The primary way we build energy in our bodies, to do the many things we do each day, is through the food we consume. We are really consuming the energy from the Sun that has been converted by plants and animals into food sources we can digest and convert into the nutrients we need for life. So, as we desire to have a life full of energy and happiness, we must focus sufficient attention on the quality of our nutrition.
Although there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of "recommended" diets, most experts agree that diets rich in natural, or organic, nutrients, low in processed sugars and fats, and balanced in terms of the macro nutrients such as protein and carbohydrates, will be most effective in helping us build the energy we need to thrive.
I've experienced the highest levels of energy in my life on a WFPB diet. WFPB means simply "whole food (not processed food), plant based (not animal based!) food for human consumption. I use this term because it links to lots of scientific studies that I believe have now proven that plants are the superior source of nourishment for human beings. I have no doubt that my near- Vegan diet (I still have a bit of cheese every now and then!) is a major contributing factor to the fact that I have the best health and overall energy levels of my entire lifetime...at age 66!
Over a two year period of time I slowly migrated from being a Omnivore with meat and other animal products like dairy and eggs at nearly every meal; to "two legs, not four" ; to a Pescatarian (fish, fruit, dairy and veggies only); to a Vegetarian (fruit, dairy and veggies only); to a near-Vegan (fruit and veggies only, no animal products at all, except my occasional cheese craving). I've made this transition for four reasons.
I have a long family history of heart disease and I've seen the scary impacts first hand. So, in my late 50's I decided to really start to reduce the meat in my diet. I was clearly influence by my new friends in the Yoga community, many of whom are Vegetarian or Vegan. I was also deeply influenced by the science and writings of T. Colin Campbell, Michael Pollan, Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn and Kris Carr. Their books convinced me that lots of bad things can happy to my body, way more than just heart disease, if I continued to include animal products in my diet.
Throughout my migration from red meat to no animal products at all, I felt better and better and better. I continued to lose weight and gain energy each step of the way. I'm convinced that a big part of the reason for this is that I was eating closer to the source of the energy that runs our bodies, that being the sun. You see, what we eat is really the sun's energy that is first converted by plants into edible form. When we eat plants, fruits and vegetables, we are eating at the point of first conversion of the sun's energy into edible form. If the plants are consumed by animals, like a cow for example, then we are eating the sun's energy converted, first by the plants and then again by the cow. Study the science and you'll see that a lot is lost in that second conversion, and we may also be exposed to nasty things like growth hormones, antibiotics and pesticides. All are known carcinogens by the way! So, the closer I ate to the source, the sun, the better I felt!
Again influenced by immersion into the Yoga community, I came to believe that all sentient beings (humans, animals, fish, bugs) are made of the same Universal energy field of God and therefore when I eat one I'm consuming part of my own energy field if you will. Yes, I've studied some Buddhism and find it to be Spiritually invigorating and a highly desirable lifestyle. Buddhists believe we ingest an animal's karma, including the negative stuff at the time of slaughter, and I can't argue with this point of view. I know I am closer to living as my Soul Being when I am not harming other sentient beings.
Finally, the environmental impact of the raising and processing animals and fishing the oceans is really horrific. Raising animals consumes much more water when compared to raising plants. Animal farming puts much higher levels of contaminants into the soil, rivers and oceans. And, commercial fishing is quickly decimating the ocean's fish populations, a trend that may not be reversible unless consumption drops quickly. Finally, animal farming is a leading contributor to the Climate Crisis. I know the one thing I can do to help avoid the negative environmental impacts of these actions is to not eat the animal products.
I encourage you to study the science and literature as I did and reach your own conclusion about the best diet for your health, energy and overall well being. All experts agree that having the right nutrition is a key to the healthiest possible lifestyle.
Below you will see some of the resources that have helped me. I will be adding to these as I continue this journey. Also, please feel free to send me an email at jim@puresoulprana.com with any questions.
I've completed the Plant-Based Nutrition program at Cornell University and highly recommend this to you.
RESOURCES: