Vegan

In Oct 2009, I made a choice to try out a vegan diet for a year.  I've battled high cholesterol forever and my results over the last 10 years average 260.  My HDL and overall ratio are actually pretty good, but my LDL is atrocious.  I had tried different exercise and diet techniques but the results were consistently depressing.  My doctor is not recommending medicine since I'm otherwise healthy and my family history of high cholesterol, but I am determined to get below 200.  I've never been a big red meat or cheese eater and by 2008, had cut the majority out of my diet but still no progress.
When a good friend decided to switch to a vegan diet, I joined him in order to see what would happen.  I'm very content with my new lifestyle and after a lower cholesterol reading in 2010, am continuing the crusade and learning every day.  Although I call it vegan for simplicity, plant-based whole foods lifestyle is more accurate.  I have not (yet) completely given up material items that harm animals but am conscious of my choices.

My top 3 reasons for going Vegan
1. My Health
2. The Environment
3. Animal Rights

Here are some of my favorite links and resources I use for scientific information, cooking, my health, and support.

Books
  • The China Study - T. Colin Campbell, PhD and Thomas M Campbell II
  • Eating Animals - Jonathan Safran Foer
  • Thrive Nutrition, Thrive Fitness, Thrive Foods  - Brendan Brazier
  • Becoming Vegan - Brenda Davis, R.D. and Vesanto Melina, M.S, R.D.
  • The 80/10/10 Diet - Dr. Douglas N. Graham
Websites and Blogs
Athletes
Recipes

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