How Not To Die - A book that had me "shookt"

Pardon the "feeling millennial" reference but it's true!

In my memory there are only a few books that shocked me in my life. First is the Swiss Family Robinson for being the first full-length novel I had chosen for my Grade 6 book report. Emphasis on the length hahahaha..what was I thinking then? Next is The Lovely Bones well, for being what it is..I definitely wasn't able to have peace of mind nor had decent sleep midway into that book. 

And now in my mid-30's, I've been absolutely shocked (in a very good way) by what I have read in Dr. Michael Greger's How Not To Die book! I know most of you would be too!

How Not To Die 

In what way you ask? It is in a manner that has me literally questioning what have I been doing my whole life. Specifically, what have I been eating?? Shudders!! 

In essence, this book is organized by the top modern diseases that plague people. From coronary heart disease, lung disease, brain disease, digestive cancers, infections, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, blood cancers, kidney disease, breast cancer, suicidal depression, prostate cancer, and Parkinson's disease. It also discusses why it happens, and how we can avoid it. Emphasis now on the fact that we have the power to avoid it. 

As a mom who prepares meals for her family, this is truly very significant information for me. This book is so powerful that it convinced me and my husband to gradually transition to the recommended 'whole food, plant-based diet' to better improve our health. I really feel blessed to have 'stumbled upon' this book after watching Netflix health documentaries. 

Here are some of the things that I learned from this book:

1. That not only can we prevent most of these diseases, we can actually reverse them. This mentions a case wherein "...even without weight loss, a plant-based diet can enable those who have had type 2 diabetes for decades get off all their insulin injections in as few as two weeks."
2. It guides us on what ingredients to cut back on: *ahem* salt, oil, animal products.
3. It also shows us what kind of food we should eat more of. Specifically Dr. Greger's Daily Dozen of: beans, berries, other fruits, cruciferous veggies, greens, other veggies, flaxseeds, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices, whole grains, beverages, and exercise.
4. Moderation kills. I thoroughly appreciate how they offer the research-based data and let the reader decide for themselves whether to go all in with the change in diet, go 50-50 or don't change at all. "You can choose moderation and hit yourself with a smaller hammer, but why beat yourself up at all?"
5. "A heart-healthy diet is a brain-healthy diet is a lung-healthy diet...unlike drugs - which only target specific functions, can have dangerous side effects, and may only treat the symptoms of disease - a healthy diet can benefit all organ systems at once, has good side effects, and may treat the underlying cause of illness."
6. Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) "The circumference of your belly should be half your height - ideally, less" this has been recommended as an alternative or as an adjunct to BMI
7. On smoothies: "...blending is better than juicing to preserve nutrition. Juicing removes more than just fiber."

And soooo much more if you get to read it.

I got the kindle e-book version so luckily I didn't realize it was a long read. Despite the length, obviously I was so hooked. So much so that I think I bought 4 of it already - the e-book version, 2 I gave as gifts and 1 is the cookbook version. It is that life-changing that I sincerely want all my family and friends to get a chance to read it. 

My knowledge and perspective on "Preventive Health" is now on a different level, thanks to this book. I'm also glad that they recognize the fact that although the title is catchy, it could be a misnomer as we will all go eventually. Dr. Greger acknowledges that "it's about how not to die prematurely and that we have a tremendous power over our health destiny". Even in it's conclusion, the book is so full of wisdom. As they interviewed the president of the American College of Cardiology in 2015 on why he chose to eat a strictly plant-based diet, he said that "I don't mind dying, I just don't want it to be my fault."

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Mommies (and Daddies too!), I really urge you to read this book and research more on proper nutrition (Netflix and Youtube has lots of health docus). 

There is a great sense of peace knowing that we are the gate-keepers to our family's best health. That we are doing right by them, and are giving our husband/partner and kids the best start in life.

And you know what else can give you that peace of mind? It is in knowing that your family is protected too for other eventualities :)

When it comes down to it, we can borrow Dr. Kim William's words:

"I don't mind dying, I just don't want it to be my fault - that my kids / family is left unprovided for."

As we have plan for our nutrition, let's also plan for our family's financial wellness. Know that you have the power and are also responsible for your family's financial health. 

All the best! :)

#PruLifewithMadzLim

Talk to the #WomanFromThePRU

Disclaimer: This simple book review is not medical advise. Kindly consult your physician or health practitioner.

10 Extravagances People Pay For

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy", they say. 

One of my favorite influencers recently polled in Twitter on the top extravagances his followers pay for. Some of the responses were pretty standard (coffee, tuition), some made me nod my head and say "Yeah, I agree" (like for direct flights) and still there were some that managed to surprise (I won't spoil it here)! 

