Have you considered joining forces with Dr. Greger, nutrition facts.org? He recently produced a film that he showed online. I'm not sure what he's going to do with it. I thought it was really powerful. He was asking for opinions. He's a force in our movement and the 2 of you might come up with some good ideas for how to get the word out, including the word about your new book.
Dr. Campbell saved my life with his CANCER FIGHTING food plan. I have been on it for 6 1/2 years. However, the real credit goes to my cancer doctor. Before he retired, he used the Whole Food Plant Based food plan to cure his prostate and kidney cancer patients. He prescribed WFPB for me. That made me finally do something about stopping the abuse I was heaping on my body. I promote the plant-based movement whenever I can.
Thanks for sharing Paul. You had a very forward thinking physician. I love hearing stories of physicians who have embraced plant-based nutrition in their practice of medicine.
What a powerful force the combination of Dr. Greger's scientific analyses, Nelson's excellent writing, and Kim's yummy recipes could be. Also, what about collaboration between the Campbell and Esselstyn families?
Thanks for your suggestion Nancy. I very much admire the courage, creativity, and tenacity of all the leaders who are advocating for a plant-based world. I also think that, whenever possible, we should be working together. However, I think we will be less effective in our mission if we rely on a small set of key people for leadership. Everyone reading this newsletter has the capacity for leadership in their spheres of influence. I believe we need to think more deeply about strategies that tap into everyone's capacity for leadership in order to launch a mass movement that can truly change our world. I will be writing about this in future newsletter issues. Thank you again for your comment.
I appreciate your thoughts and agree. Misinformation is so widely available. It makes me sad that the traction is slipping. I don't know what the answer is, but sticking with the science-backed evidence and continuing to push forward seems to be key. Thanks to you and Kim for the work you do! We'll continue to support you and keep sharing your message.
I don’t believe the plant-based movement is dying - I believe it is evolving and maturing. This is a good thing because we know to eat whole plants, not ultra processed plant food which is not healthy b
If the WFPB movement is to survive, it needs to definitively distinguish itself from veganism. Fairly or unfairly, veganism has become conflated with the WEF, the Great Reset, and the "You can eat crickets, and you'll own nothing" agenda. The Buddhist patina on the plant-based movement also hinders its acceptance among American Christians. To appeal to a wide variety of people, the focus needs to be exclusively on the health and vitality aspect. If someone with heart disease comes to your potluck or class and gets a smug lecture about "carnism" because he eats chicken once a week, you're going to lose them.
Hi Dawn. Thank you for your comments. I think what you are saying is that we need to communicate in a way that resonates with more people. I love animals, and even if animal products were as healthy for me as plants, I would eat plants because I wouldn't want to contribute to the abuse and slaughter of animals. I also think many people, often young people, care about this and the environmental arguments more than they care about the health argument (because they are not at an age where this has been an issue for them), and we need young people in our movement. Having said this, I agree that we will not win people over if we speak in judgmental ways. When I was young, we ate a traditional diet in my family, and my favorite activities were playing sports, riding horses, and fishing. I loved being outdoors, and the quest for the best fishing hole. I didn't understand then what I know today. Based on my own past, I can easily see how judgmental (and angry) language can push people away. We need to meet people where they're at. As you said, if someone comes to a potluck and is eating more plants, but not completely, we should celebrate them for the steps they are taking toward eating more plants. I believe that we need to think more deeply about our message and the way we communicate it to appeal to many more people. I'll discuss this in my next few newsletters, so stay tuned :)
I can put in my 2 cents, as someone who's received emails a while but struggling. First, due primarily to animal cruelty, my adult daughter and I reject as much as we can. But we do have many rescue cats and a few dogs, Chickens and geese. I have found my love for Chickens to be uncompromising and don't give up eggs, as blue zone people have the balance I'd prefer. But Chickens real shine is how they work my soil, and a joy to watch. With so many animals suffering, providing a good home is my heart. Problem is, we have been financially devastated by current administration and the covid Era. Yes, food costs too much. How do you feed dogs and cats? Factory farm food! Full of fluoride from Factory bones and euthanasia drugs from sick farm animals. Because of this we do buy meat, not for us, actually to cook for our animals. One of our dogs has nearly died multiple times until we started feeding him real food. If I had the money, we'd at least buy local, sustainable, regenerative Meat, because despite claims, it's a thing. Removing animals from the land devastates the land. Cycle of life and death is not kind to any of us, but we could choose to make it better, not worse, if we can.
