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That Burger in My Fridge
I had a package of wonderful ground beef perfectly thawed and ready to throw on the grill tonight. I thought about that meat throughout the
documentary film, "Forks Over Knives". The beef is from Crane Dance Farms, a local spot with a great reputation and a farm that I'm just getting to know.
San'Dera Nation curedBut a nice, juicy burger wasn't the only thing on my mind when I walked into the theatre.
I also wondered ...
1. Will the film address other potential underlying causes to disease as well as how our dietary choices effect our health? (I'm talking, pesticides, chemical food additives, modern toxicity, anti-biotics, food allergies, factory farming, the "G-word"... you know, that stuff.)
2. Will I become so horribly militant after I see this film that I will lose all of my friends?
3. Will this film tell me NEVER to eat a burger or a beloved steak again?
Knowledge Heals
Anthony Yen can "raise his flag" after multiple heart surgeries, and eating a plant-based dietAs the film began, my questions and expectations became less important than the gentle, intelligent research of Dr. Colin Campbell, a nutritional scientist at Cornell University and Dr. Caldwin Esselstyn, a top surgeon and head of the Breast Cancer Task Force at the Cleveland Clinic. In different areas of the country and the world, these two men asked the same question, "Why do these diseases exist in the first place?" They found that in the answer to THIS question lies the cure. Diet.
When you see Forks Over Knives, you might walk away, not militant, but inspired. You might also have a huge craving for vegetables (I did). You will definitely have more respect for your own body. You will have a better understanding of your body's ability to heal itself and why the wonderful world of vegetables can help us all heal.
On the fip side, doubts about the pills in your cabinet and that surgery you are about to have will creep in, too. Credible evidence by credible physicians and researchers will give you that doubt, not cheesy, manipulative scare tactics.
The evidence was most strongly presented in a group of people that the film followed (some of whom are pictured above). I won't spoil it for you - the results are dramatic and worth seeing on the big screen yourself. You will also hear pieces of information that are quite fascinating. For instance, one of the first indicators of heart disease is erectile dysfunction. Who knew? Eat plants, and as Anthony Yen puts it, "your flag will raise" without a problem, even into your 70's. Fireman Rip Esselstyn, author of "The Engine 2 Diet" said it best as he climbed up the fire pole using only his arms, with the chant, "Real. Men. Eat. Plants."
What Our Mothers (or the USDA) Didn't Tell Us
My lunch after seeing the movie.The film also offers a glimpse into the power of marketing. We all grew up with the USDA food pyramid and TV ads telling us that a dairy is the "only" source of calcium, that meat is the "only" source of protein; and now, that high fructose corn syrup is the same as sugar (and that it is actually good for you). The film debunks these theories with some interesting science and quick insight into politics. The truth is, that hIghly saturated foods with mostly fats and sugar cause food addictions. They also change our palates and destroy our bodies' healing abilities.
My diet is pretty darn healthy and includes mostly plants. I feel much better when I eat my greens and lots of them. But Forks Over Knives challenged my own assumptions and habits, as well. Did I have that burger? Oh yes. And it was really good. But I'm going to rethink the frequency with which I consume red meat, and meat in general, and explore more deeply other protein sources.
Look out vegetable aisle. I'm comin' to get you.
About the Film
For Movie Times in Grand Rapids visit: http://www.amctheatres.com/GrandRapids/
Learn More About the Film: www.forksoverknives.com
Watch a clip from Forks Over Knives: