The Basic Eating Plan

The Change That Changes Everything, Part 3

"Are you absolutely convinced of a connection between your pain and your diet?" This was the question posed to me by my friend Rachel when I called to ask her about the dietary protocol that she uses to manage her own life, diet, and pain. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis as a young mother, she has discovered that eating in certain ways—and not eating in others—has brought her significant relief.

I answered her. "Um, no, not really convinced, I wouldn't say. I suspect that there may be a connection. I did a gluten-free, dairy-free trial at the recommendation of a physiatrist (a pain-management doctor), and I did notice a little bit of improvement. But nothing like what you've said you experienced. Are you willing to talk to me about what you've done, and what you're doing, and how that has gone for you?"

Praise God, she was willing to do so! And in springboarding off of her advice and suggestions—and reading many books and other resources that she has found helpful—I have been able to experience that same kind of relief from the pain and discomfort that plagued me for many, many years.

In a nutshell, since it's all anyone really wants to know just now, here it is. (We’ll get back to Carole and her husband’s story later!)

If you are under 60 years old, you begin with a week-long water fast. (It is also recommended that you do so under a doctor’s supervision, which is absolutely necessary if you are taking any prescription medications for cholesterol or blood pressure or diabetes.) The week-long water fast is difficult and challenging, and I will write more about that whole experience later. Many really good things take place during an extended water fast, and most of my debilitating, chronic pain just went away during that week, never to return. (I know that seems ludicrous, and I realize how unbelievable it sounds. But it’s just true!) 

It is not necessary to begin with a fast, however, and many friends of mine who have shifted to this way of eating have begun eating this way without doing the fast—and with equally amazing results. So, after the fast—or just diving right in without doing one—you begin eating what is known as a whole food, plant-based diet.

What you consume (all organic):

any and all vegetables
any and all fruits
any and all legumes
all whole grains (except wheat and barley)
limited amounts of raw nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and avocado

What you do not consume:

no meat
no dairy
no gluten
no refined sugar or sugar substitutes (very limited honey or pure maple syrup are permitted)
no alcohol
no processed/packaged foods
no processed oils of any kind
no pharmaceutical drugs

There are so many details about all of this, and I will happily be posting all the things I found super helpful, in case anyone wants to try this. But that is the bare-bones skeleton to get you thinking. If you're at all like most of us, you will probably dismiss it out of hand and never give it another thought... at least until you find yourself with some pain, or debilitation, or brush with death via heart attack or stroke, or digestive issues, or diabetes, or, or… and the Lord brings this idea back into your mind, some days or weeks or months or years from now.

In the meantime, go watch the Clint Paddison TED talk on YouTube. Go watch Forks Over Knives on Amazon Prime. And Game Changers on Netflix. It's pretty compelling stuff. It will at least give you some food for thought (pun intended!) as you decide if you are ready to consider any of these changes for yourself. So far, no one I know personally who’s tried it, hasn’t experienced dramatic and significant improvements in their health as a result. 

And that brings me back around to Carole, my friend with the diabetic husband, whom we left on Day 1 of their new eating plan…

Read Part 4, My Friend Carole and Her Experience with Diabetes, IBS, and Pain

Start the story at the beginning with Part 1.

NOTE: The information provided on the site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not a medical professional or healthcare provider, and I have no professional medical, nutritional, or dietary credentials. You yourself are responsible for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon any information or advice appearing on this site.