What this shows is that although we have different tastes for little or big luxuries, this is still a part of life that we can't avoid. And maybe we really shouldn't. I would even suggest that this be part of what we plan and save for. 

In fact, treating ourselves to any of these personal rewards seem to make all our days' hard work much sweeter and adds more life to our daily living :) 

Check out the list below and let me know if these are also some 'extravagances' that you can relate to :)

1 & 2. High end Tea & Coffee

I love love love tea too!! :) And I agree with the poster, I'm saving up too for a nice Zojirushi electric teapot with different temperature settings. Tea-lover Mommies check it out!! :)    

Of course, high-end doesn't always have to be expensive, right? As mommies, we can still enjoy high-quality coffee beans and tea leaves while still being frugal at the same time. The key is to know where to get your supply and also to know how to properly brew your coffee or steep your tea. That is, if you can forego the coffee shop ambiance, and just DIY at home for an everyday frugal but luxurious experience.

 3.  Premium Clothes

I agree! While I'd love to continue using my old clothes (or even re-purposing them after their useful life), clothes can make a difference not only in the way people see you but more importantly in how you feel about yourself.

Again, as with the first example, premium clothes doesn't always have to be brand-name screaming with prices up in the stratosphere. For me, premium clothing means something that is measured to your size, designed to complement your physique and aesthetic and with materials that are durable and still weather- event- appropriate. What I'm proposing may be contrary to 'fast-fashion' but if you learn to sew even just for yourself, then you are well on your way to making made-for-you premium clothing!

4. Personal Development

I super duper agree!! Personal Development can run the gamut of things! 

In connection with the premium clothing example I'd like to share (and am very proud hahaha) that last year, I learned how to sew using Youtube and Facebook groups. That's it! No formal training whatsoever and I have already turned out around 6 tops/dresses for me and my daughter. Only using professional patterns  which I bought/downloaded online ah! It really amazes me what we can accomplish if only we dare try :)

In 2019 I am more focused on professional growth. Sometimes books or seminar fees can add up but personally, It is worth it! By reading up or attending workshops, our knowledge and perspectives are infinitely broadened and we are changed people. That alone can open up new opportunities for us! 

5. Direct Flights

I don't fly out as much as I used to. And even then it was just minimal so I can't fully relate...But I understand how people would value their time by booking direct flights over $100 "savings".

6. Major investments like private school tuition

A Master's Degree, a child's tuition, or even a homeschooling package. It matters if it's a value your family upholds.

Did you know that you can homeschool your preschooler without really spending so much on anything? Yes, there are a lot of free worksheets you can download and print. Or maybe you have free access to a nice library. But admittedly, we always want to give more to our children depending on what we value. Like for our family, it is a must for them to learn Mandarin language so we give them that. We also prioritize quality picture-books as well as educational manipulatives at this age so we invest in packages that offer those. When we add the cost of both, it could very well equal private education too. It's craaaazy I know!!! Some relatives would ask - so given the comparative costs, why don't you just send them to traditional school? 

Yeah, why not, right? Well there is another "extravagance" we are paying for -- and that is time with our kids. More time with them than if we send them to school already. In this seeming zero-sum game, we might be losing out on (corporate) income opportunities while homeschooling but we feel that this time with the kids is priceless and of course we do hope that what they learn from our years of homeschooling (being together, home-making, cooking, working in our professional capacities), they can use to their advantage in their adulthood.

7 & 8. Special Treats and Experiences

Yes!! Milk tea anyone? 

Last year I invested in a very good machine. I say invest because the machine is pricey, but also because through it, we are also investing in our family's good health. I mean, as long as we keep buying healthy ingredients (like fruits, veggies, other superfoods) then we can always enjoy smoothies that are healthy, less expensive than retail, and OMG considered as treats by the kids! They are practically asking for their smoothies everyday! 

Now that we are going without a house helper yet, I'm thinking if we should just go ahead and try the various cleaning services in Manila. But!! The frugal side of me (yes, meron kahit konti! haha) is protesting saying that I can vacuum and steam mop and do it all myself. Hahaha...pero konti na lang, bibigay na ako sa cleaning companies hahaha :D

9. Living alone

Yup! For moms this could be the "leave and cleave" that we aspire for. Like with the direct flights, sometimes paying a little extra is worth so much more than headaches and misunderstandings.

10. A boat!

Whoa! Didn't I say there are surprising extravagances people pay for!? 




How about you? What are the personal extravagances that make you happy? 

ssdf:)