My Plant Paradox Story

By Allana Pinkerton, Our Birmingham SCREAMER

It’s important to share this story because I am sure it will resonate with many of you who have always been on a weight loss journey, only to fail at it time and time, again. I discovered The Plant Paradox book scrolling through Facebook one day. The video was longer than I would ever watch, but something about it intrigued me enough to order the book. I read the entire book within a couple of days. I never read! I don’t like it. I tend to fall asleep or become disinterested in many stories.

As I read through the chapters I couldn’t help but think “this is me, this is my mother-in-law, this is my husband”. The list went on and on. So much of the content of the book resonated with me, my entire weight loss journey and struggle with pain management for most of my adult life. After reading the book, I proclaimed to my husband, “We are doing this! You’re either with me or you’ll have to make your own meals and eat alone!” After all, there was no reason for only one of us to have a sexy, healthy figure. Right?

More importantly, the Plant Paradox plan is all about brain health. Dementia runs in my husband’s family and watching my in-laws go from vibrant, intelligent people to not being able to choose their clothes and dress themselves was heart-breaking. The main common thread in their demise was their diet of eating low fat and high in grains. It is the typical diet the American Heart Association recommends and because my father-in-law had high cholesterol since he was in his mid 50’s, the doctor recommended this diet along with statins. My mother-in-law made sure both of them stuck to this lifestyle and they were seemingly healthy. They were both thin, full of energy and never really had any health issues. My father-in-law passed away in 2013 from a major stroke at age 88 and as of June 27, 2019, my mother-in-law is well taken care of at a memory care facility. She still recognizes us, but in no way is she the person she once was. She would be mortified if I described everything here publicly, so I will refrain out of respect for her. The only saving grace is she has the most wonderful, positive attitude and I think that’s why she is thriving and surviving so long with this horrible disease.

Their story and the fact that I was just sick and tired of being sick and tired, motivated me to plunge right into this new lifestyle, eating plan. At the time, I was traveling a ton for my “day job” (I still do) and planning and preparation are key. It’s not really that hard and to be honest, I was excited to learn new recipes and have a new group of people to surround myself with. Even some of my neighbors jumped on board so we put Plant Paradox parties together. The best part, all the food was compliant at the dinners so we never have to worry if we will go off track.

Fast forward to 1-1/2 years, later, I dropped 55 lbs. My husband lost 45 lbs. Mind you we are not 100% compliant, but the best thing about this life change is the ability to jump back on track, not kick ourselves for falling off the wagon and never feeling like we have to diet ever again. It feels good knowing we are doing all we can to prevent diseases that may inflict us in our elderly years. My husband is 14 years older than I am, so I am very keen on keeping him in good shape. I laugh because I have been the one falling apart all of these years, but he will admit that he was extremely overweight, too and not feeling as energetic as he should. He is now off all of his medications and doesn’t have to sleep with his CPAP anymore. It’s a win, win for both of us!

My challenge to you is to read the book. Throw just about everything out of your pantry. Start over. Have fun shopping for new foods and some you have never heard of before coming from countries you may not have heard of. Don’t get overwhelmed. I am here to help you navigate and I have friends I will share with you and their amazing recipes!

I’ll admit I hate to take supplements. It’s such a task every day, however, I easily add Vital Reds to my morning smoothie and alleviate any digestion discomfort with Lectin Shield. To order the book, these two supplements and more, shop here.

GET HEALTHY WITH ME! Let’s start your journey together. You don’t have to do this alone.