Have you seen “The Game Changers”?

I just watched the Netflix documentary “The Game Changers.”

Have you seen it?

If you’re interested in plant-based eating, but have questions, doubts, or a skeptical significant other, then it’s worth the watch.

It’s well done, and convincing… Especially, I’d say, for men.

And maybe that’s because it “stars” a former UFC fighter, it’s produced by James Cameron (Titanic, Terminator, Avatar,…), and Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as many professional/Olympic athletes, give their plant-based testimonials.

But the message isn’t just for men, it’s for everyone.

Now, if you don’t want to hear more about plant-based eating, then don’t watch it.

But if you’re interested in the topic, it’s worth the hour and a half.

And for me personally, it struck a chord.

Because over 7 years ago I decided to go vegetarian.

And a big reason was because of an article I read.

It was written by Scott Jurek, an ultra-marathoner and vegan (and he happens to be featured in this documentary.)

His story about energy and strength gained by going vegan went against what I was taught as a trainer.

How could be sustain that kind of exercise without animal protein?

How could plants alone help him recover between runs?

I was curious.

So, I decided to go without meat for a month.

I wanted to see how my own energy would be affected by removing that significant part of my diet.

And honestly, I just jumped in and went for it.

I didn’t have much of a plan, but through a lot of trial and error, I found my way.

And the results were that my digestive system began working efficiently – I didn’t even realize how slow it was – and my stomach hadn’t felt so good in forever.

After a month, I was sold.

That was April 2012.

So, enough about me.

Let’s get to the movie.

Here’s what I think are the most significant take-aways:

1. You don’t need as much protein as you think

Protein doesn’t give you energy.

If you want energy to move and exercise, you need carbohydrates (best are fruits and veggies.)

What protein does do is build and repair your cells.

And you can get all the protein you need from plants, no matter how active you are.

Because plants contain all proteins, including the essential amino acids our bodies don’t make, in varying proportions.

The animals that we eat for protein, actually get their protein from plants.

Yup… Plants!

Cows, pigs, chickens… They don’t eat meat.  They eat plants.

2. Plants are healthier than animals

Inflammation is an all too common issue these days.

So many people are gaining weight and volume not just due to fat, but due to swelling throughout the body.

And it could be caused by diet.

Animal foods are linked to increased inflammation.

And inflammation in the body is linked to cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and diabetes.

Inflammation looks like decreased blood flow, more joint and muscle soreness, as well as swelling.

In addition to helping decrease and control inflammation in your body, plant-based foods also have a positive effect on your cholesterol.

In fact I actually compared my blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels before going vegetarian, to those I had taken just a few months ago.

By comparison, my cholesterol and triglycerides are way down, despite being several years older!

And not only are plants better for your body, they’re also better for the planet.

A huge amount of land on our planet is used to grow food for and raise livestock.

And because of that there’s less arable land left to grow plants for humans.

Imagine if we ate just 25% less meat than we do now…

3. Real men don’t need to eat meat

If there’s one over-arching message in this movie, it’s that to be muscular and strong, you don’t need meat.

Throughout the film you’re introduced to plenty of peak performers from endurance athletes to weightlifters, who attribute their success to a plant-based diet.

And this is the message that hooks you.

Especially the males in the room.

Including my man.

Although I’ve been vegetarian for 7-plus years, my guy had very little interest in letting go of meat.

Until he saw this documentary.

Now he’s actually enthusiastic about eating less meat and tipping the balance of his diet towards plants.

And he’s not the only male that’s been swayed “The Game Changers.”

As it stars all kinds of manly men touting the health, strength, endurance, and even sexual benefits of plants, lots of men are beginning to question their old ways.

However, despite the male slant of the film, plants are for everyone.

And I’m a living, breathing example that eating a mostly plant-based diet can benefit your health and help you feel better.

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So, have you seen, or are you going to watch “The Game Changers”?

I’d love to hear what you think!

Let me know by leaving a comment below, and share how this film has affected you or someone you know.

And keep moving forward my friend,

Debbie

P.S. Have you ever wanted to try life coaching, but weren’t sure what it was about? I’m looking for five people to volunteer to be coached by me. It’s free and could help you move towards your personal goals: Find more balance in your busy life, create more you-time, improve a relationship, lose weight, organize your home…

If you, or someone you know, would like to try life coaching, send me an email or text me at 514-445-6434 before December. Thanks!!