As we at MamaSezz well know, changing to a whole food plant based diet can change your life in ways you never expected. In this series, we talk with some of the world’s most soulful, dedicated (and often funny) individuals. We get to hear their stories of suffering, transformation, and service — and we learn how food is an essential part of their journey.
This week, we're looking back at three stories featuring individuals whose illnesses cost them their mobility. Luckily, hope was not lost; these superheroes saved their own lives by changing their lifestyles. Two of these folks were just barely in their twenties when diagnosed. Our third story features a brave woman that made a big lifestyle change in her 80s. This is a beautiful example that it's never too late!). After going whole food plant based, all three were able to ditch their canes, crutches, and hospital beds!
1. Carolyn no longer needs her cane (Muscular Sclerosis) after going WFPB
Carolyn was in her early 20s when she lost feeling in the right side of her body and needed a cane to get around. Her Muscular Sclerosis had gotten so bad she was unable to walk properly on her own, and her obesity was just making matters worse. She dreamed of exploring the world. She even hoped to one day climb Machu Picchu. But her "incurable disease" left her devastated and discouraged.
After a bought of inspiration, Carolyn decided that she was going to have to cure herself. She gave up on her doctors, as they found her case "hopeless." She focused on an anti-inflammatory diet. Carolyn ate mostly whole plant foods. Little by little she noticed her body was healing. Fast forward six months and Carolyn was riding in bike marathons and dropping weight like crazy.
After fulfilling her dream to someday climb Machu Picchu, and living symptom-free at a healthy weight, Carolyn knew the true value of a healthy, plant-based diet and became a health coach to help others heal. Read Carolyn's full story.
2. Chris said goodbye to his crutches (Gout) after transitioning to a whole food plant based diet
Christopher was active his whole life and coached many sports, from swimming and soccer to tennis. His athletic pursuits became more and more difficult, however, once his health began to decline. High uric acid levels left him with a gout diagnosis and prediabetes. The painful swelling in his ankle meant he needed crutches to get around and he found himself suddenly on the sidelines. He was young, athletic and thought he ate a pretty healthy diet, so he was at a loss for what to do.
It wasn't until Chris learned more about a plant-based diet from a vegan friend that he started to put two and two together. After a little research, he decided to give this anti-inflammatory lifestyle a try. To his surprise and gratification, it worked!
Chris has not had a gout flair since going vegan, and has lost over 40 pounds. He is back in the pool, on the court, and on the field.
3. Millie got out of her hospital bed after eating more WFPB foods (Congestive Heart Failure)
While Carolyn and Chris were both in their twenties when diagnosed, our next story focuses on a later-in-life transformation. Millie was in her 80s when she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. She was told by her doctors to get her affairs in order, and moved in with her daughter Meg for the end of her life.
Meg didn't take this sitting down, did some research about the disease, and came to find that many people had successfully reversed it with a diet change. Meg put Millie on a whole food plant-based diet, and fed her through a straw as she could barely sit up or stand on her own. Millie doesn't remember much from this time, but as the months passed, she started to heal.
One day, Meg looked out her window to see Millie making her way up the driveway all on her own. From there, Millie graduated to vegan stir fry and bean chili, and eventually got back into swimming, yoga, even driving.
Today Millie is 91 years old, surrounded by new friends, and enjoying her family, including her grandchildren and newest arrival, a great granddaughter. Millie's heart function went from 10 percent to 56 percent, which is in the normal range. She is loving her life, and thankful every day for the plant-based diet that saved her life.
Check out Millie's full story including her mini documentary.
Ready for your own transformation?
Follow in their lead and get moving (and your independence back)! Enjoy the MamaSezz Guaranteed Weight Loss Bundle, filled with ready-made, whole food plant-based meals. Follow along to the meal plan, and let your body heal from the inside out as you shed weight on a full stomach. Yes, weight loss can be enjoyable!