How Watching ‘Forks Over Knives' on Netflix changed my life

It was a flight from Adelaide to Alice Springs in Australia, and I was skimming through the in-flight entertainment options when a documentary caught my eye: Forks Over Knives. I had heard of it before but never really paid much attention. Little did I know, that one decision to watch it would change my life forever.

The Aha Moment

The documentary Forks Over Knives explores the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods. This statement intrigued me. Could the food I eat really have such a significant impact on my health?

The Science Behind It

The film presents compelling evidence from doctors and researchers who have studied the effects of diet on health. Dr. T. Colin Campbell, a nutritional biochemist, and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, a former top surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic, are the main voices in the documentary. They both advocate for a whole-food, plant-based diet, which they believe can prevent and even reverse chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Real-Life Transformations

What really hit home for me were the real-life stories of people who had made the switch to a plant-based diet and experienced dramatic improvements in their health. One story that stood out was about a gentleman who was able to reverse his type 2 diabetes and lose significant weight, all by changing his diet. Could it really be that simple?

My Health Before the Documentary

Before watching Forks Over Knives, I considered myself relatively healthy. I exercised semi-regularly and tried to eat a balanced diet. However, I often found myself feeling sluggish and tired, especially in the afternoons. I also had high cholesterol, despite my efforts to eat “heart-healthy” foods.

The Turning Point

After watching the documentary, I felt compelled to give this whole-food, plant-based diet a try. The evidence presented was too strong to ignore, and I was curious to see if it could make a difference in my life.

The Transition to a Plant-Based Diet

by Fikri Rasyid (https://unsplash.com/@fikrirasyid)

Transitioning to a plant-based diet was easier than I expected, thanks in part to the plethora of resources available online. Websites, cookbooks, and even social media are filled with delicious and easy-to-make plant-based recipes. There are some great alternatives to traditional meat which made the transition so much easier. I could enjoy a burger and even nuggets. The only difference I noticed was that the burger wasn't dripping everywhere and I didn't get meat stuck in my teeth. Nice!

Learning to Cook Differently

One of the biggest changes was learning to cook without meat, dairy, and processed foods. I discovered new ingredients like nutritional yeast, tempeh, and tofu, and I learned how to make plant-based versions of my favorite dishes. For instance, I started making a plant-based mac and cheese using cashews and nutritional yeast. It was so creamy and delicious that I didn’t even miss the dairy.

Dealing with Cravings

Cravings were another challenge, especially in the beginning. I had a particular weakness for cheese and found myself missing it terribly. However, as I continued to eat more whole foods, my cravings started to diminish. I found that my taste buds began to change, and I started to appreciate the natural flavors of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Cheese is still a tricky thing to replace but there are some good options and to be honest it takes some getting used to.

The Benefits I Experienced

The benefits of switching to a plant-based diet were almost immediate. Within a few weeks, I noticed a significant increase in my energy levels. I no longer experienced the afternoon slumps that used to leave me feeling drained and unproductive.

Improved Health Metrics

A few months into my plant-based journey, I went for a routine check-up. To my amazement, my cholesterol levels had dropped significantly. My doctor was impressed and encouraged me to continue with my new diet. I even felt energised to go for walks, jogs and runs and my dog just loved coming with me all the time and he even lost weight. The vet was very impressed!

Weight Management

Another benefit was weight management. I wasn’t overweight to begin with, but I did lose a few pounds, 66 pounds (or 30 kilograms in Aussie language) and felt leaner and more toned. More importantly, I felt great. My digestion improved, and I felt lighter and more energetic.

Mental Clarity

One unexpected benefit was improved mental clarity. I found that I could focus better and think more clearly. This was particularly noticeable during my workday, where I felt more productive and less distracted.

Building a Supportive Community

One of the things that helped me the most during this transition was finding a supportive community. I joined several online groups where people shared their plant-based journeys, recipes, and tips. This sense of community was incredibly motivating and made me feel less alone in my journey. My family have pretty much converted and we enjoy cooking meals and coming up with plant-based alternatives to traditional meals. Even pizza!

Sharing My Story

by Nadine Primeau (https://unsplash.com/@nadineprimeau)

As I experienced these positive changes, I felt compelled to share my story with others. I started this blog to document my journey and provide practical advice for those interested in exploring a plant-based lifestyle. The feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive, and it felt great to know that I was helping others improve their health and well-being.

Practical Tips for Transitioning to a Plant-Based Diet

If you’re considering making the switch to a plant-based diet, here are some practical tips to help you get started:

Start Slowly

You don’t have to go all-in right away. Start by incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet and gradually reduce your intake of animal products and processed foods. Look for replacements to the non-vegan foods you like. it's not really hard if you try. Most supermarkets now have vegan sections with some great foods. They might be a touch more expensive but expect that the prices will come down as the products become more popular.

Experiment with New Recipes

There are so many delicious plant-based recipes out there. Take the time to experiment and find new dishes that you enjoy. You might be surprised by how much you love them. It's really good fun once you get into it.

Find Your Why

Understanding your motivation for making the switch can help you stay committed. Whether it’s for health, environmental, or ethical reasons, having a clear “why” can keep you focused and motivated.

Seek Support

Join online communities or local groups where you can connect with others who are on the same journey. Sharing experiences and tips can make the transition much easier.

Final Thoughts

Watching Forks Over Knives on Netflix was a turning point in my life. It opened my eyes to the profound impact that diet can have on health and inspired me to make positive changes. Since making the switch to a plant-based diet, I’ve experienced improved energy levels, better health metrics, and a greater sense of well-being.

If you’re curious about the benefits of a plant-based diet, I highly recommend giving Forks Over Knives a watch. You might just find that it changes your life too. There are more documentaries just like it. It also gave me a different perspective on what we are doing to the planet and how we can make a difference by simply making better choices. It's not that hard – give it a try, you might be very surprised.