Myth 4: It's hard for those who go "NMP" to fit in socially

Lots of people have special dietary needs and you shouldn't let "meat and poultry eaters' peer pressure" get in way of your "NMP" lifestyle. Many of my friends and family did not even know I had changed my eating habits until I told them, because I tended to order food out from favorites like Italian, Chinese and Mexican or salad bars anyway. Instead of ordering a dish with chicken, I would go meatless or order fish, and no one was wiser. If I went to a friend or family member's house where I knew that they might not have much for me to eat, I would bring along a healthy meatless dish like a pasta salad as an offering to host or hostess. This would ensure I wouldn't "starve" and usually meat and poultry eaters in attendance would enjoy it too.

Myth 5: I could never go "NMP"

Never say never! Even though I have been a healthy eater for nearly a decade after a "misspent youth", if someone would have told me years ago that I would adopt an "NMP" eating style and maintain it for nearly three years now, I would have thought they were crazy. Taking my healthy eating habits to a new level occurred when I witnessed first-hand heart disease and diabetes present in my family worsen. While that was strong motivation, it might not have been enough if I was forced to eat foods I did not enjoy and give heave-ho to all my favorites. If you find a way to get creative and still eat foods you love, you'll find that you can stick with it.

"Mythology" aside, decision on whether or not you should go "NMP" either full-time, or from time-to-time, is a personal one between you and your team of health care professionals. But consider that such a lifestyle change could help put you in best possible position to live a long and healthy life-both for your benefit, and that of your loved ones. And that's a fact.

(c) Copyright 2001 By Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing

Author's By-line: "Have Your Cheeseburger And Keep Your Health Too!" by Melanie Jordan can be downloaded at following URL: http://www.infopost.com/ItemDescription.asp?navtyp=SRH&ItemI=80058

That's too bad, because eating more of a plant-based diet, is being pointed to more and more as a great way to maintain good health or lessen severity of illness or disease when it does strike. It is in fact health reasons that are mentioned most often as why people either reduce their intake of, or give up, meat and poultry.

Please believe me when I say that you can go without meat and poultry either full-time, or from time-to-time, and still eat foods you love--the foods you grew up on, and foods you like to eat out--you'll just find healthier ways to do so by making substitutions. Of course, in addition to "fun foods" I've described, you should also be eating more of your favorite fruits, vegetables and other simple non-meat dishes, like whole-grain pasta, that are easy to prepare and that you'll love too. There's no tofu required, and possibilities are delicious!

So remember, if your image of someone who goes meatless does not include eating your favorite foods, it's time for a change in mindset. You can have your cheeseburger and keep your health too!

(c) Copyright 2001 By Melanie R. Jordan E-Publishing

Author's By-line: "Have Your Cheeseburger And Keep Your Health Too!" by Melanie Jordan can be downloaded at following URL: http://www.infopost.com/ItemDescription.asp?navtyp=SRH&ItemI=80058