Thanks Anne
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
So, the saying goes.
Tonight, we heard from Betty Chetcuti, a psychologist and author of "My Vegan Cookbook". The main focus of her presentation revolved around what you put in your mouth being very important. Obviously this sounds logical and it is but the focus here being on changes to your diet making changes to your overall health. She recounted the way Aunt Dulcie (the Aunt of Dr Andrew Davies wife Claire) who had been suffering from a progressively debilitating heart condition. This took the form of at least 5 angina attacks daily. Whilst her physician had said that she had all the medical support she could get Aunt Dulcie decided to try a 100% plant-based diet. After 6 months on this diet, she had reduced her angina attacks to 1-2 - NOT a day but actually over that whole period - happening in the initial days and then they had simply vanished.
What was highlighted was the essential feature that one needs to concentrate on what you are going to cook. In fact, certain moments to change the trajectory of your life, and you need to change the course of your nutrition in order to improve your health. Betty chose to listen to her clients and what they were saying, what foods they were eating and suggested a temporary redirection in what they put in their mouth. She gave them a gentle hint that some food items could be swapped out, that they change what they selected to eat and cook and prepare for three days only.
Another aspect which Betty discussed was the level of stress which led and does lead to problems in health. Thus, change what you put in your mouth and you potentially can change your health.
Furthermore, you are the driver of your life, and the choices you make. You have to be happy with whatever you do. Finally, you do not need to accept the genetic profile of the health problems of your family.
Addendum by the Ed. As someone who is unlikely to become a vegetarian never mind a vegan there are some very interesting recipes in Betty's book which I bought, and I am definitely willing to try eating plant based perhaps once or twice a week. Can't hurt!