Another issue is that carnivore is easy, for a lazy way to feel good. I've done keto/carnivore in the past, it was amazing. Less hungry, 2 bites I'm good to go for hours, no IBS, no indigestion at night, I was a smooth running machine. Here is why I still think it's wrong: when our ancestors went into keto/carnivore mode, they weren't thriving nor did they have a walmart delivery. They needing to survive on 2 bites and run miles. But just like when I have one thing flare, another disappears. Say my arthritis goes poof when I have a cold... the body will turn down warnings to focus on most important things. That's what modern carnivores don't get. They feel great but lazy and purchase their meat, fast cooking, no relationship to their food. They are putting off inevitable. I also felt amazing doing body ecology diet, which can include eggs, it's 80% non starchy veg. I lose more weight and have more energy with more plant based, but it must be low sugars due to my fibromyalgia and hypoglycemia, my metabolism revs up, vs keto, because when you feed your body abundance of veg, grain, legumes, it says, oh we are in feast days... carnivore crowd won't get that. It's also cost and time. I live in a food desert so sadly I can't get quality or variety, so I focus on growing my own. If I'm working, no time to do so. It's one or the other. Many people just give up and buy what they can afford that's fast and easy. Personally hope legislation will be pushed to change what is subsidized and criminalize Factory farms... one day.... smh... and the need to add processed sugar/veg oil in everything skyrocketing inflammation. Azure standard enables us to get organic food in large amounts but if I'm working I can't order as their delivery is not set on one date. Without lack of variety I stay pretty sick. Focusing on wild medicinals really helps.
People working struggling, and sadly, uneducated. Hopefully a better solution will come when they are ready. As economy squeezes them, Rice and beans will become a Staple, as it is for us. Mother nature has a way of turning things on its head.
Thanks so much for your comments here. You made many interesting points. As I said in a comment to another post, I love animals as well, so I understand your sentiment on this. You also made many other interesting points, but let me focus on just one of them. You mentioned struggling financially, and living in a food desert. There are many other people facing the same challenges. I will discuss this topic further in future newsletters, but in this response want to say that I think we have generally failed in the plant-based community to develop replicable/scalable strategies that give people like you greater access to 1) the plant-based health message, and 2) the food and other support required to live plant-based. I feel strongly about this point and am trying to raise funding for a project in western North Carolina that is focused on just such a strategy. I won't say more about this unless it comes to fruition, but wanted to express my appreciation to you for bring this important point forward in your comments.
Maybe consider sneak peeks of your book for paid subscribers? And recordings of Lives and/or video interviews of people from the plant-based community.
Have you considered joining forces with Dr. Greger, nutrition facts.org? He recently produced a film that he showed online. I'm not sure what he's going to do with it. I thought it was really powerful. He was asking for opinions. He's a force in our movement and the 2 of you might come up with some good ideas for how to get the word out, including the word about your new book.
Thank you for your suggestion Vicki. I know Dr. Greger and admire his tenacity.
Dr. Campbell saved my life with his CANCER FIGHTING food plan. I have been on it for 6 1/2 years. However, the real credit goes to my cancer doctor. Before he retired, he used the Whole Food Plant Based food plan to cure his prostate and kidney cancer patients. He prescribed WFPB for me. That made me finally do something about stopping the abuse I was heaping on my body. I promote the plant-based movement whenever I can.
Thanks for sharing Paul. You had a very forward thinking physician. I love hearing stories of physicians who have embraced plant-based nutrition in their practice of medicine.
Thanks for your comment Kristin
What a powerful force the combination of Dr. Greger's scientific analyses, Nelson's excellent writing, and Kim's yummy recipes could be. Also, what about collaboration between the Campbell and Esselstyn families?
Thanks for your suggestion Nancy. I very much admire the courage, creativity, and tenacity of all the leaders who are advocating for a plant-based world. I also think that, whenever possible, we should be working together. However, I think we will be less effective in our mission if we rely on a small set of key people for leadership. Everyone reading this newsletter has the capacity for leadership in their spheres of influence. I believe we need to think more deeply about strategies that tap into everyone's capacity for leadership in order to launch a mass movement that can truly change our world. I will be writing about this in future newsletter issues. Thank you again for your comment.
I think Zoom discussion groups would help!
Thank you for your suggestion Charlene. I have considered this idea as well and will keep this in mind for the future.
I appreciate your thoughts and agree. Misinformation is so widely available. It makes me sad that the traction is slipping. I don't know what the answer is, but sticking with the science-backed evidence and continuing to push forward seems to be key. Thanks to you and Kim for the work you do! We'll continue to support you and keep sharing your message.
I don’t believe the plant-based movement is dying - I believe it is evolving and maturing. This is a good thing because we know to eat whole plants, not ultra processed plant food which is not healthy b
If the WFPB movement is to survive, it needs to definitively distinguish itself from veganism. Fairly or unfairly, veganism has become conflated with the WEF, the Great Reset, and the "You can eat crickets, and you'll own nothing" agenda. The Buddhist patina on the plant-based movement also hinders its acceptance among American Christians. To appeal to a wide variety of people, the focus needs to be exclusively on the health and vitality aspect. If someone with heart disease comes to your potluck or class and gets a smug lecture about "carnism" because he eats chicken once a week, you're going to lose them.
