Good luck to anyone just starting out!

[@happycook6737]

Yes, very true! Finding familiar foods you can make on autopilot rocks.

[@whatsappdrebhariagbeon3238]

Great experience doc, you are a God'sent Dr Ebhariagbe, keep up the good work, I am completely free from HSV ..

[@Thatbritaindude]

I look forward to eating potatoes. Made all ways #myonetruelove

[@shapourdashtpour63]

Did you feel tired or lack of concentration, or lack of strength to do physical activity, or less motivated? That's what I have on day 4 😄😳🤷 and I'm taking B12, eat legumes with vegetables. Any advice is appreciated

[@krisztinak.1500]

I have started 4 weeks ago and the results are amazing. I feel so much energy, which was a huge problem for me. I dragged myself through each day and I was moody. It is gone!!!! I wake up every morning rested, happy, I can go through the day without wanting to sleep. The joint and muscle aches are also gone.. it is amazing how much better I feel only after 1 month. The best thing is that I enjoy life again. I recommend it to everyone.

[@ellataylor2945]

I just started 3 days ago. I have to get use to the meatless meat. Overall I am ready to feel energized and motivated. These mental health medications wore my body out. Tired of the fatigue

[@sungheelee9358]

My husband lost 27 lbs in 2 months once he switched over to WFPB. It was just one of countless benefits of being plant eater:-) Happy healthy New Year to you all! ♥️

[@ashleyburks4639]

And a happy healthy New Year to you too darling.

[@sjordan7085]

I went from being vegetarian for 65 years to eating organic non-GMO plant-based, high fiber, low fat, low protein, no sugar or flour, no processed foods, no alcohol. I drink plenty of filtered water. After years of swollen feet, ankles and legs, the inflammation has completely disappeared, and I am comfortable and able to move more easily. I have also lost 30lbs by fasting, but have a long way to go. To me, a vegan diet has always been the only moral choice, health benefits are a bonus. The concept of living a compassion filled life is essential. I cannot imagine how I managed to justify eating eggs and dairy all these years by thinking that no animals were killed in the production of it, which clearly is not true. I love Dr. Barnard's philosophy. And, I am hoping that as I continue living this way, I will prevent the recurrence of Endometrial Cancer. I am having vaginal vault brachytherapy a few hours from now which goes against every grain of my being, If only I had been vegan from day one! The will to live and let live is motivation enough!

[@RiDankulous]

That is very nice you are healing!!!

[@maratom34]

I'm beginning a plant based diet today. I'm an old dude 80 years old, 40lbs overweight, kidney disease and a PSA reading of 8.3. I may have cancer God forbid. Wish me luck what do I have to lose? I have a lb of hamburger and hot dogs in the fridge. I guess I will have to trash them.

[@CaraBee2343]

Hi Thomas! Wondering how your plant based journey is going for you. I hope you’re thriving and enjoying the journey!

[@demoskunk]

Eat the burgers. Toss the hot dogs.

[@bluej6800]

I’m 73 and just starting, hope you are sticking with it, let me know.

[@happycook6737]

Much cheaper to trash hamburger and hotdogs than pay medical bills. Check out Jeff Novick's 10 essential vegan recipes. They are easy, tasty, and cheap.

[@cathyfonseca8859]

Give the meat away

[@sarahshealthyrecipes]

You guys have changed my life! I've lost and kept off 60 some lbs, reversed my diabetes, heart disease, lost 4 pants sizes, headaches are gone, fatigue is gone, and I feel better now in my thirties than I ever have! I also started a website with healthy plant-based recipes! Thank you so much for this resource!

[@Juliita65]

I'm in the middle of those 21 days of transition and I've got the feeling that some things in my life are starting to change: I go to the toilet every single day, I sleep much better, I feel more energetic, I'm not so moody, etc. I'm lucky because I love cooking and it's really important for not to get sick and tired of eating the same things, which are normally the easiest ones to prepare. My daughter has been following a plant based diet for almost three years so she's a kind of personal plant based diet trainer for me! 🤩 Anyway, I hope to succeed in the end in spite of having to fight against the rest of my family who are not willing to stop eating animal protein and for whom I also cook, by the way!

[@verenamartini8695]

I became healthy vegan overnight four years ago after big health issue! My best decision ! Never go back! love to hear Dr Neal Barnard and Dr Greger!

[@shapourdashtpour63]

Did you feel tired or lack of concentration, or lack of strength to do physical activity, or less motivated? That's what I have on day 4 😄😳🤷 and I'm taking B12, eat legumes with vegetables. Any advice is appreciated

[@Othala1]

Dr. Barnard is one of my favourite plant based doctors to listen to - he is calm, articulate and knows his practice! Also he is respectful to everyone he talks to. I've been vegan for many years and it's one of the best decisions ever - I have so much energy!

