Page 10 • Monday, September 16, 2013
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Speaker discusses benefits of cutting meat from meals
Zhane’ Pica Reporter Jane Grimes, an Indiana State alumnus, was diagnosed with scoliosis about 15 years ago. However, as a result of changing her eating habits, she said she has never felt better. “My doctor told me that I had Scoliosis very bad and it was affecting me,” Grimes said. “With changing my diet, I barely notice it anymore.” After cutting meats out of her diet, Grimes said she has more energy throughout the day to go on daily walks and her digestive system has improved. Grimes was one of many who attended a presentation by Neal Barnard, M.D., a health and nutrition philanthropist promoting the importance of a healthy body with a healthy diet, in Tilson Auditorium on Friday as part of the University Speaker Series. “I really believe in eating the way he says,” Grimes said. “It has had an effect on my family members, as well.” For years, Barnard researched the necessary steps to restore the body to better health. As one of America’s leading health and nutrition advocates, a clinical researcher, and author, Barnard said during his presentation that, “Genes are not destiny.” Barnard is the founder and president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, which promotes preventative medicine through innovative programs. Barnard’s book, titled “21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart: Boost Metabolism, Lower Cholesterol, and Dramatically Improve Health,” was one program he strongly urged many to try during the event. “Be vegan all the time, for three weeks,” he said. “You can’t beat giving it a try.” With this three-week immersion into a healthy vegetarian diet, Barnard said the body will have adjusted its digestive system, gained more energy and become physically healthier. Furthermore, one’s taste buds will start to change. Focusing on the “Power Plate,” which consists of eating fruits, grains, legumes and vegetables, all of which of high in protein, are of great importance to succeeding in this diet, Barnard said, and by substituting the meat out there is no room for fat to build, creating a healthier body. Barnard said several tips that are important to maintaining this diet is avoiding “bad fats,” eating vitamin-rich foods, taking a vitamin B-12 supplement, engaging in some kind of physical activity, getting plenty of sleep and making sure that any medications taken are vital. Often times, people don’t recognize that taking medications, along with a balanced diet, are the perfect combination to a healthy, comfortable and livable lifestyle, he said. The recent passing of Barnard’s father from dementia motivated him to find ways to prevent the illness. His father, who was a doctor as well, worked to cure the diseases of others, but in time neglected to care for himself. His father was Barnard’s inspiration for investigating
“Put this to work. We can definitely revolutionize the world, using healthy diets to transform healthy bodies.” Neal Barnard, M.D., author of “21-Day Weightloss Kickstart,” speaking Friday night during a presentation at Tilson Auditorium
Neal Barnard, M.D., speaks at Tilson Auditorium on Friday night (Photo by Kira Clouse).
preventative ways to reduce the possibilities of Alzheimer’s. “I’d rather die than to have Alzheimer’s, or anything for that matter,” said Dwight Burton, an Indiana resident in response to Barnard’s discussion on the art and science of losing weight. Burton, 85, who at one point believed people needed to eat meat to survive, said he recently discovered the benefits of a vegan diet and is enthused with the results. “I used to be a farmer. I raised hogs to make a living and I used to think people needed to eat meat to survive,” Burton said. “I wish I would have known about this diet sooner. It definitely would have saved me a few trips to the doctor.”
Burton said he was glad he came to hear Barnard speak because it changed his perspective on many things he can now share with his family, friends and even his personal doctor. “You know I actually tried a vegan burger and it ain’t half bad,” Burton said. As they left the auditorium, participants had an opportunity to have their own copy of Barnard’s book signed by the author himself. “Put this to work,” Barnard said at the end of his presentation. “We can definitely revolutionize the world, using healthy diets to transform healthy bodies.”