What has happened to us? Despite the most advanced medical technology in the world, we are sicker than ever by nearly every measure.
Two out of every three of us are overweight. Cases of diabetes are exploding, especially amongst our younger population. About half of us are taking at least one prescription drug. Major medical operations have become routine, helping to drive health care costs to astronomical levels. Heart disease, cancer and stroke are the country’s three leading causes of death, even though billions are spent each year to “battle” these very conditions. Millions suffer from a host of other degenerative diseases.
Could it be there’s a single solution to all of these problems? A solution so comprehensive yet so straightforward, that it’s mind-boggling that more of us haven’t taken it seriously?
A new ground-breaking film, “Forks Over Knives,” examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the so-called “diseases of affluence” that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods.
The knife referred to in the film cuts in two ways. The movie argues that when we choose to remove or greatly reduce the amount of food we consume that requires knives to eat (like meat) and reconfigure our plates to be plant-strong, we can avoid going under the knife for things like by-pass surgery.
The major storyline in the film traces the personal journeys of a pair of pioneering yet under-appreciated researchers, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn.
Dr. Campbell, a nutritional scientist at Cornell University, was concerned in the late 1960’s with producing “high quality” animal protein to bring to the poor and malnourished areas of the third world. While in the Philippines, he made a life-changing discovery: the country’s wealthier children, who were consuming relatively high amounts of animal-based foods, were much more likely to get liver cancer. Dr. Esselstyn, a top surgeon and head of the Breast Cancer Task Force at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, found that many of the diseases he routinely treated were virtually unknown in parts of the world where animal-based foods were rarely consumed.
These discoveries inspired Campbell and Esselstyn, who didn’t know each other yet, to conduct several groundbreaking studies. One of them took place in China and is still among the most comprehensive health-related investigations ever undertaken. Their research led them to a startling conclusion: degenerative diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even several forms of cancer, could almost always be prevented—and in many cases reversed—by adopting a whole foods, plant-based diet. Despite the profound implications of their findings, their work has remained relatively unknown to the public.
The filmmakers travel with Drs. Campbell and Esselstyn on their separate but similar paths, from their childhood farms where they both produced “nature’s perfect food”; to China and Cleveland, where they explored ideas that challenged the established thinking and shook their own core beliefs.
The idea of food as medicine is put to the test. Throughout the film, cameras follow “reality patients” who have chronic conditions from heart disease to diabetes. Doctors teach these patients how to adopt a whole foods plant-based diet as the primary approach to treat their ailments—while the challenges and triumphs of their journeys are revealed.
Dr. Oz, who will feature the makers and key contributors to “Forks Over Knives” on his April 27th show, touts the film’s message that we can avoid heart disease, cancer and Type II diabetes simply by changing what we eat as “the Hail-Mary of medicine.”
The movie officially opensin select U.S. theaters throughout the month of May. To find a screening in your area, click here.
1.Betabrand Cornucopia Bag: Check out this redonkulously cool Farmers Market Backpack! The geniuses at Betabrand sent me one of these bio-fabulous bags and I must say – it’s damn useful. Back in my NYC food shopping days I would have killed a carrot for one of nifty veggie toters. This bag is better than Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. And speaking of chambers, inner pockets galore keep your treasured foodie delights separate and secure. There’s even a wee pocket for cash-o-la. Two thumbs up Betabrand.
PS. That gorgeous woman in the picture is my little sis!
2. Viva Las Vegans: Many moons ago, I visited Las Vegas while burning a trail through the South on a gambling and fast-food fueled roadtrip. It was messy. My luck ran out and so did my green (and I don’t mean juice). I swore off the place, until now! Turns out at least one casino is wising up and offering vegan options. Next time you’re in Sin City check it out. Maybe that slutty lady luck will be on your veggie fueled side.
3. The Tea House: If Vegas isn’t your scene, then trot on over to my happy place, New Mexico. I nearly moved to Santa Fe in 2004 and I visit there every year. In fact, I think I got married on a mountain in Taos once. But that’s another story for another time. Oh, and let’s keep that between us, shall we? Back to SF. If you love tea as much as I do, check out The Tea House of Canyon road. The food, wine, beer, colorful locals and south west flare are soul soothingly sexy.
4. Peaceful Posters: It’s never too early to plan a trip to Woodstock, NY for the Woodstock Film Festival! This is hands down one of my most favorite times of year. The town is a non-stop super disco of cinema, stars and soirees. Did I mention that the fall foliage will blow your mind? The 2010 Film Fest poster‘s peace-powered design makes me swoon. Join me and pick one up, ’cause nonprofit arts organizations need our support. It’s good karma!
5.The Daily Love: What could be more perfect for my love list than a website that sends you daily love notes? Kipp Mastin created The Daily Love website after embarking on a personal journey to discover how to manifest his best potential. As he researched others who have shared a similar goal throughout history, he discovered a plethora of inspiring quotes. If you want a daily love boost each morning, be sure to sign up!
6. Grace Potter and The Nocturnals: Ok, I’ve always wanted to say what I’m about to say… Ladies, grab your crotch! Grace’s music makes me feel like a total ass kicking rockstar super wench with fiery hair and an intoxicating growl. Lately I’ve been adding a dose of lip sinking and air guitar (air drumming tambien) to my daily regime. Hello liberation, it’s me Kris, Rrrrr! Their latest album rocks but I must say, I am partial to “This is Somewhere”. Jam on sister sledge!
