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Jim Gray on Defeating Genetics Through Diet: PYP 169

jim-grayJim Gray (middle of the photo) knew that he had been dealt a lousy health hand when he was diagnosed with high blood pressure at the tender age of 18. At that point, he was in good shape, a high school athlete, muscular and lean at six feet tall and weighing under 200 pounds.

Jim's health continued to deteriorate, even as he stayed active as a firefighter. From one prescription medication for hypertension to four meds a day. Then adding the obligatory meds to control his high cholesterol. And all the time, never suspecting that the three-times-a-day Standard American Diet was the culprit.

Eventually, Jim succumbed to debilitating migraines; three-day affairs that recurred twice a year at first, and then increased in frequency until he was laid up roughly every ten days. And that was the final straw, and the impetus for Jim to try something – anything – to relieve that pain and disability.

In our conversation, Jim and I covered:

  • the ever-increasing and unsuccessful pharmaceutical strategy to control his migraines
  • the spiral of ill-health triggered by pain and disability
  • his family history of heart disease
  • the epically wrong advice doled out by his doctors
  • the small steps of eliminating nitrates and MSG, and how much and how little they helped
  • Jim's reaction to the Engine 2 Diet (“No way: I like bacon too much”)
  • his first 28-day challenge, and what convinced him to give it a try
  • the zero-migraine zone, and his surprise and delight
  • the surprising variety that Jim discovered during the Engine 2 challenge
  • how he and his wife and kids navigated the transition to plant-based eating
  • the hardest thing to give up (hint: “mooo”)
  • their increased ethical awareness of animal welfare (and how it blossomed naturally once the behavioral barrier was removed)
  • winning the lottery for the Chicago marathon, and becoming a runner
  • the unbelievable reaction of his doctors (maybe it's depressingly believable – I dunno)
  • Jim's influence over other firefighters
  • “selling” the diet and its health effects to his extended family
  • and much more…

Enjoy, add your voice to the conversation via the comment box below, and please share – that's how we spread our message and spread our roots.

Links

The Engine 2 Diet book

Proteinaholic the Audiobook (unrelated to the podcast, but still exciting to me)

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Gratitudes

Thanks to Plant Yourself podcast patrons
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for your generous support of the podcast.
Also, many thanks to the generous folks who reviewed the podcast on iTunes! Here are four recent reviews:

Superb… intelligent…thought provoking

in iTunes by Val Ferg from UK on August 17, 2016

I have listened to several of these podcast episodes now, and have been bowled over by what I have learnt. My whole perspective on changing to a plant based way of eating is becoming clearer. Howard J. is so incisive in the way he interviews his guests. This is such a balance between intelligent, science-based information and down to earth guidance for every day improvement of one's health. I can't thank you enough, Mr Jacobson, for this consistently excellent podcast.

One of the Best Plant-Based Podcasts Available!

in iTunes by AnthonyDissen from USA on August 12, 2016

This has been one of the greatest podcasts I have subscribed to, and especially in the realm of plant-based nutrition. Howard is fantastic, and he brings on such incredible guests. I look forward to this every week!

Great podcast! Thoughtful questions, good guests

in iTunes by MindquakeNZ from New Zealand on August 10, 2016

I really enjoy this podcast. Very thoughtful questions, interesting guests, good production quality. Thank you!

Brilliant interviewer!

in iTunes by Mekenzie Peck from USA on July 26, 2016

I look forward to my walk each morning as I select my podcast and take Howard and his guest along! I don't know how to do him (Howard Jocboson) justice with my words in this review, except to say, “brilliant”! Thank you Howard!


Thanks, y'all!

Announcements

I'm thrilled to announce that Proteinaholic the Book has been turned into Proteinaholic the Audiobook. This must mean that Proteinaholic the Movie and Proteinaholic the Video Game and Proteinaholic the Theme Park can't be far behind. I personally can't wait to experience Gastric Bypass the Roller Coaster!

The reader, Corey Snow, does an amazing job. He really channels Dr Garth's passion and outrage and humor with his voice.

Also, Proteinaholic the Book First Edition, which lacked an index, has been replaced on store shelves with Proteinaholic the Book Second Edition, which sports an index. And its younger sibling, Proteinaholic the Paperback, has just been released. O happy day! Check 'em out on amazon.

In non-Proteinaholic news, check out my online TV show, Triangle Be Well. This week I take off, so catch a rerun (I mean “special rebroadcast”) from a prior week.

I can help you navigate the medical system and adopt a healthy lifestyle

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Music

The Plant Yourself Podcast theme music, “Dance of Peace (Sabali Don),” is generously provided by Will Ridenour, a kora player from North Carolina who has trained with top Senegalese musicians.

It can be found on his first CD, titled Will Ridenour.

