So… I picked up a book on my new Kindle (LOVE it… btw. Kindle AND book).
The book is “The China Study” and I’m less than half way through it.
The premise is that we (Americans and Westerners in general) get far too little in terms of plant fiber, and far too much in terms of animal fat and PROTEIN. Too much PROTEIN? I didn’t think that was an issue – because I’m a vegetarian, I thought!?? Lots of cheese and eggs in my diet… so while I’m probably far LESS than “normal”… it’s still a lot compared to the exhaustive study the doctor illustrates. Don’t you need protein to work out? To live? Not according to this study.
It’s an interesting book for many reasons. The author is a renowned scholar, global award recipient, indisputable scientist on the world stage. And he kind of stumbled into an opportunity to survey – in great detail – hundreds, no thousands, of people in villages throughout China. He did lengthy research… not just observational… into eating habits, sources of food, amount of proteins and fats – and linked all of this to cancer, weight, quality of health, length of life, and cause of death.
The short version I’ve been able to glean so far – is to severely restrict ANY animal products – including milk, eggs, cheese, in favor of whole grains, vegetables, and such. Not really news, I guess, but what IS news is that the health benefits are significantly more far reaching than just lower weight and “healthy” life. Has direct implications on all diseases of “affluence…” which we suffer at significantly higher rates.
I’m curious as to whether you’ve read the book or are familiar with the work. Would love your thoughts and comments.
I’m not cutting eggs and cheese just yet… but seriously considering some changes. I’m also curious to see how the book continues to develop.
As a person who travels a lot on business, it’s tough enough to eat healthy on the road as a vegetarian. How can you do it as a vegan? Or near-vegan? I’m not sure. Will have to continue to read and research.
The research, though, is compelling. Great illustrations of the need for more complex carbohydrates and significantly less simple carbs. And WHY.
Thoughts?
I’ve heard of the study, and it’s on the list of books to read. As a vegan, the results are quite encouraging.
I was a vegetarian for about 20 years, and in the last year started a vegan lifestyle. I can say that I almost immediately felt healthier. I no longer get that sluggish feel after eating, and despite my prior love for pizza, I could now take it or leave it. It’s just not a craving of mine anymore. (And if it ever is, I can always get pizza without cheese, or some places have soy cheeses). In any case, I lost unneeded weight and feel better about myself.
It is difficult to eat out, so I end cooking a lot more, which saves money. If you are traveling, there is a Web site called happycow.net that lists vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants. Indian and Asian food always have options. Many places are willing to take out any cheese or eggs that are normally in dishes. It can sometimes be an awkward conversation to have with coworkers when discussing when to eat, but if you are open about your eating preferences, I’ve found they normally respect you.
I also think it’s important to remember that if you aren’t at the point where you can give up milk and cheese and eggs yet, that’s ok! Veganism isn’t about deprivation, it’s a process.
Good luck with the book!
cheese is so hard to give up and giving up products made with milk or dairy products is so damn hard. I’ve cut out actually drinking milk, eating eggs, do as little cheese as possible, plus the ethical side as well…no leather, fur, etc….but going 100% vegan, although I’d love to, it would just be so difficult.
I’ve always been confused at how we are the only animals that actually create food out of other animals bodily fluids; and when I think about it, it really grosses me out. Who was the first person to think….hmmm….I am going to go grab those things that baby calf is eating from and drink that stuff myself?!?!?! We are conditioned from a young age to consume dairy and meat. It is more great marketing than neccessity that draws us to dairy, our bodies don’t need it, we are just told that it is good for us and tastes great. The only dairy we need, is what came fro our mom’s breast when we were babies.
I say all this, but still can’t give up cheese…..what can i say, I’m addicted.
I’ve read the first few chapters, and I find that this work is very credible and nonbiased due to the fact that the author is NOT in any way an animal rights activist, which means he’s solely in this for promoting the human health benefits of a vegan diet. I think a lot of people would throw this work out if they realized it was written by someone who might have the hidden agenda of animal rights.
Just for the record, I’m vegan for animal rights reasons, but I love that my diet has some great health benefits to it.
Being vegan is incredibly easy, and I live in a very vegan unfriendly city – it’s world renowned for its barbecued pig flesh. I was once addicted to cheese, especially growing up in Chicago with the half inch thick layers of cheese on both deep dish and thin crust pizzas, but I’ve learned how to make creamy vegan dishes that make up for that comfort and flavor that cheese would bring. I don’t miss cheese at all!