It's quite interesting that food, a basic necessity of life, could either promote chronic diseases or assist in the prevention and reversal of diseases. In the early centuries, Hippocrates, an ancient Greek Physician regarded as the father of medicine wrote, "let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." Thomas Edison, the American inventor, echoed the same sentiment when he wrote, "The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest her or his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." Over the past several years, Dr. Dona Cooper-Dockery has integrated a holistic approach to health in the care of her patients, including a strong focus on plant-based nutrition. Many patients are enjoying better health on fewer medications while some patients have even reversed chronic diseases and are off medications entirely. There's a wealth of scientific research information confirming the health benefits of plant-based nutrition. However, many people are still not sure how to combine these great foods in order to obtain maximum health benefits. It is for this reason Dr. Cooper-Dockery has created this 28-Day Meal Plan Guide. It's filled with simple yet delicious plant-based recipes, weekly shopping lists, and more. She has incorporated whole grain, unprocessed foods, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds with minimal oils. If you have any food allergies, please feel free to make any necessary substitutions. It is important to consume most of your daily calories during breakfast and lunch as you will have more time to use those calories during your daily activities. Supper or dinner should be light since there are obviously fewer daytime hours to work off those calories. This cookbook also includes a list of different foods which are believed to be beneficial in the prevention of various chronic diseases. You're encouraged to consume more of these healthier food choices and to avoid refined and processed foods as well as sugar, oils, and salt. As you consider adopting a healthier lifestyle, your body might be deficient in certain important vitamins and nutrients. For this reason, the doctor included a list of supplements that you may consider adding to your diet. Even though this is a meal plan guide, there's a dash of inspirational quotations for mental and emotional nutrition. In order for you to have good physical health, a healthy mind is also important. The wise King Solomon wrote, "a merry heart is good like medicine." So as you prepare to nourish your body with good plant-based recipes do not forget to meditate on positive thoughts. If you would like more recipes or to join "The Get Healthy with Dr. Cooper" community, please visit www.gethealthywithdrcooper.com or www. cooperwellnesscenter.com.
Dona Cooper-Dockery, M.D. is a board-certified physician, #1 bestselling author, and speaker who has dedicated over 25 years to positively changing healthcare outcomes both nationally and internationally. She holds active memberships in the American Academy of Lifestyle Medicine and the American Medical Association.
