I have heard this all too often, usually from those on medications who think they no longer have heart disease, high blood pressure, and/or diabetes because each condition is now ‘under control’ according to their doctor.
‘I know eating more plants is healthy, but I’ll wait until I’m really sick to change my diet.‘
It’s almost like when you come across the scene of an accident and you are directed by the police to move on. They have it under control Nothing to see here.
But we all know behind the ropes, even with all the first responders present, there is a lot going on. We just can’t see from where we are standing and those in a position to know may not share what is really going on.
From where I am standing, I see it all the time.
Why is now the second best time to make a lifestyle change?
Let me tell you what doesn’t work so well. Wait and then hurry to catch up. At least with any degree of certainty. Why? Because you may not get the chance.
Having just read 2 in depth books on healthy aging this past week, what I can tell you is that most chronic health conditions are not something we ‘get’ when a symptom becomes visible.
- Most cancers start growing decades before detection.
- Most arteries start to harden years before the first angina attack.
- Constipation can be dismissed as normal a decade before a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
- We start aging when we are born, and our DNA, gut microbiome and telomeres change based on our lifestyle. You are what you eat.
More than just living longer, it’s about living better.
This isn’t just about our life expectancy; it’s about the quality of our life.
So why not start now?
- Before the chronic pain that causes you to miss the family vacation.
- Before the stent or bypass ,and the resulting brain fog that doesn’t go away.
- Before the injections of insulin begin and the weight gain continues.
- Before the stage 2 diagnosis or recurrence and all the worry.
- Before the surgery with the side effects that you never expected.
- Before the stroke and the slow recovery.
More than just prevention, its also about treatment.
The body is amazing and, with the right fuel, can heal from so many chronic conditions we consider just normal aging.
Using food first, we can help our bodies recover from many conditions and lessen the need for medications with support from our doctors as our numbers improve.
When is the best time to make lifestyle change?
The best time to start eating more plant-based was years ago. The second-best time is today.
