Reddit reviews Forks Over Knives: The Plant-Based Way to Health

> Meat is the healthiest and most natural diet a human can have

Endurance athlete Rich Roll would beg to differ. As would NFL Lineman David Carter. As for myself, I've been vegan five years and I'm in tip-top shape. It's well documented that meat-laden diets contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

The China Study

Forks Over Knives (also a great doc on Netflix)

>It's completely okay to kill animals in order to eat them

Hunting or raising your own food is one thing, but buying meat at the grocery store/restaurant that is sourced from a factory farm where animals are routinely maimed and kept in extreme confinement is an entirely different context.

>Virtually 100% of humanity agrees.

In the U.S. the vegan and vegetarian community is growing. Worldwide, vegetarians are on the rise.

> we should strive to be more humane in the way we keep and slaughter them.

I totally agree. But is "humane meat" really possible? First of all the idea of killing an animal "humanely" is an oxymoron. If you want to be humane, don't kill. But let's say we could give every animal a good life up until the moment of slaughter. While is an attractive idea, it's practically impossible. When we have 7 billion people to feed, animals will be treated as unfeeling commodities as long as they are part of the food system. "Humane meat" is an excuse to charge higher prices with little basis in reality.

Part of growing up is getting used to the idea that what you choose for yourself, who you are, and how you live your life, are not always going to be understood and accepted by others. That is especially difficult when those people are ones we love and respect.

Try to have a good understanding of what you need to be healthy and strong through adolescence. Talk about it with your mom, so she doesn't get freaked out when your grandfather calls with his concerns. See if you can have a consult with a dietician/nutritionist, who can talk to you about making sure you're getting what you need. Then you or your mom can reassure your grandfather that you have consulted a profession on the matter.

If you grandfather is a reader, maybe get him a copy of one of the plant based nutrition books. If he like documentaries, then maybe you can get him a copy of one that looks at plant based diets. Or, even better, get the book/video for yourself, read it, then loan it to him so you can discuss it.

Finally, if you are struggling with depression talk to your doctor. Be proactive about doing what is necessary to be healthy. Depression that is treated (not necessarily w/ medication) in adolescence is less likely to re-occur throughout adulthood.

The best proof that you can give your grandfather that a vegetarian diet is good for you, is to be healthy and happy.

How Not to Die; Forks Over Knives or the FOK Video -- check you local library for copies

The Vegan Table is a good one: http://www.amazon.com/books/dp/1592333745

So is Forks Over Knives: http://www.amazon.com/Forks-Over-Knives-Plant-Based-Health/dp/1615190457/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376412553&sr=1-1&keywords=forks+over+knives+companion+cookbook

Start here, my friend, and welcome to the wonderful world of veganism and all of the health benefits that come with it :)

https://www.amazon.com/Forks-Over-Knives-Plant-Based-Health/dp/1615190457

PS. The transition is WAY easier than people make it out to be! With a little dedication and a little research you'll have no problems at all.

What do you think about the Paleo shtick about low amounts of bread and grains? I've seen some interesting stuff in the past year about all that that's got me thinking about fatty foods, meat, sugar, and bread differently for sure.

Sugar: The Bitter Truth - The gist of this, as noted in the description, is "He argues that fructose (too much) and fiber (not enough) appear to be cornerstones of the obesity epidemic through their effects on insulin.". It's a pretty long talk by Robert H. Lustig MD, a UCSF Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology.

Forks Over Knives - Talks about a "plant-based diet". Not "veganism", as to not turn people off. Actually very very interesting. But the whole "no meat" thing, even though I think we DO need to cut down on meat consumption just for resource concerns, I don't think holds much water at all. Small amounts of lean ruminant animal & game meats are supposedly really good for you, especially if you drink the Paleo kool-aid, but is also well supported in the scientific/medical community.

Criticism of Forks Over Knives that talks about some of the omitted information

Anyway, just thought I'd throw some of that out there

Edit: grammar, broken link