[@beautyinsimplicity3461]

Chef Aj’s recipes has helped me tremendously. I don’t even feel like I’m on a plant based lifestyle.

[@Sami-rp7mf]

I'll try those. Thanks

[@Frenchblue8]

@@Sami-rp7mf if you are looking for amazing plants only recipes and beautiful food preparation videos in real time that are also gorgeous( and the chef is a sweetheart with a lovely corny sense of humor.). you must watch KZbin channel Avant-garde Vegan. The chef's name is Gaz Oakley and he is a best-selling cookbook author who's cookbooks sell out the day they are released! He is also a long-term vegan and I believe he has developed recipes for absolutely every lifelong favorite from the UK, the US and pretty much all over the world. My second choice would be Irish twin brothers Steve and Dave(?), both chefs and one of them is a premier bread chef as well. They have an iconic set with a bright Vermillion colored old-time refrigerator that just cheers up! During lockdown I made several of their recipes, with things I just had already on hand, I made one of their everything in the pot stews as well as sticky toffee pudding which I had never made before. There are more vegan recipes everywhere on the internet not to mention cookbooks as well so you will never ever either go hungry or go wanting, eating a plant only diet! Enjoy!

[@smallfootprint2961]

@@Frenchblue8 ... He is not oil free.

[@Sami-rp7mf]

@@Frenchblue8 thank you

[@sallyannettemarie]

Love Chef AJ!

[@joni8762]

I’m down 30lbs from going vegan to WFPB and feel amazing!! I am in my 50’s and weigh what I did in my 20’s. It’s sustainable too. I will eat this way forever! Thank you PCRM 😊

[@TheGreenBean]

I feel the same way! Congrats :)

[@jannabil3166]

How long did it take you to lose 30lbs?

[@jannabil3166]

@Jerry Gallo Great, I try to switch to vegan but it looks impossible to be fully vegan. I'm going to look for people who can support me though.

[@jannabil3166]

@Jerry Gallo ​Wow... that is so kind of you :) Thanks a lot for your tips and sharing... Indeed, i went to dr. last week to follow with, she asked me for some blood tests and next week, I'll get the results. I just wish to keep on and not turn out :( Happy easter

[@mkissun]

What does the W&F stand for in WFPB acronym?

[@mohanrgopal6097]

I stopped all at once and jumped into a vegan diet. Today is the 125th day into vegan diet and I feeling great with the vegan diet. My calcium, cholesterol vitamin d are normal. Lost 10 kg, gut is feeling good, getting good night sleep, my workouts and jogging have improved

[@ethangodridge6833]

As a cyclist, my main issue is getting enough calories. The mountains and colours of foods is amazing. I've been vegan 4 years now and no turning back. Even the thought of eating animals makes me feel ill.

[@jaimep4888]

when I smell barbecues I feel sick

[@tnjd6887]

Aloha I used to ride a ton and I hear what you are saying. Presumably, you're getting it dialed, but you can up your whole nuts/seeds/avo/coconut intake compared to his/McDougal's plan as well as eating more dried fruits simply for riding's sake, but stick to their plan otherwise. Rich Roll is a huge resource here if you don't know about him... Also: If you race or ride long-distance go for plant-based whole food gels or tapioca based gummies etc..or DIY with rice syrup/maple syrup and an extract if you want mixed with chia gel. Seriously you can live off chia gel but it's slow burn.... That's me, as an experienced rider/mtn biker giving advice. Not a Dr etc etc. :) Keep shining!

[@wobblybobengland]

Vegan beer! Full of calories

[@ethangodridge6833]

@@wobblybobengland I don't consume alcohol.

[@stoneymasonp8163]

Avocado s.

[@jtcoffee6225]

I notified my doctor and he replied that I would be eating too many carbs/ He also told me I would be taking my diabetic medicine for life. I am not letting him derail me. I am going forward with a vegan diet.

[@journeywithme_erika1890]

Wow...sounds like they are scared to lose you as a patient! Wishing you the very best!

[@anneharvey1032]

@@journeywithme_erika1890 Find a new doc

[@milanatew358]

Carbs and sugar are NOT the cause of Diabetes. Animal products, which are high in fat, are 100% the cause. You made an excellent choice, and I advise getting a new doctor.

[@ashurhedo2995]

Listen to Dr Jason Fung on how to reverse diabetes. He is the best. Go plant based and fasting. Plant based and fasting is key to reverse diabetes.

[@tarabooartarmy3654]

2 years later, how are you doing? How have things changed? Did you find a new doctor or just impress the heck out of the first one?

[@Lindapaull]

I dived in straight away from day 1 and never looked back...

[@bobbysaija]

Same! I thought it was going to be gradual but I went in head-on.

[@matthewhuot4189]

I went plant based after seeing the Game Changers in the theater. Been tearing through your shows and podcasts for the last 6 months. Love you guys so much, keep up the great work.

