Boston doctor challenges his entire clinic to adopt 4-Leaf eating in 2012.

Leveraging the simple, yet powerful concept of maximizing the percent of your calories from whole plant foods -- still in nature's package

Throughout 2011, we have devoted several posts to Dr. Hurley and he has certainly earned each one of them. Now, as the year approaches an end, he writes a note challenging everyone in his clinic to take the 4-Leaf Challenge during the first six weeks of 2012.

And with Dr. Hurley leading the program, I have no doubt that it will be successful and that many of his team members will take charge of their health in 2012. On December 9, he sent the following email to each of them:

As most of you know, last year I embarked on a lifestyle change and enlisted a good friend of mine, Jason Hicks, to teach me about eating a plant-based diet.  The driving force for me was my weight and I wanted to get off the roller coaster ride of going up and down on the scale.  I needed a lifestyle change, not a diet.  We all know that diets can help us lose weight to achieve a number but they are next to impossible to sustain life long and our weight balloons back over time.

When I started this journey, I had decided in my  head, I wanted to get back to what I considered my fighting weight of 182 pounds.  At that time, I knew I would feel I had succeeded if I achieved that magic number of 182.

The problem with diets is we rely on a desired number on the scale.  I learned that weight is NOT the true motivating factor for making a lifestyle change.  You make a change to become HEALTHY.  That is more important than watching a number on the scale.  My experience was I hit 182, and thought GREAT, I win — but NOW (a few months later), I tip the scale at 161.  If it was about hitting 182, I would have stopped my “diet.”

As the 4-Leaf Program states, eating a plant based diet is about achieving VIBRANT HEALTH.  For those of you that feel you have weight to lose, weight-loss is a benefit.  For those that are on any medications, research shows that medications can be reduced if not eliminated.  MOST IMPORTANTLY, everyone will achieve VIBRANT HEALTH.

Many of you have talked to me about the 4-Leaf Program and some of you have started making 4-leaf choices when it comes to your meals.  I am asked about whole plant based eating and recipes on occasion.  I have shared your stories with Jason and his father.  You can read more about the 4 Leaf Program at www.4leafprogram.com.  I would encourage all of you to sign up for his daily blog.  Just select the Blog from the navigation bar.  The information is invaluable!!!!

One more point in stressing that weight loss is NOT the most important thing in making a change to the 4-Leaf Lifestyle.  My own doctor told me recently, “Tell your wife that you are going to be with her FOREVER because of the choices you are making in your diet.  Keep up the great work!!”

So, why am I sending this email to you.  Jim and Jason recently sent me an email congratulating me for my one year 4-leaf anniversary.  I am routinely in contact with them and they continue supporting me.  I could not have done this without them, especially my friend Jason who held me accountable every day.  They are proud of the fact that I share the 4-Leaf Program with family, friends, clients, etc.  To thank me, they are sending me a 4-Leaf Clock to put here at work.

It got me thinking!!  (I know that can be dangerous.)  New Year resolutions are about to be made.  I would like you to consider making yours about achieving VIBRANT HEALTH.  Our motto is “Come Join Our Family — A Lifetime Relationship!”  We are a family at the GACC and as I share this with my family, I want to share it with all of you.

Dr. Hurley after effortlessly losing over 30 pounds -- on his way to vibrant health and a total weight-loss of 47 pounds; almost 25% of his beginning total.

I would like to challenge each of you to join me in a 4-Leaf Challenge for 6 weeks, starting January 3, 2012. Sincerely, Brian

PS: Remember, this challenge is for every one of us.  We are the GACC family and our health is extremely important.  It will make us happier and help us serve our clients better because we feel better.

If you are up to the challenge let me know and we can discuss the particulars starting next week.  I look forward to sharing VIBRANT HEALTH with all of you and it will be fun to share and learn recipes.  If you are unsure and have questions, please come and ask me. Sincerely, Brian

For the record, as of the following day, Dr. Brian had already met with ten of his 20 “family” members and all ten of them agreed to accept the challenge. Game On for 2012! I look forward to speaking to his group early in the new year.

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An exceptionally well-done 2009 movie produced in France; has been seen by millions around the world, but not nearly enough Americans. Features aerial footage in 54 countries.

Sunday Movie Time. I have been making these two movies available for the past few Sundays — that’s because the world will be a much better place if everyone sees these movies.

Just in case you haven’t seem them yet, get yourself some popcorn (or celery), and watch these great world-changing documentaries with your family (free). They are about 1.5 hours each and are likely to leave you feeling differently about the role of the human race on our precious planet.

HOME — a great 2009 film; a powerful eye-opener

“Earthlings” — A documentary that we all NEED to see

If you like what you see here, you may wish to join our periodic mailing list. Also, for help in your own quest to take charge of your health, you might find some useful information at our 4-Leaf page.

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

And if you like what 4-Leaf eating is doing for you and your family, you might enjoy visiting our new “4-Leaf Gear” store. From the seaside village of Stonington, Connecticut – Be well and have a great day.

If you’d like to order our book on Amazon,  visit our BookStore now.

—J. Morris Hicks…blogging daily at HealthyEatingHealthyWorld.com

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