By Rhonda Jones
Life sometimes gets in the way of things we really want to do, which has happened to me. I have been busy and unable to write, but I think it is important for me to continue to offer guidance on following a plant-based diet. I know there are others in the community who are now trying very hard to eat a fully plant-based diet, and I know they have probably encountered the same issues I have encountered, so it sometimes helps to learn from someone who has been there and has seen these situations and made mistakes as we all do.
You are not alone; don’t give up your quest to get healthy. As I stated in a previous article, I feel certain my life would have taken a very different path had I not adopted a plant-based way of eating over 15 years ago. I can’t say for sure if I would even be here today, as I was definitely moving toward debilitating health issues and possible death. So, don’t give up; just keep pushing forward. I am in your corner even if you feel no one else is there for you. I want you to be free from drugs for lifestyle diseases and healthy enough to do all the things you want to do. That is what this way of eating is all about.
It has always astonished me that most of the people I meet never make the connection between food and good health. They insist food is not an issue and continue to eat the same foods that gave them the health problems now prevalent in their life and only subdued by drugs, surgery, or other intervening methods. Yet, these same people will go to great lengths to take exceptional care of their pets. I have a friend who spends hours in the kitchen making expensive and wonderful food for her dogs then is too tired to make food for herself and just eats whatever she can find. I applaud her for being such a caring person and loving her animals, but she doesn’t take care of herself.
Have you ever thought about how your family would feel if they lost you? One of the biggest motivators I have is my parents. They both lived a long life, but the last 20 years were filled with doctor’s visits, hospital stays and wishing they could do the things they had done many years ago. I loved them both very much and hated watching their quality of life fade away until they became just shells of their former selves. I was lucky they did not die young, but I went through times of almost losing them, and it was hard to watch their pain. I was so thankful they recovered and stayed with me a little longer.
Because of my parents, I eat plants. Because my husband died at 55 and left me a young widow, I eat plants. I know I have a daughter and grandsons who love me, and I don’t want to leave them suddenly or linger in poor health and have them take care of me. I eat plants for them.
We all have loved ones who care about us. Eating a plant-based diet is easy compared to illness and medication. You love your animals and will do anything for them. Love your family and yourself. Make that special food for yourself and get healthy. It is the best thing you can do for the people you love.
Comments