[@rescuerhonda0164]

My son made roasted brussel sprouts at Thanksgiving. He used a couple spices and I added nutritional yeast and they were so yummy! I couldn't believe that they were the same vegetable that my Scottish mom used to boil and salt when I was a kid. They were disgusting and I could never eat them! Now I can, thanks to a vegan diet :)

[@Laurie608]

50 lbs down, eased my depression, stronger, more energetic. My teeth look better. My skin, hair, nails. Everything. As long as you're aware of the nutrient requirements it is in my mind, the only "diet" that is sustainable and increases life expectancy

[@wholoveskitty]

I’ve been vegan for 8 years. I started out WFPB but of course over the years I’ve been lured into the world of processed vegan foods. I’m now returning to my WFPB roots. I always feel so significantly better eating WFPB.

[@Bballmom1997]

Switching over due to IBS and the processed stuff helps me. If I eat the impossible meats I dont crave real meat. I do very infrequently eat eggs, and milk. I eat cheese frequently but I have tried vegan cheeses and those are nasty.

[@TheGreenBean]

Good for you ! This may be helpful :) Happy new year kzbin.info

[@cherryconsolacion3238]

Happy New Year!! It’s my 3rd month of pure eating plant based. 😊✨

[@sadiedavenport]

Way to go!! 🤘🤘

[@allee3476]

Awesome! Stay the course. I remember my three months anniversary about twenty seven months ago; now I don’t even miss the SAD.

[@michaelb3406]

That’s me too, down almost 50 pounds and feel more better!

[@fruitascension5089]

Good for you! 🙌🏼💓

[@davidthescottishvegan]

Cherry Consolacion keep it up because the longer you do it the more likely you will stick with it. I find a whole foods plant based diet is the best diet compared to a vegan junk or processed foods diet.

[@michellefox7441]

I'm overweight, diabetic, all the things, including celiac. I was so very sick. Finally figured out the gluten thing and went 100% gf immediately. I felt better in 3 days. Still not great, so I did an elimination diet. After a few days it was pretty clear that I needed to eliminate dairy. Another week and it was clear that I needed to eliminate meat and fish. 21 days is a good time line to figure out what and how to cook and eat. 3 months from day one no gluten and trying to figure out what I needed to eat and my a1c was 5.6, off the meds! I lost 40 pounds. I'm stuck at 250, but I'm also unable to exercise appropriately. I feel so much better and the vegan lifestyle is incredibly easy to maintain. I'm glad I found your channel, I think it's going to really help my journey. Thank you!

[@stevensushi]

I am overweight and I would love to go to a plant-based diet I’ve tried it once I felt light as a feather, but I was always hungry like 2 hours after.... 2021 I’m finally going to give it a shot I need to lose 60 pounds

[@tinygang5441]

Same here I’m 80 lbs overweight but I’ve notice plant based is the quickest way to lose weight and have better health overall

[@Phil_529]

Eat more whole grains, starchy vegetables and legumes to feel full.

[@ivyblu3211]

Hi 👋 I'm a new vegan too, 3rd week 🙃 for me it works wonders when I cook some lentil soup, eat a bean & salad buritto, add some chickpeas to salads, or use chickpeas as a dip or apread on a bread, cooked oatmeals with fruits...you have great ideas on their app 😉

[@andio310]

I felt the same way too until switched out the salads for the legumes. My go-to meals are cheesy chickpeas over rice and steamed veggies and rice and beans with avocado. At Chipotle, I'll get the burrito bowl with sofritas.

[@23Bentley45]

The secret is to see every time you’re hungry, as an opportunity to put something healthy and good into your body. I was always chubby, until I became a vegan 11 years ago. It was like a miracle. I have weighed 112 lbs for 10 years. Never gained weight again. I eat every time I get hungry, but I try to eat something healthy. Go for it! You can do it!

[@getmartincarter]

I’ve been on a whole food plant based diet for many years . Start planning breakfast - I suggest a large bowl of porridge made from rolled or steel cut oats , mixed with boiling water raised to the boil and topped with walnuts and blueberries. Lunch is broccoli mixed with cook brown rice and microwaved and beans for dinner. I eat two snacks a day in the form of oat bars with green tea and lemon. No sugar .

[@jupeter24]

sounds wonderful.

[@elviajove8289]

Add oat or soymilk to your oatmeal and you'll wish it lasts forever!

[@jadef6784]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@skinnydee1886]

Martin Carter, Almond milk is great with steel cut oats. I make my own almond milk: soak 1 cup of almonds with hot water to cover for a few minutes, rub off the brown skin, put them into a magic bullet, add 2 cups of water, grind and strain the milk; keep the grits and add them to muffins and pancakes etc. You can add more water if you do like a thinner consistency milk.

