The documentary Forks Over Knives was in select cities this spring and just recently became available through NetFlix and their “Watch Instantly” option –

and oh yes, I watched it instantly!

The premise of Forks Over Knives is to show how the foods we eat play a role in the diseases and conditions that plague so many people who live on the Standard American Diet – the Big Ones of course being obesity, heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

(Notice the “knife” in “Forks Over Knives” is at the bottom of the movie poster – a scalpel!)

Through many real life examples, filmmakers show how eating a plant-based diet can reverse these life threatening conditions, promote a healthy weight and ultimately, how the foods we eat can be all the medicine we need.

The documentary predominantly features Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn and Dr. T. Colin Campbell (author of The China Study) – both well known for their views on veganism and what eating a plant-based diet can do for our health. I went into this film knowing that some have called it “vegan propaganda” – but as a non-vegan, I didn’t feel like a vegan agenda was being pushed on me to the point that it pushed me away.

Two of my favorite parts:

A couple of the featured physicians who, as a part of the treatment they offer, took patients grocery shopping to show them how to shop for whole foods, how to read labels and what foods to avoid. These doctors then came into the homes of these patients to teach them how to cook healthy, whole, plant-based meals. To see medical professionals get to the root of the problem instead of just treating the symptoms was inspiring and encouraging.

But I think what I loved most was witnessing just how elastic, adaptable and resilient the human body is.  In so many cases it’s almost never too late for nearly anyone to turn their health around (or at the very least improve their health!) when they start to nourish their body with an abundance of whole, fresh foods.  Our bodies WANT to be healthy!  Eat the right food and your body knows what to do and will take it from there.

I very much enjoyed Forks Over Knives and absolutely recommend it. I was left feeling that the majority of the people in this country who NEED to see this film probably aren’t going to be the ones to watch it. But for those who want improve how they eat or are in the midst of making their way toward a healthier diet – this documentary can definitely be some motivational fuel to help stay on track.

And for everyone who already knows all this stuff? Definitely still worth watching, if only to affirm that you are doing right by yourself and your body – and perhaps some little bodies that you might be responsible for too.

Forks Over Knives Film Trailer:

“Vegan Propaganda” or not, I’m happy to see such an important message delivered from a platform that can so easily reach mainstream society – a message that so many need to hear.

Let Food Be Thy Medicine and Medicine Be Thy Food

-Hippocrates, 431 B.C.