Your Stories
August 29th, 2011
Reverend Steve, DD, RMT, Pastor
Hello Jill and All,
40 years ago, as a 22 year old, I started my journey of a lifestyle of vegetarian. I immediately stopped consuming (eating and purchasing) anything that came from the death of an animal – except eggs and dairy. 6 months later, I had completely stopped consuming eggs. Less than 20 years later, I had completely stopped consuming anything that was produced or originated from an living, moving being. I have lived a plant-based lifestyle for many years. Currently, at age 62 I eat a diet that is mostly traditional Thai vegan. Yes, I do have health issues (a pesky virus that I received through blood transfusions 35 years ago has caused some serious organ damage). But, doctors still are amazed that I am as healthy and strong as I am. There are some others with similar health issues who have lifestyles that are SAD (standard American diet) with loads of animal products who also remained quite healthy. But, these are few. Most people with this type of health issue are far from healthy and strong. So, I would have to say that accepting and living a Healthy Life does indeed consist of a lifestyle as a vegan who eats fresh, organic plant-based foods. And, I remember daily that plants that are grown healthy always smile, unlike factory-farmed animals. I always include a smile and joy in each moment of my Healthy Life.
May 9th, 2011
Sydney Gruber
Dear Jill and Readers, I also saw “Change Your Diet, Change Your Life” on Netflix and thought it was compelling. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and am probably heading towards type II diabeties. In trying to lose weight over the last two years my search for information has taken me to many different sources, even to an unhelpful and expensive nutritionist. Sadly, I had not found any plan worthy except for gleaning the concept of fruits and veggies from Weight Watchers. Your video helped me fill in the last piece of the puzzle. I always disliked the feelings I had after consuming meat or the thought of portion control. The video helped me realize I can eat to fullness with fewer calories and greater nutrition. I keep a food journal (W.W.), and have added a chalk board to the front of the refrigerator to write down affirmations of strength, encouragement or knowledge to keep myself on the right path. I also mute the T.V. during food commercials. What shortcomings may be are few since your website features a list of literature you sought for education. I too am now reading the McDougall Plan and will look for others of your recommendation. I am doing well, staying committed, and have lost 12lbs this month. Thanks for everything and continue your great work.
January 19th, 2011
Jason Koerth, CA
I just watched “Change your food change your life” on Netflix loved it and it was the final support I needed to move forward. I have eaten a lot of meat, grew up on it. As a young adult I lived a mostly vegetarian life that being said I was shocked to find out I had high cholesterol and was struggling with energy. I recently moved into a basement unit and the owners are Vegan and let me know I was not allowed to cook any meat in my unit so this has helped my trying to change but when at work I would find myself sneaking that little bit of meat and was still bringing home cheese. Now that you have educated me more in detail I am changed 100% over night! its kinda funny since I have lived in a Vegan environment and not eating that much meat over the past 4 months the thought slowly got gross thinking of it…..lol So thank you for the education and closing the slightly open door to unhealthy eating. Cheers 
~ J
December 19th, 2010
Steven Guerrero, Gig Harbor, Washington
I just finished watching your movie “Change your food, change your life” and I loved it.
Many months ago, to a time I sadly cannot remember or it would have become a stapled holiday on my calendar, I had become vegetarian purely for the experience. I had coincidentally gone without meat for a week and thought “hey, I can do this for the rest of my life” (seriously!). I made the transition right away wasting all the meat products I had bought and basically losing my benefit of receiving free food at my work.
After several months of this painless and rewarding task, I told everyone at my work that I was ready for, what I had coincidentally also called, the ‘next level’: vegan. While vegetarian happened in a day, this took some time. It took me a good 2-4 weeks to ween myself off everything animal but once I did I was so happy. I felt amazing; like superman is what I described it. I was never sick, never tired, never fatigued, never [insert negativity here]! This continued for several months (again, I really wish I knew dates).
But then life hit me. I was faced with some big decisions and responsibilities that I knowingly took and did what I must. Among these things was a car (that is a story in itself…). And after that, payments were just too much for me to handle. While I could afford everything I was left with barely anything to survive on. I was so scared that I looked toward any help I could: welfare, food stamps, borrowing, multiple jobs. But it all seemed too complicated or too out of reach for me. I had decided there was 1 thing I had to do to afford just plain eating. It was a decision that brought me to tears. That decision was to quit being vegan.
I took baby steps working my way back into the world I was in before; a slum, grotesque, filthy world that was a stranger to me and something I did not care to rejoin. After a week, I was back to eating the same things I had been and the effects were far too apparent. Greasy, unfocused, out of energy, depressed; just a few things that struck over me. To top it all off, just a month ago I was hit from behind and my car was totaled. So now I don’t even have that (goodbye thousands of dollars).
At the time of this story, I’m still not vegan. I’m holding out until I can find a second job and to an almost literal term it’s killing me.
Your movie shed more light over being vegan that I previously knew. It has inspired me to go back to being vegan and taking whatever second job I can get. I want to learn all I can about nutrition and a healthy lifestyle and I deeply thank you for making it appealing and so comforting.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I cannot wait to be happy again!
-Steven