[@michellerobison7954]

Do you use olive oil or avocado oil to cook with?

[@jacobyates4585]

Been Vegan now for almost 3 years now and must say, I HAVENT FELT BETTER IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. Building muscle in the gym, skin is glowing, and I feel so energised! If you have any doubts about the vegan diet, trust me this works. Im never going back !

[@jenacoker9472]

I have been eating wfpb now for about 3years...have lost 155lbs with about 80lbs more to go. This is the only diet plan where I'm not left feeling half starved! I have never felt better and am experiencing life in a new way. I have been working on this diet game since 1997. This is the 1st time I have experienced lasting weight loss and the benefits of it. My message...Choose Joy and Keep on Going!

[@safiamohammed8286]

I went vegan almost 6 months now and I lost 40 pounds. My skin looks better ,I don't have much pain in my body overall I feel way better. I loved cheese so I was apprehensive but make my own with cashews, I wouldn't change it!!!

[@TheShopGrandOpening]

And looking damn gorgeous as ever.

[@safiamohammed8286]

@@TheShopGrandOpening thank you so much

[@airamilona1555]

I have celiac and I've been PB going on 2 weeks now, I used to have severe regurgitation of foods that I ate, meat never digested it always stayed right there it felt like it was in my chest. Now I can safely say there's no more regurgitated foods. I feel lighter, no bloating, no constipation, no inflammation. My scare was getting stomach or bowel cancer now there's no fear. I firmly believe I'm going to be healthier and the brain fog, the anxiety is almost gone.

[@greyhnd001]

lots of lentils, beans, potatoes, Peppers , Onion. salad(radichio)

[@OkyeameKwameBRA]

I am a proud vegan at 45 and I feel like 28 years . The food taste great and the bad cholesterol checks itself . I love how I have also lowered my contribution towards global warming .

[@shapourdashtpour63]

Did you feel tired or lack of concentration, or lack of strength to do physical activity, or less motivated? That's what I have on day 4 😄😳🤷 and I'm taking B12, eat legumes with vegetables. Any advice is appreciated

[@mistystanton5924]

Approximately a year and a half ago I transitioned to a plant based diet. I have Hashimotos, and asthma. I suffered from constantly getting sick, constant increases in my medications and only feeling worse and worse. It took changing to another doctor who tested my Vitamin D and called me to tell me to immediately start taking Vitamin D. Turns out I was critically low, When I saw what a change one vitamin could do I started to look further. I was flabbergasted that no one tested me for this. Additionally, I have several benign tumor/nodules in my thyroid that protruded and we're visible on my throat. Current status, no longer suffer from depression or take any medications for it any longer, have not had an asthma attack since changing, no longer take any asthma medication, my thyroid medication is half what it was a year ago and dropping, the visible nodule/tumor on my throat has shrunk dramatically and is no longer visible, my cholesterol is that of a twenty something adult (I'm 49), my blood pressure is "remarkable for some one 'my age'" as my doctor says. Side effects; I've lost 22lbs, I have more energy than I did when I was in my 30's - and it's increasing, my mood is not only stable but I would say excellent! I'm also peri-menopausal and seem to have no real symptoms other than less cycles😁! So it is life changing. Also, it gets so much easier as time goes. I had a challenge in the beginning, stopped and had to restart. Side note, turns out I also had a gluten allergy I never knew about and now there's no longer brain fog and my mind is clearer than ever and the energy sky-rocketed both physically and mentally. My children are hard pressed to keep up now😆! So if you face challenges with health, depression, anxiety don't think about a change run for your life to make the change - literally!

[@DeirdreAnneBarry]

Thank you for sharing

[@VERK20]

I started this lifestyle on June 29, 2020... cholesterol down 85 points, lost 30 lbs. Never looking back.

[@shapourdashtpour63]

Did you feel tired or lack of concentration, or lack of strength to do physical activity, or less motivated? That's what I have on day 4 😄😳🤷 and I'm taking B12, eat legumes with vegetables. Any advice is appreciated

[@josephvrobillard7973]

Adding my story to the others. Type 2 diabetic, 250 pounds. Heart Attack April 3rd, 2024. 2 stents inserted in heart. A1C was 11.9. Immediately went whole food/plant based after watching Dr. Barnard. 4 months later, I've lost 30 pounds, A1C down to 5.8 now. LDL Cholesterol down to less than 1.0. I'm angry I waited until my heart attack to do something. But I'm here (100% plant-based) and I'm never going back. THANK YOU Dr. Barnard!!!!

[@edrabogucki401]

I’ve heard that it takes three weeks to change a habit. Let’s see...that’s 21 days!

[@davidthescottishvegan]

It took me 21 days to be vegan and 5 years later I am still doing it and plan to do it for life.

