Q’s and C’s — Got two questions and two comments yesterday

First the questions. The first one was from a friend who was one of my very first blog subscribers. He was also the one who inspired my Unsupportive Spouse blog awhile back. The second one was from a family member. I told them that I would address both in a future blog.

The Protein Question. Can you help me in explaining the protein issue to my macho buddies who insist that we need to eat meat to be strong and healthy? Response— The short answer is two words — Tony Gonzalez — ten-time all pro tight end for the Atlanta Falcons. The long answer will come later.

Not only does this guy get along just fine without eating animals, the strongest animals in the world — like elephants — eat nothing but raw plants.

This topic will probably be the single most controversial aspect of the whole foods, plant-based diet for the next 100 years. That’s when man’s unhealthy, wasteful, cruel and completely unsustainable meat-ending habit will be just about finished — for lots of reasons.

None of us will be around in 2111 to prove me wrong and my prediction has nothing to do helping my friend with his question. But I will address it more completely in a future blog — or series of blogs. In the meantime, I referred him to two recent blogs:Where do you get your protein? and Where is Bill Clinton getting his protein these days?

The Vitamin Question. I read an article recently that said “vegan diets short on omega-3 and vitamin B12 may increase cardiovascular risk.” Can you take a look and let me know your thoughts? Response — First of all, the article talks about “veganism,” which almost makes my near vegan 4Leaf diet-style sound like a cult or something. It’s not a cult — it’s the natural diet for our species. This vitamin question comes up often and is addressed in Chapter 3 of our book, so it will be real easy for me to prepare my blog response to her. But until I get around to that blog, I will refer her to a recent blog about vitamins in general — Vitamins…a 27 billion dollar folly? And for Vitamin B-12 in particular, take a look at this post that features a two-minute video by Dr. Michael Greger on the topic. Also, click here for my latest post on omega-3s.

After beginning college at Middle Tennessee State and attending the University of Tennessee for one year, I transferred to Auburn when my dad moved to Alabama in 1965.

Now for the Comments. Both were from friends that I have known for over 40 years — and they have just recently started reading my blogs. I knew them both in college and have had very little contact with them since we graduated in 1968 — two of us from Auburn University (current national football champions) and the other from The University of Tennessee (previous national football champions). We do like our football down south.

Before sharing their comments with you,

I would like to formally request questions or topics that you would like to see addressed in future blogs. Since I am committed to publishing one every single day — it shouldn’t take me too long to get around to yours. Today is my 75th consecutive day…

J. Morris Hicks…about time to start sailing in New England

As for the two comments that I received yesterday….

***** “I’ve been reading your blogs for some time, just didn’t subscribe until now.  They’re good stuff.  Insightful, clear, true. Previously, I forwarded a couple of your emails around the family, and received some positive comments. Some of my folks eat fairly well, or did in the past, but have slipped in varying degrees, as I have. But now, with the help of your blogs and book, I hope we’ll all get on a better track. Thanks and best wishes, Stan.” —from a good friend in Arizona that I have known for almost 50 years.

***** “Good article on Dr Spock. Good item to reference, because it is so popular. Need to have people toss their old copies and get a new one latest revision. Just keep repeating the message. I am still doing fine on the “4Leaf” diet. I don’t get hungry and slowly getting my weight off without really thinking about it. Nothing else has worked, except short periods of time on the weight watcher diet. By the way, the latest weight watcher encourages eating lots of fruit and vegetables (Zero points) and very little meat. They are starting to get it. Do Good and keep informing the Public, Your Friend, Carl” — from a college buddy in Texas who has dropped 20 pounds since beginning the 4Leaf Program six weeks ago.

Handy 3-piece take-charge-of-your-health kit—from Amazon.com

• The movie that’s changing the lives of millions: Forks Over Knives DVD 
• Our book: Healthy Eating, Healthy World by yours truly & son
• An essential nutrition resource: The China Study by Dr. T. Colin Campbell

Want to find out how healthy your family is eating? Take our free 4Leaf Diagnostic Survey It takes less than five minutes and you can score it yourself. After taking the survey, please give me your feedback as it will be helpful in the development of our future 4Leaf app for smartphones. Send feedback to jmorrishicks@me.com

International. We’re now reaching people in over 100 countries. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or get daily blog notices by “following” us in the top of the right-hand column. For occasional updates, join our periodic mailing list.

J. Morris Hicks, working daily to promote health, hope and harmony on planet Earth.

For help in your own quest to take charge of your health, you might find some useful information at our 4Leaf page or some great recipes at Lisa’s 4Leaf Kitchen.

Got a question? Let me hear from you at jmorrishicks@me.com. Or give me a call on my cell at 917-399-9700.

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Blogging daily at hpjmh.com…from the seaside village of Stonington, Connecticut – Be well and have a great day.

—J. Morris Hicks, board member, T. Colin Campbell Foundation