Apologies from a Plant-Based Evangelist

August 16, 2017 Off By Deby Jizi

This is to all of the people who have been the victim of my proselytizing about the Whole Foods Plant-Based (WFPB) lifestyle in the past. I want to sincerely apologize. My intentions are good; I promise you. However, I know that my strong personality combined with the fervor of a recent convert can be off-putting.

Here’s the thing.

I want everyone to FEEL the way I do after adopting this lifestyle!

It is not as if I am standing on a street corner shouting from a soap box. Usually, it all starts with someone commenting on how good I am looking lately. When I say, “Thank you!” the next thing that pops out of my mouth is, “You have to watch Forks Over Knives!” If the person hasn’t heard about the film, I go into a summary and talk about how the Forks Over Knives app is so great, full of wonderful, filling, nutritious recipes.

Sometimes, I forget myself, and when someone says, “You look great!” My response is, “I know, right?” Which sounds egotistical, but it’s not at all meant that way. This journey to wellness has surprised and delighted me. I have been taking medication for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis since I was 26. In the last year, my medication has been reduced two times. I have lost 35 pounds, and I am still losing. All the while I am eating as much food as I want. That is so mind-blowing to me!

Over time, I have started to pay attention to the deer in headlights look that I get when I am making my case for this lifestyle that to the listener rips away all of their favorite foods. “What is the use of even living!” I can see in startled eyes. The listener’s body stiffens, and all signals point to, “Get me away from this lunatic!”

I have always been an enthusiastic person. Whenever I learn something new and exciting, I want to share it with everyone. Maybe I should have started writing years ago, so that I could have channeled that enthusiasm to people who wanted to listen. For now, I just want to apologize.

If you have been the recipient of my sermons about the Whole Foods Plant-Based lifestyle, please pardon me. My heart is in the right place. I want you to feel as amazing as I feel and continue to feel every single day. In fact, I keep having more energy, a better outlook on life, no depression (which used to be a constant with me), and I get to eat some delicious foods. Most of all, I don’t have to deprive myself with portion control. The only guideline is to eat as much as I need to feel satisfied, but not too much.

So the next time you see me, if I am smiling but biting my lip, I am trying to hold it all in. What I really want to do is set up that soapbox on the corner and tell the world, “Health is as close as your kitchen!”

I guess that is what I am doing with this blog. Cheers!

Peace,

Deby