[@chelseadaniels4327]

Hey there, it’s been 3 weeks 😁 just wondering how it’s going

[@edrabogucki401]

Had a couple of slips this week: my sister’s 83rd birthday. Felt like I’d been drunk. They’re rare, I feel better without meat. 😊

[@edrabogucki401]

My start was maybe 2 years ago, gradual at first, lost some weight, blood pressure down. This year best blood work ever at my annual physical & still losing weight!

[@Blu-Man]

@@edrabogucki401 in 2021 u still doin same plant foods

[@milenaseymour446]

Omg I just transitioned full plant based Vegan from being a Pescitarian for about 6 months. I love eating a healthy Vegan diet! Haven't lost weight but thats because my fat intake is still too high ( lost of sugar, nuts, avocadoes and oils) really working on limiting those. I love this doctor ! I hope more and more doctors get on board with the Vegan diet !!

[@joanndehnert2933]

This is my fourth year plant based! I had some bloating issues the first year but that worked itself out! I could never imagine going back. This was the best decision I have ever made!! I hope others will dive in to this way of life! I

[@Okie343]

I've been noticing that women such as yourself, who are vegan, look better than other women. Maybe it's the nutrients in the vegetables? You are also a very pretty woman, so genetics has alot to do with it, but there seems to be a glow in your complexion. I'm an American with German ancestry, and our family has always been big meat eaters. I love those German sausages, but as you know they're probably not too good for the arteries. I've recently been doing intermittent fasting and keto to lose 20 lbs, but eating all this fat kinda scares me. I'm thinking about trying the IF with a plant based diet for a while. Have you ever tried combining plant based with intermittent fasting?

[@joanndehnert2933]

@@Okie343 I eat my last meal at around 6:30 at night and then have breakfast around 8:30 in the am. That is the extent of my fasting.

[@Okie343]

@@joanndehnert2933 Whatever you're doing is working, because you look great. I think I'm going to start a new diet and call it "Eat what Joann eats, because she looks hot" We can write a diet book and split the royalties LOL Was it hard to stop eating meat?

[@scf7334]

@@Okie343 getting a bit creepy, dude...

[@Okie343]

@@scf7334 You're just jealous because Joann likes me better than you.

[@Awanookwe]

I’m taking this step I just turned 50 I need this THANK YOU 🙏🏽

[@beatricesteele6498]

Yes, some doctors did sit in the back of the class snoozing. My grandmother was on a vegan diet and the doctor told her that she needed to eat some fish or some chicken. Of course her care giver, one of my aunts, ran with that because that is what they ate. Now my grandmother has severe joint pains and other issues and yet my aunt can't see the correlation🤦🏾‍♀️. Bad doctor, bad.

[@MykahCroom]

2 years of plant based living! I had a blood test for my physical and I actually had low ldl cholesterol. My ldl was 52 and I wasn't anemic anymore. I used to suffer from anemia for 5 years prior to switching to a plant based diet. I did take iron supplements I think me eating more fruit helped me absorb the iron better.

[@DimaRakesah]

I also used to anemia and low vit D all the time as a meat eater. The ONLY time I tested with normal levels was after years of being vegan. Go figure!

[@madisoncrothers3202]

Feeling lighter, happier and more consistent levels of energy just three months of being vegan. Never going back!

[@RiDankulous]

👏👏👏

[@cristianorengoclavell4988]

TODAY 7 days of being vegan. I just feel that I eat more quantity( a lot of veggies) more options like new dishes and no miss poultry or eggs , chesse non of these stuff. Feels great!

[@emphormaun5434]

I started a heavily plant-based diet in January 2021 because I wasn't feeling good in my body (and I realized that I was at my heaviest weight of my life). It's December now - I have lost 17 kg and I have never felt more healthy and happy in my life.

[@mirnaperez2155]

I’m on week one going whole food plant based. So far even exercise is getting easier. I alway went hard and then gradually would lose motivational to keep going. Now I can keep a consistent pace and not be wanting to die by the end of the work out. Maybe it’s a mind thing but I genuinely feel better and I’m not fatigued all the time.

[@shishir1702]

Happy new year. Good to inform you that i lost 11lbs in Dec 2020. I started plant based diet from 1 st December

[@kathleengrieci2539]

Outstanding!

[@TheGreenBean]

Bravo! You may find this to be helpful. Happy new year :) kzbin.info

[@brendabeecher598]

YAYAYAYAY PLANTS!!🌱🌱🌱 My only regret is I did not start a whole food plant-based diet sooner! #18monthsvegan

[@shapourdashtpour63]

Did you feel tired or lack of concentration, or lack of strength to do physical activity, or less motivated? That's what I have on day 4 😄😳🤷 and I'm taking B12, eat legumes with vegetables. Any advice is appreciated

[@luluandmeow]

I've sent a link to this video and Chef AJ's calorie density chart to a friend who's interesting in trying a plant-based diet. Happy New Year everyone! Thank you Chuck & Dr Barnard for all you do!

