Conventional wisdom is that your genes, your environment and your lifestyle play important roles in determining health – but if we’re talking about “environment” why not start with what we consciously put INTO our bodies? Our food affects our health more than our outside environment. I believe we can actively play a role in preserving health by food and lifestyle choices, and improve the odds of keeping the doctors out if it.

The Admiral (who is a registered dietician, BTW) and I have been on a plant-based (mostly whole foods) diet for about a year now. I feel way better, my lab values are way better, and (believe it or not) our food is more interesting and varied than ever before (mainly because we've explored with new recipes and seasonings that go beyond traditional Euro-American fare). Even my kids are saying that, and they're still eating meat/fish along with whatever else my wife is cooking.

The motivating factor was that I want to stay healthy, active and medication-free for as long as possible. A documentary called FORKS OVER KNIVES convinced me to make this change. You can watch it on Netflix or Amazon. Check out http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Forks_Over_Knives/70185045?trkid=2361637. If you don’t find it interesting, stay with it for at least 30 minutes before you turn it off.

My doctor became interested in this when he saw the drastic improvements in my lab values, and after seeing FORKS OVER KNIVES he investigated further and made the switch also.

Many of my peers are on cholesterol lowering medications that have known side effects (a friend had to go off Lipitor because it was interfering with his liver function). Many have weight problems, diabetes, and other issues. When I invite guests out on my boat it's very evident if they have agility issues (usually it goes with a weight problem). I consider lack of agility an added risk aboard a boat. I don’t have any of these health issues now and want to keep it that way, if I can.

Dr. McDougall’s site will also provide a lot of supporting info http://www.drmcdougall.com/ check out the free lectures links on the left column.(nl)