How not to die by Michael Gregers
“This book has transformed my understanding of health and wellness, and I am truly grateful for the impact it has had already on my life. ”
As someone who's been on a journey to improve my health and well-being, I can honestly say that "How Not To Die" by Michael Greger has been a bit of a game-changer for me. I was already familiar with the benefits of a plant-based diet, having listened to my favorite “I-am-not-your-guru” Rich Roll's podcast (there is a great interview with Michael and Rich here) and read his book "Finding Ultra”, (read my review here) but "How Not To Die" took things to a whole new level.
I have always been interested in health and wellness, but I had never really considered the idea of a plant-based diet. But when started to listen to "How Not to Die", I was immediately drawn in by Greger's clear and evidence-based approach. Inspired by the book, I've made a few changes in my own life that have already had a noticeable impact. For example, I've swapped out pasta, rice, and potatoes for lentils and beans, which are much more nutrient-dense and filling. I've also started adding turmeric to my meals, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and I've been making smoothies with blueberries, mango, and strawberries for the whole family nearly every day.
And the results have been amazing! I feel more energetic, - in a balanced way, my stress level has drastically improved (as my Garmin watch tells me), I sleep like a baby, my skin inflammations around my elbows and hands have disappeared (I have had them my whole adult life) and I have even lost a few kilos. But perhaps the most profound change has been the positive impact on my overall well-being. I feel balanced and more content.
I have started to incorporate the "Daily Dozen" into my diet, which is a list of the most important foods according to Dr. Greger. Here are my top five favourites:
Berries (especially blueberries)
Cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli and kale)
Beans and legumes (like chickpeas and lentils)
Nuts and seeds (almonds and chia seeds are great options)
Spices (especially turmeric )
*As a training nut, my must-have breakfast ingredient is nutritional yeast, which has nothing to do with normal yeast. It is a kind of a mushroom with all proteins humans need and the all important B-vitamins. And it tastes great, a bit like parmesan cheese with hazelnuts.
““One of the most powerful tools for health that we have at our disposal is the fork.””
This book is packed with science-based arguments for why a whole-plant vegan diet is the healthiest choice, and the evidence is overwhelming. From reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer to promoting a healthy gut and preventing cognitive decline, the benefits of a plant-based diet are numerous. Not to mention what it has done from my recovery time from hard training. My recovery from hard (but not overly hard) training takes now only a long nap or a good night sleep, instead of several days.
Greger's writing style is approachable, engaging, and full of humor, making this book not only informative but also a joy to read. However, you may find the book repetitive, as Greger often repeats the same information and recommendations in different chapters.
In conclusion, "How Not to Die" is a book that I cannot recommend enough. It has transformed my understanding of health and wellness, and I am truly grateful for the impact it has had already on my life. I highly recommend "How Not To Die" to anyone looking to improve their health and well-being. Whether you're a seasoned plant-based eater or just starting to explore the world of whole-food, plant-based nutrition, this book is a must-read. You can also listen it at Audible and Mofibo/Storytel. And who knows, like me, you might just be inspired to make a few changes that could lead to a longer, happier and healthier life.
I hope that by sharing my journey with you, I can inspire and empower you to make positive changes in your own life. So why not give it a try? Who knows, you might just be surprised.