[@OnvbqalcleeiplY88222]

Do you have a link to that chart ? Thank you in advance.

[@nithasivarajah3112]

@@OnvbqalcleeiplY88222 ,zzxz

[@kayg.vegan.singapore]

I'm a Vegan veteran for past 22 years, since March 1999. I'm from Singapore. I'm still alive, living healthy, happy and fit. No Obesity, No Heart Disease, No Diebetes, No Rectal or Colon Diseases, No Cancer!

[@SacredMelissae]

I went 99% vegan three months ago: my chronic neck pain (from a car accident four years ago) is gone. I admit I still have cream in my coffee and am eating eggs from my own chickens occasionally. Since I am not faced with a condition like genetic cholesterol issues, diabetes, or obesity this "cheat" is working really well for me! I am 55 years old and am feeling so much better. I have been enjoying great websites like Minimalist Baker, Yeung Man Cooking and other vegan recipe and cooking sites. The best thing I've discovered is cashew cream sauce and the entire world of Asian cuisine. My favorite part is that I now look at meat and see the flesh of an animal and am starting to understand the impact my previous diet had on animals and the Earth. I am grateful to be vegan in so many ways.

[@johnnypenso9574]

Eggs and cream are probably the reason you still feel good. Dietary cholesterol from eggs is not an issue in blood cholesterol. Your liver will just produce less cholesterol if you ingest more, only about 50% of which makes it to your blood anyway.

[@juliejoseph2201]

Just switched to the silk plant based creamers.

[@SacredMelissae]

@@juliejoseph2201 Yes! Do you have one that is a fav? altho, for me, as a beekeeper, it is super hard to go with anything almond or non-organic. (The Almond industry is devastating to bees. )

[@johnnypenso9574]

@@juliejoseph2201 Silk plant based "creamer" ingredients: _"ALMOND MILK (FILTERED WATER, ALMONDS), CANE SUGAR, HIGH OLEIC SUNFLOWER OIL, PEA PROTEIN, POTASSIUM CITRATE, BAKING SODA, NATURAL FLAVOR, SUNFLOWER LECITHIN, SEA SALT, GELLAN GUM. "_ Sounds completely natural. Just goes to show you can be vegan and still eat all the garbage processed food you want. 😆 😅 😂

[@johnnypenso9574]

@@Rusty69-er I've watched dozens, maybe hundreds, of "I'm no long vegan" videos & the one thing they all have in common is the lifting of the brain fog & how good they felt with their first animal food meal after being vegan for months or years. If one meal can make that much difference then certainly regularly eating eggs and dairy can help alleviate some of the natural deficiencies inherent in the vegan diet.

[@Theultrazombiekiller]

I am vegan because I have a kidney disease and a vegan diet made my kidney function improve drastically. Like I don't have to take meds anymore and i feel like a normal person again. I eat really clean, but my favorite part of going vegan is how much it expanded my knowledge of cooking. I make homemade sweet potatoes burgers, and vegan "fish" tacos completely from scratch, even the tortilla, and pastas, and sandwiches with homemade sourdough, and casseroles. I have never been this good of a cook.

[@progressforward]

I found out I was allergic to gluten by my getting gout when eating wheat products.

[@aliciaballeza9592]

Just finished my third week; absolutely happy. I feel better overall; more energy, less stress, down 19 pounds (in these three weeks -- but I'm obese and have lots to lose). I have tied the vegan lifestyle in with cardio and yoga, which I didn't have the energy to really do before. I'm so excited to have found a 'diet' that I feel passionate about living for the rest of my life. As far as the week 3 advice, I think not being able to go to restaurants during the pandemic has helped me not feel that longing for "Oh I wish I could have..." and solidified that I really like where I'm going. Some experiments have failed, but man, when you find something you love, it's so exciting! (I had never had avocado and tomato toast before, and seriously, one of my most favorite, simple dishes to make.)

[@mmabagain]

Only 2 weeks plant based and already my BP went from 145/95 to 119/79. My acid reflux is completely gone. My joints stopped hurting. Energy is not where I'd like it yet but is definitely up from where it was 2 weeks ago.

[@the1andonlytrav]

I've been vegan for 21 days! What a coincidence!

[@Dibdib35]

Me too as I watch this 🤣🤣loving it

[@shapourdashtpour63]

Did you feel tired or lack of concentration, or lack of strength to do physical activity, or less motivated? That's what I have on day 4 😄😳🤷 and I'm taking B12, eat legumes with vegetables. Any advice is appreciated

[@sandragarcao4964]

Thanks to this channel and Joaquin Phoenix, i was inspired to start a plant base diet 10 days ago. For better health, the environment and my heart aches when i think of animal suffering. Gave all the meat and fish in the fridge and freezer to my dog. Got a chunk of cheese left in the fridge but i think it will just go off and get discarded. I lost 4 lb in weight and my lifetime insomnia is almost gone. So is my anxiety. This seems like a good life i will have until i die. 💞

[@anitak8056]

You are wonderful!! I've been vegan for 12 years and been doing Intermittent fasting since Oct.2021 and as of today May 24th 2021, I'm down 53 pounds!

