It’s New Year’s Day, so I started the day putting a pot of black-eyed pea soup on the stove. It is believed that this tradition dates back to our country’s Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863. As folklore has it, the freed slaves ate black-eyed peas to celebrate their freedom. Supposedly, because that was all they had to eat. But this little legume is packed with food value, containing protein, fiber, zinc, iron, and potassium. This ingenious vegetable also leaves a nitrogen rich soil behind when it is harvested creating a nutrient rich bed for whatever crop is planted next.
So, I am carrying on the tradition with a bit of a twist. I’m eating my black-eyed peas as a celebration of my freedom from the unnecessary illnesses contributed to the Standard American Diet (SAD). I’m celebrating better health to support a happy and productive year ahead. Instead of using oil or salt pork as is common in the south, my soup pot is brimming with nutrition from my produce drawer including bell peppers, celery, mushrooms, and kale. And the flavor is punched by a healthy array of savory vegetables and seasonings including onions, garlic, pepper, oregano, thyme, and cayenne.
If you are considering a change and wondering if plant based eating is right for you, then let 2024 be the year you discover the rich flavors and amazing health results of plant based eating. You don’t have to be a chef or a gardener to be successful. There is a wealth of wisdom and support on YouTube videos, Instagram posts, pod casts, web sites and books at your disposal. Check out my resource page. I’ve curated some great resources across several topics to get you started on your own journey to a better you!
“For I know the plans I have for you…plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11-NIV)
“We need to make each day count by filling it with fresh air, laughter, and love – love for ourselves, for others, and for whatever we are doing with our one precious life.” (Michael Greger, M.D. How Not to Die)
“There is absolutely no nutrient, no protein, no vitamin, no mineral that can’t be obtained from plant-based foods.” (Michael Klaper, M.D. – Physician, Speaker, Educator)
Yours for a Joyful Journey,
Joyice
Hey my friend! I was diagnosed with a Autoimmune Disease in 2009 that shocked my world. I have an amazing doctor that believes the only way to truly change this issue is to eat a diet to fight inflammation and to build up your immune system. I have been about 80 Percent non inflammatory diet and I have found it to be great for me. After being in Liver failure as well as having colon surgery meat is not my friend and I strive daily to eat clean. I know for sure that when I eat bad so to speak I am miserable and not functioning sometimes at all.
I pray your journey is healthful and makes you feel energetic as you go forward. So excited for you both. Love to Chris and the family.
Hello dear one!
I’m so sorry to hear about your troubles, but so very thankful that your doctor is educated on the power of diet as medicine and is helping you fight back. God uses lots of things to help us and science is our friend. It is sad that our food supply, specifically meat products, have become so toxic, but it certainly is NOT your fault.
I look forward to following your adventure in moving on Facebook and pray you and yours will stay well. Thank you for checking out the blog and reaching out. I hope something we share is helpful or at least makes you laugh in agreement.