It all seems like a fairytale now. In the late nineties, the stock market was growing by leaps and bounds. People were using 20% growth factors in planning for retirement. Next came the housing bubble; homeowners were planning on the value of their homes growing at upwards of 25% a year with the thought they’d eventually sell their home at a high price. Many planned to buy something smaller and live off the rest of the money. In late 2008, a harsh reality blew their plans to smithereens. The housing bubble burst and 401k plans took a significant hit. Early retirement in one’s late fifties or early sixties is now, for many, as much a fantasy as winning the Lotto.
Like so many, I, too, saw my net worth drop and early retirement was no longer an option. The thought of working into my late 60’s or early 70’s seemed daunting. But, I decided to see this as an opportunity. A chance to reinvigorate myself. I thought, if I’m going to work longer, then I’m going to need to be healthier as well.
Most the retired people I know fill much of their time with doctor appointments. The thought of needing to take cholesterol, high blood pleasure, or diabetes controlling medicines in order to function, to me, never seemed like living well. I didn’t work so hard for so many years to wind up being a financial and emotional burden on my family when I was to inevitably succumb to an ailment from my poor lifestyle choices.
Perfect Grilled Portobellos via theppk.com
So, after a great deal of research–and encouragement from my wonderful daughter–I found a real solution to giving myself the best chance at living healthier into my later years. I adopted a whole foods, plant based diet.
The results are undeniable. My cholesterol dropped over 60 points, I lost 10 pounds, and my need for antacids has disappeared. Besides the numbers, I feel 10 years younger.
Get healthy so you too can work–and play–longer and better and so, when you do retire, you’ll be able to spend more time enjoying family and friends and less time—and money—at the doctor’s office.
Resources:
- Forks Over Knives: I always have a copy of this amazing film on hand to give to a friend or client who is curious about a plant-based diet. Here’s the premise:
“What has happened to us? Despite the most advanced medical technology in the world, we are sicker than ever by nearly every measure. Two out of every three of us are overweight. Cases of diabetes are exploding, especially amongst our younger population. About half of us are taking at least one prescription drug. Major medical operations have become routine, helping to drive health care costs to astronomical levels. Heart disease, cancer and stroke are the country’s three leading causes of death, even though billions are spent each year to “battle” these very conditions. Millions suffer from a host of other degenerative diseases. Could it be there’s a single solution to all of these problems? A solution so comprehensive but so utterly straightforward, that it’s mind-boggling that more of us
haven’t taken it seriously?”
Swiss Chard Frittata via theppk.com
The Forks Over Knives website is also a wealth of information to answer any of your questions.
- The Engine 2 Diet: A great book from Rip Esselstyn, an Austin, Texas firefighter who helped his fellow firefighters completely change their lives through a whole foods, plant-based diet.
- thePPK.com: A plethora of delicious vegan recipes for any occasion
- Physicians Council for Responsible Medicine (PCRM): Home of the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart.