[@patrickokeeffe4787]

Neal makes a great point about when your doctor is not receptive to keep going for your medical treatment and seek your nutritional advice elsewhere. I'm four weeks in, and its important to say that i'm not just meat and dairy free (vegan) free, but i'm also process and junk food free too. You can be Vegan and destroy your own health because a high percentage of process foods can be still be on a Vegan Menu if you so wish. What I like about people like Fuhrman, McDougall. Esselstyn, Ornish is that their eating plans addresses that which is critical if you are eating for health. Anyway, when I was a week in, I went to my doctor and told her what I was doing. She said "why restrict yourself like that, life is short!" Now..... she was saying this to a guy who had a heart attack + two stents at 45 and a triple heart bypass at 53. I was thinking in my head "like ya.....life might be too short for me alright and thats why I want to eat this way to optimize my stay on this planet as much as I can....so could you row in with me!!" I knew I was wasting my time trying to convince her, so I said nothing to her. I had it in my head afterwards that I was going to change doctors....... but quickly realised that in my town nearly all the doctors are conditioned like that as well. So I did what Neal said and I kept her on for my medical needs and I got all my nutritional advice through videos and books from the above people that I mentioned. I also managed to get in touch with a Plant Based Doctor in Ireland by the name of Dr. Sean Patrick Owens, but he is too far away to become a regular GP. But I'm delighted that he touched base with me after I reached out because he did offer me some great advice about dealing with doctors and medication questions and he pointed me in the right direction on my journey. I'm in a very good and confident place now with it all even after four weeks in and already I am reaping the benefits. But it is not just with Doctors that there need to be some major changes with around diet..... there are even more issues with a lot of hospitals. In the hospital where I got my heart by-pass, there was a serious lack of veg and plant food in the meals and you had fried and process food options on the menu. They even had a candy vending machine on the ward and I seen people eating candy and crisps before going for serious heart surgery like myself and the nurses and doctors tolerating it!!! A guy in the bed next to me offered me some candy one night and he was dead himself the next day from a cardiac event. It was a real eye opener in there. And after my surgery, it took me nearly 3 months to see a hospital dietician and I had to navigate myself around the food equation myself in the meantime....which I may add was a minefield to say the least. But I have to give all those doctors and nurses a lot of credit too. For all my medical needs and for the surgery itself.....they were exceptional. Its a pity that they didn't have the nutrition side of it on the same par excellence.

[@ellapresley8634]

I went on a 3-day fast with just water, and after three days, I felt like a "new person" so afterwards I switched to a "plant-based diet, and I still do fasting too". I feel so GOOD!! The "water-fast" did something wonderful for me too because I really do feel like a new person!!

[@NewNew-in1cm]

On my journey now finished my fast two weeks ago didn’t even feel right thinking bout eating meat again

[@georgewilson7808]

22 sets of twins tried both vegan and meat diets. Researchers at Stanford University studied the twins' cardiovascular health. After eight weeks following their respective diets, the twin siblings who ate a vegan diet had lost more weight, reduced their LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, and experienced lower insulin levels, according to the study's findings. "The findings from this trial suggest that a healthy plant-based diet offers a significant protective cardiometabolic advantage compared with a healthy omnivorous diet," the study's authors wrote. The study, published Nov. 30 in the journal JAMA Network Open.

[@matthewhuot4189]

The library has lots of vegan cookbooks. KZbin has tons of cooking videos. Eat lots of rice and potatoes as your foundation

[@christommo4402]

I never felt better on a plant based diet. I felt amazing inside and out. Unfortunately I have fallen in to a few bad habits, but working hard to get back.

[@ItsToyoo]

Guys, I've been vegan for 3days and no more flu. I know I'll discover more benefits with time.💃🏼💃🏼

[@jessicabibbles]

Dr. Barnard is the best!

[@mspaperplatevegan]

6 years strong and happy with my over night commitment.

[@brendazabriskie100]

VEGAN since 2017 new years resolution......still going strong starting year 5 yippee!!!!

[@oceanmermaid3700]

My doc was one who told me to eat meat..3 yrs ago..never went back. Been vegan 4 1/2 yrs

[@anavaz2992]

I was very impressed with dr. Barnard and went on plant based diet. I feel so good it’s just a week and want to get of all my medication too, hopefully it will work for me as I am over weight too.

[@elviajove8289]

I promise it will be worth it. Make sure you have a hearty breakfast and lunch and light dinner, lots of water and no food after 7 pm. You will succeed!!