Hi Dawn. Thank you for your comments. I think what you are saying is that we need to communicate in a way that resonates with more people. I love animals, and even if animal products were as healthy for me as plants, I would eat plants because I wouldn't want to contribute to the abuse and slaughter of animals. I also think many people, often young people, care about this and the environmental arguments more than they care about the health argument (because they are not at an age where this has been an issue for them), and we need young people in our movement. Having said this, I agree that we will not win people over if we speak in judgmental ways. When I was young, we ate a traditional diet in my family, and my favorite activities were playing sports, riding horses, and fishing. I loved being outdoors, and the quest for the best fishing hole. I didn't understand then what I know today. Based on my own past, I can easily see how judgmental (and angry) language can push people away. We need to meet people where they're at. As you said, if someone comes to a potluck and is eating more plants, but not completely, we should celebrate them for the steps they are taking toward eating more plants. I believe that we need to think more deeply about our message and the way we communicate it to appeal to many more people. I'll discuss this in my next few newsletters, so stay tuned :)
Too often it seems that the 'movement' has aligned itself with the wellness and MAHA nutters like RFK jr. Credibility in the tank.
I can put in my 2 cents, as someone who's received emails a while but struggling. First, due primarily to animal cruelty, my adult daughter and I reject as much as we can. But we do have many rescue cats and a few dogs, Chickens and geese. I have found my love for Chickens to be uncompromising and don't give up eggs, as blue zone people have the balance I'd prefer. But Chickens real shine is how they work my soil, and a joy to watch. With so many animals suffering, providing a good home is my heart. Problem is, we have been financially devastated by current administration and the covid Era. Yes, food costs too much. How do you feed dogs and cats? Factory farm food! Full of fluoride from Factory bones and euthanasia drugs from sick farm animals. Because of this we do buy meat, not for us, actually to cook for our animals. One of our dogs has nearly died multiple times until we started feeding him real food. If I had the money, we'd at least buy local, sustainable, regenerative Meat, because despite claims, it's a thing. Removing animals from the land devastates the land. Cycle of life and death is not kind to any of us, but we could choose to make it better, not worse, if we can.
Another issue is that carnivore is easy, for a lazy way to feel good. I've done keto/carnivore in the past, it was amazing. Less hungry, 2 bites I'm good to go for hours, no IBS, no indigestion at night, I was a smooth running machine. Here is why I still think it's wrong: when our ancestors went into keto/carnivore mode, they weren't thriving nor did they have a walmart delivery. They needing to survive on 2 bites and run miles. But just like when I have one thing flare, another disappears. Say my arthritis goes poof when I have a cold... the body will turn down warnings to focus on most important things. That's what modern carnivores don't get. They feel great but lazy and purchase their meat, fast cooking, no relationship to their food. They are putting off inevitable. I also felt amazing doing body ecology diet, which can include eggs, it's 80% non starchy veg. I lose more weight and have more energy with more plant based, but it must be low sugars due to my fibromyalgia and hypoglycemia, my metabolism revs up, vs keto, because when you feed your body abundance of veg, grain, legumes, it says, oh we are in feast days... carnivore crowd won't get that. It's also cost and time. I live in a food desert so sadly I can't get quality or variety, so I focus on growing my own. If I'm working, no time to do so. It's one or the other. Many people just give up and buy what they can afford that's fast and easy. Personally hope legislation will be pushed to change what is subsidized and criminalize Factory farms... one day.... smh... and the need to add processed sugar/veg oil in everything skyrocketing inflammation. Azure standard enables us to get organic food in large amounts but if I'm working I can't order as their delivery is not set on one date. Without lack of variety I stay pretty sick. Focusing on wild medicinals really helps.
People working struggling, and sadly, uneducated. Hopefully a better solution will come when they are ready. As economy squeezes them, Rice and beans will become a Staple, as it is for us. Mother nature has a way of turning things on its head.
Never give up, I know you won't.
Thanks so much for your comments here. You made many interesting points. As I said in a comment to another post, I love animals as well, so I understand your sentiment on this. You also made many other interesting points, but let me focus on just one of them. You mentioned struggling financially, and living in a food desert. There are many other people facing the same challenges. I will discuss this topic further in future newsletters, but in this response want to say that I think we have generally failed in the plant-based community to develop replicable/scalable strategies that give people like you greater access to 1) the plant-based health message, and 2) the food and other support required to live plant-based. I feel strongly about this point and am trying to raise funding for a project in western North Carolina that is focused on just such a strategy. I won't say more about this unless it comes to fruition, but wanted to express my appreciation to you for bring this important point forward in your comments.
Maybe consider sneak peeks of your book for paid subscribers? And recordings of Lives and/or video interviews of people from the plant-based community.
I will consider these ideas Kathy. Thank you for your input.