You can learn about Will, listen to more tracks, and buy music on his website, WillRidenour.com.

Disclosure

This post may contain amazon affiliate links. I may receive amazon gift certificates from your actions on such links.

Looking for Transformational Change?

You know how when you discovered plant-based eating, you basically went, “Holy shit, how come the entire healthcare system isn't totally embracing this as one of the most powerful keys to disease prevention and reversal!”?

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If you're interested in working with me (and willing to commit to a minimum of 2 months), click the link below to open the form in a new browser tab and I'll get back to you within 3 business days.

Yes, I'm interested in Memory Reconsolidation Coaching.

You CAN Change Other People!

Well, that's what Peter Bregman and I claim in our provocative book of that title.

What we really mean is, you can help the people around you make behavioral changes in their own best interests. If you think you're powerless to help people change, it's because you've been going about it the wrong way.

Discover our straightforward, replicable process here: You Can Change Other People.

Audiobook: Use the Weight to Lose the Weight

Listen to Josh LaJaunie and me narrate our latest audiobook, about how to start moving when you're obese.

It's $10, and Josh and I split it evenly 🙂

Tip Jar

This podcast is not underwritten by advertising, so I can experience complete editorial autonomy without worrying about pissing off the person paying the bills. Instead, I pay the bills, with your help. It's free for those who can't afford to pay, and supported by those who can. You can contribute to the growth and improvement of the podcast by clicking the “Support on Patreon” or “Donate” buttons on the right to help out.

Music

The Plant Yourself Podcast theme music, “Dance of Peace (Sabali Don),” is generously provided by Will Ridenour, a kora player from North Carolina who has trained with top Senegalese musicians.

It can be found on his first CD, titled Will Ridenour.

You can learn about Will, listen to more tracks, and buy music on his website, WillRidenour.com.

Gratitudes

Thanks to Plant Yourself podcast patrons – Kim Harrison – Lynn McLellan – Brittany Porter – Dominic Marro – Barbara Whitney – Tammy Black – Amy Good – Amanda Hatherly – Mary Jane Wheeler – Ellen Kennelly – Melissa Cobb – Rachel Behrens – Tina Scharf – Tina Ahern – Jen Vilkinofsky – David Byczek – Michele X – Elspeth Feldman – Leah Stolar – Allan Kristensen – Colleen Peck – Michele Landry – Jozina – Sara Durkacs – Kelly Cameron – Janet Selby – Claire Adams – Tom Fronczak – Jeannette Benham – Gila Lacerte – David Donohue – Blair Seibert – Doron Avizov – Gio and Carolyn Argentati – Jodi Friesner – Mischa Rosen – Michael Worobiec – AvIvA Lael – Alicia Lemus – Val Linnemann – Nick Harper – Bandana Chawla – Molly Levine – The Inscrutable Harry R – Susan Laverty the Panda Vegan – Craig Covic – Adam Scharf – Karen Bury – Heather Morgan – Nigel Davies – Marian Blum – Teresa Kopel – Julian Watkins – Brid O'Connell – Shannon Herschman – Linda Ayotte – Holm Hedegaard – Isa Tousignant – Connie Haneline – Erin Greer – Alicia Davis – Heather O'Connor – Carollynne Jensen – Sheri Orlekoski of Plant Powered for Health – Karen Smith – Scott Mirani – Karen and Joe Crabtree – Kirby Burton – Theresa Carrell – Kevin Macaulay – Elizabeth Rothschild – Ann Jesse – Sheryl Dwyer – Jenny Hazelton – Peter W Evans – Dennis Bird – Darby Kelly – Lori Fanney – Linnea Lundquist – Emily Iaconelli – Levi Wallach – Rosamonde McAtee – Dan Pokorney – Stephen Leinin – Patty DeMartino – Mike and Donna Kartz – Deanne Bishop – Bilberry Elf – Marjorie Lewis – Tricia Adams – Nancy Sheldon – Lindsey Bashore – Gunn Marit Hagen – Tracey Gulledge – Lara Hedin – Meg from Mamasezz – Stacey Stokes – Ben Savage – Michael K – David Hughes -Coni Rodgers – Claire England – Sally Robertson – Parham Ganchi – Amy Dailey – Brian Tourville – Mark Jeffrey Johnson – Josie Dempsey – Caryn Schmitt – Pamela Hayden – Emily Perryman – Allison Corbett – Richard Stone – Lauren Vaught of Edible Musings – Erin Hastey – Sean Owens – Sagar Naik – Erika Piedra – Danielle Roberts – Michael Leuchten – Sarah Johnson – Katharine Floyd – Meryl Fury – for your generous support of the podcast.

Disclosure

This post may contain amazon affiliate links. I may receive compensation from your actions on such links. It don't cost you a dime, tho.

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