[@cletus9944]

How is it going?

[@niconavarro687]

I am 27 days Vegan! Happy with my choice!

[@cynthiajosiej1833]

raw vegan? if yes, how are you dealing with bloating issues?

[@veganleigh4817]

Happy New Year to everyone! This past Thanksgiving (2020) was my 6th yr. Veganniversary. I've lost weight, gotten off my meds, and I feel fantastic.

[@davidthescottishvegan]

Congratulations on the 6 years vegan anniversary and it's my 5th year vegan anniversary in June this year.

[@ashleyburks4639]

@@davidthescottishvegan congrats to both you lovely darlings.

[@veganleigh4817]

@@davidthescottishvegan Congratulations to you, also, David!

[@greaterishe7197]

Rose

[@TheHouseofFruits]

Happy New Year, Chuck, your podcast has become a daily reward! It's always so nice to listen to you, Dr Barnard and all the fantastic humans at PCRM. All the best for the New Year - Yannick from Switzerland and Agne from Lithuania (we live in London, UK).

[@latinaprincess5901]

I’m a vegetarian but 🧀🥗 today I had my last pieces of cheese 🧀 and cream for my coffee ,,2 days ago I left fish 🐠 😮 I hope and pray I can do the vegan 🌱🙏🏻

[@valarmas3321]

This is my first week just substituting food I was so use to eating with plant based foods and I’m down already 5 pounds! On to my second week next week! And I’m definitely jumping in with plant based food all the way!

[@CH-hj4od]

Thank you so very much to put effort on Vegan Diet for the beginners. I will ask my friends to try to keep this habit on including their family members. Appreciate for your hard work and intelligent questions asked and answered for beginners.

[@IDVDalot]

When you said " acquire a taste for folk music" I fell out of my chair because thats what people said to me

[@antmonk8537]

I jumped straight into full vegan. I'm halfway through my second week now. Lost 7.5lbs in the first week with light exercise (short hikes - I live in a valley but I'm hardly climbing mountains here) while still eating full rich meals like chilli and curry. I feel more full while eating less food, and just generally feel more awake, present and healthy. I'd recommend anyone to just make the leap - the immediate benefits are such a great motivator to continue.

[@cordelia81]

Went vegan a few weeks ago...still having ups and Downs with keeping 100% Vegan. Because I am still tempted to buy in regulary stores..But I am patient and merciful with myself. I do feel the differences already! The fat from diary& meat is making me sleepy and is too heavy in the stomach already. I learn how to prepare and go for easy meal preps

[@sandiv6145]

Love that "patient and merciful" bit. That's tremendous advice for us all...in all matters of life. Not a condoning of our bad habits, but patience and mercy with ourselves as we strive to improve.

[@jeangoforth7186]

years ago I encorporated a "blood-type Diet" that eliminated animal proucts, with plant-based. Eliinated white products (potatoes, whte rice, bread,et.) and lost 10 lbs very quckly. As I was 10 lbs into obesity, I was well on my way and felt great. I retired at 78 y.o. from a physically active profession which I believe also kept me physically able. I'm so glad to see this program!

[@CandiceNance]

Thank you both for all that you do in promoting a healthy lifestyle. I am so grateful for the plethora of high-quality science-backed nutritional advice and wish that this was taught to children.

[@garylessard8008]

We are celebrating our tenth year as vegans....never felt better! No longer pre diabetic....cancer is in remission....tons of energy and overall feeling like 20 again (we are both in our late 60’s)

[@raywright8127]

This Dr. is awesome. Reminds me of Jeff Goldblum in a way. Very entertaining to watch and very calmly eases a person into the Vegan lifestyle.

[@alvaroazuara7745]

It's been 2 and a half years since i became vegan. My tryglicerides were 560, cholesterol more than 300, uric acid 8, fortunately my glucose was ok. Becoming vegan along with urinetherapy have been the best change i've ever done in my life. I also lost 15 kilos among other benefits. Thanks a lot

[@kellherman]

"If I go vegan I'll have to acquire a taste for folk music!" hahahahaha, this is the best line :). Thanks for all the info, Dr. Barnard!

[@vanihansen2136]

Thank you for saying this.. I've been plant based for a week and I'm gaining weight. I'm also diabetic. I'm on my second week now and still gaining.. I really hope this gets resolved..

[@chubbieminami3274]

I made a drastic change to my diet 6 months ago. I just had a huge craving for tomato and apple. I used to have craving for junk food. What a big difference. People, it takes months to really embrace this new diet but you will change. I am now slim.

[@alwayslearning8365]

Thanks for the great video. I went vegan over two years ago (all in no gradual transition) to reverse hardening of the arteries, and it worked! By the way isn't new years day a stat holiday in the states?

[@Chris-kr7gg]

How are your arteries now I need help with this issue.