I was walking on the trail by my house one morning. I can walk a pretty good clip compared to some people. So while I was walking I was catching up with others who we’re walking slower than me. Each time I’d catch up with someone I’d slowmy pace for a few minutes and talk with them. One man and I got to chatting about walking and he told me he walked ten miles a day. He said he liked walking because it was less stress on his knees than running. I agreed and pointed to the scar on my right knee – a constant reminder of knee resurfacing surgery that was done October 2016.
When he saw my scar he said “at least it was just your knee. Mine are from my heart” and then he pointed to his legs. Both calves had 8-10 inch scars on them. He told me that was from having double bypass surgery 20 years ago.
He said the scars are reminders to him to exercise and take care of himself. He also said he was frustrated because he wasn’t losing weight despite walking ten miles a day. I gave him my phone number and told him that eating a Whole Food Plant Based lifestyle could reverse the heart damage already done. I hope he will call and I’ll be able to provide him more information.
These scars can be powerful motivators. Seeing the scar each day reminds us of what happened to cause the scar and helps us think of improving our lives to perhaps avoid what would have caused it.
When considering a lifestyle change to improve your health inderstandijg your why is important. If you knew what you ate would make you sick in five to minutes you’d probably think twice before eating it. So why is it then if the evidence indicates that some foods will make you sick in ten, twenty or thirtybyear so many ignore the evidence.
For me it was seeing the end of my mom’s life and wanting to live longer than her that convinced me to change my habits now and adopt a Whole Food Plant Based lifestyle. I don’t see it as giving up anything. I see it as choosing a healthier tomorrow. Yes, I could have a scoop of ice cream or a bacon cheeseburger. But I’d rather live long into my ninties and hopefully to 100 and beyond with my health and mind in tact!
