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My Life Began Six Months Ago
By Derek Kalani
 My life changed dramatically six months ago when doctors told me I would be on medications for the rest of my life at age 34 due to minor arteriosclerosis. My total cholesterol at the time was 275 and blood pressure was high 140/106. It was a big shock to me, especially since I thought I was living a healthy lifestyle. I ran and lifted weights 5 to 6 days a week and was not really overweight. I rarely ate sweets or drank carbonated drinks, but the rest of my diet was not very good. I ate white rice everyday and never ate any vegetables or fruits. I had an addiction with French fries, pizza, and of course local plate lunches. At home, I used to heat up easy TV dinners, and just add 2-3 cups of white rice to the mix. It’s no wonder my cholesterol was high!
The medications helped; however, they also gave me side effects. I thought to myself, there’s has to be a better way to control cholesterol and blood pressure without these drugs! The doctors never discussed alternatives to drugs or eating a better diet. When I asked them about it all they gave me were a few little pamphlets on what to eat and not to eat. I decided to start educating myself on food and a vegetarian diet. I became a man on a mission! I made little changes here and there in my lifestyle and diet. Three months later my lab test results showed significant improvements! I told my doctors that I wanted off the drugs and wanted to try lowering my cholesterol and blood pressure from just diet and exercise. My doctor was hesitant to do so, but I was firm and she gave in.
I became even more obsessed and determined to maintain my now good cholesterol and work on lowering my blood pressure. I did everything from eating more fruits and vegetables, substituting red meat with soy products, and changing from white rice to brown rice. I began to read labels on products, and probably the biggest change was to actually cook (and not “nuke”) my food. Not only was I eating better but I was feeling better. Everyone kept asking me, “Are you losing weight?” In 6 months I had lost 30 lbs and could run farther then I ever could without puffing. I transformed to a lean, mean, muscle machine! Now all my family, friends, and people at work with are always closely watching what I eat. My habits seemed to have rubbed off on them as well.
I never thought I could enjoy a vegan diet. I used to be strictly a “meat and potatoes” guy. However, little by little, the changes grew on me. Now I can’t go without my veggies and fruits! I really enjoy what I eat and cook and I am very motivated by knowing that it is good for my body as well.
It is six months later and my cholesterol is at 149 and my blood pressure is well under 120/80, and all without drugs! My doctor was shocked! She forgot I was off the medications and when I told her that it I did it from eating a vegan diet and exercise she was even more amazed! “WOW!” was her exact words. Now even my doctor is interested in my new diet and lifestyle. I am like those people in the fitness commercials, when they say, “I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life!” … but it’s true, and I owe it all to a vegan diet and valuable resources like the Tasty and Meatless television series that helped me change my life.
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