Today’s blog is a podcast. I was so happy to discover Toni Okamoto’s work because she shows people that you can eat a healthy vegan diet even when on a budget. Most people have the belief that eating a healthy whole food vegan or plant-based diet is expensive and therefore if on a budget it would not be a sustainable choice. It is true that the “BIG FOOD” industry targets those in the lower-income bracket by continually subsidizing the meat industry and then enticing them to buy all the fast food deals that are created by their subsidy. Sadly, the TV ads convince those financially in need that this is how they can afford to feed their families. What they are not saying is that these very foods are killing them because they start the chronic disease process in young children, which sets them up as lifetime clients for “Big Pharma.” For example, type 2 diabetes used to be called Adult Onset Diabetes because it was rare to find this disease among anyone under 30. Today 25-45% of all new cases diagnosed are in children. It is a devastating disease even when it starts at the age of 60 as it can severely damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and other body parts; cause sexual problems, and double the risk of heart attack and stroke. Now imagine this all happening starting at the age of 10. Where will this child’s health be when he is 60 years old? Likely he won’t even make it to 60 years of age with his body dealing with the devastating effects of diabetes for 50 years. This is child abuse, in my opinion, because it is up to the adults to teach the children how type 2 diabetes in our youth is mostly caused by obesity. They need to know that a high fat will trigger this disease but on the contrary that a diet full of fruit and veggies will reward them with good health and keep them free from this disease.
I believe if we could teach the children starting in first grade how the body works, how it gets sick and that food is medicine to keep the body working as it was designed that children would make better choices. Many children eat only a few servings of fruit or veggies in a week and rely on fast foods or processed foods that satisfy their addicted taste buds craving fats, sugar and salt. Sadly, they get all that but also many dangerous other additives, chemicals and pesticides that compound the situation. Where do we start if our children are sick? If parents have no clue about how to eat or heal themselves? Where do we start if we are lied to by “Big Food” and “Big Pharma?” Parents need to learn so they can teach their kids how to live healthy fulfilled lives, yet parents are lied to and feel confused by the misinformation about food. It is really sad and it breaks my heart to see the state of our children’s health these days. Each day I live I take it as my responsibility to educate all of you and everyone I can about the truths. This is my life passion.
If you have the desire to save money then you will love today’s podcast. If you feel you didn’t have enough money to eat a whole food plant-based diet then you will love today’s podcast. Even if you are not on a budget you will learn from today’s podcast because Toni speaks a lot about how to plan your meals and shops in order to be successful on this journey. Whether you on a budget, new to vegan or a pro, you will love today’s podcast! Listen here.