7. Vertigo: When you’re done spinning with saucy sexuality thanks to Grace and the gang, check out the Vertigo thread on my Facebook fan page. I get vertigo from time to time and when I put it out to my peeps damn did the comments and advice pour in. You people are wicked smart! So many of the recommendations helped me. Sooo if you’re an occasional dizzy blond like moi click here and read baby read.
Last week I launched my Love List series. Well, amen, hipshake, cause sooo many people wrote their own and tweeted and FB’d it. There’s even a Love List group on myCSL (go join it hot pants). Love Lists heal. They are fun and funky and free. Love Lists remind you that life is deliciously sweet, like a big drippy emotional ice cream cone (sans the glycemic spike). Tune in every Wednesday for my new list and please share the love. Meaning: Write your list! Hey, speaking of sharing, why not tap on that cute little share button at the end of this blog post? Spread the Love through the cyber soup!
1.I love taking pictures of Lola wearing hats. This week I didn’t have a hat so she’s wearing my bra. I think she looks like an old fashioned pilot, don’t you? Like Amelia Earhart. A hint about pet photography: hold a treat at the edge of the lens. I think she secretly loves our shoots because I’m like a walking cookie jar.
2. Earth Cafe raw cheesecake. OMG. These awesome folks sent us a few samples some months back and Corinne and I fastened our seatbelts, donned bibs and went to town. When I was a dairy guzzler I loved me some rich and creamy cheesecake. Now as a mostly raw vegan I can visit my ole friend again. Hi cheesecake, it’s me Kris, welcome home!
3. Flea Markets. Last weekend we went to the Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market near my folk’s house in CT. This flea is not to be missed. I got a silver cocktail dress from the sixties and this awesomely ugly Mt. Rushmore lamp (which used to be a whiskey bottle). What could be better? Answer: nothing. Wondering how I took these pictures? Check out #4.
4. Hipstamatic’s hot iphone camera app. Corinne turned me onto it. She uses it on her blog all the time. It makes your snaps look like sexy, distressed art. Ps. In addition to being our blog editor and my everything, Corinne is an awesome writer. You might really like her blog too. :)
5. Speaking of awesome blogs, um, yeah, we love Susannah Conway. She’s a rockin’ creative goddess with some juicy e-courses that will shake up your photo-journaling world. Unravel with Susannah and you just might tap into some immense joy.
6. The new Klean Kanteen wide insulated sippy-wonder. Purrrfect for my tea breaks. They keep your bev so hot you might need protective hand gear. Love ‘em. Thanks Kleen Kanteen!
7. Gasland. This documentary is not to be missed. It opened my eyes about the use of fracking in the natural gas industry. You don’t want this to happen to a town near you folks. Me and the hubs are getting active about protecting the Catskills (NY’s water supply – ours too!). You might want to as well. Love this film. Hate fracking.
8. Daily Juice. I miss Austin and sure as heck hope to go back during my book tour. When in the great city that likes to keep it “weird” we always head to Daily Juice. Put it on your radar and swing by if you’re in the area. Your cells will thank ya’ll. Yee haw!
9. Spiritual jewels by Satya. I just love this store. I feel like their earrings bring me one step closer to enlightenment.
10. Listening to old records. I have an amazing collection thanks to a dear family member that passed away. I can no longer speak to him but the music plays on…
What’s on your Love List?
Peace and hearts,
Kris
PS- My girl Rory Freedman inspired me and a whole lotta readers to kick the TV habit this week in her blog! Join the “No TV for 30 Days” challenge with me on Twitter by using the #NoTVfor30Days hashtag. Tubes off, brains and spirits on.
Mallika’s blog last week about saving money by going to the library really got me thinking. After I read it I dashed off to my bill box and added up my Amazon receipts. DANG! It’s gonna be hard to break my addiction, but I’ll give it a shot. I’ve never had a library card. Lame but true. This means I’ll have to be nice to the loaners – my books get battered! I write in them, take phone messages, doodle, dog-ear, use as coasters, etc. Like a little home, I make my books my own and I get real cozy. She’s also so right about spending more time in nature. Lola (the best rescue dog ever) makes her demands known on a daily basis: “Walk me or your shoes are burnt toast.” I go through withdrawals without my woods.
But cut back on movies? Now that’s where I draw the line, Sister!
These are definitely difficult times, and it’s begun to slip off of the headlines and into our own lives. I was a jackass last year – I had some nuts squirreled away in stocks, and of course that little nest went up in smoke. I look out my office window in Woodstock and watch as the stores in my town close. Foreclosure signs crop up on lawns like dandelions. Last week I drove past a long line of people waiting for a job fair to open. What a change from a few years ago when the only thing people lined up for was MTV casting calls and Black Friday sales!
I know the bean counters haven’t figured out what to call this recession-slash-depression, but I say it’s here…The Great Depression – Season Two! And I’m going to fight back like my grandparents did – with MOVIES! (this Depression is now available in blue ray box set with bonus features…)
I love movies. As a filmmaker, flicks are almost as important to me as green juice. I think films are especially valuable to help us get through and make sense of hard times. There’s no better mirror on life than a flickering hero forty feet tall on the wall. One of the reasons the Nineteen Thirties and Forties are known as Hollywood’s golden age is because peeps were so dang broke and bummed that they needed mental time-outs. In many ways, the Great Depression (Season One) was the birth of mass escapism. The pictures were cheap (around 10 cents) and they took you to magical lands with hot babes, grand homes, and epic landscapes. And woven through the spectacle were morality tales that kept us connected to core values. We need these stories today, too.
From Frank Capra’s social-political tales of the common man’s struggle for the American dream against corrupt powers (Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, It’s a Wonderful Life), to delicious romantic comedies (It Happened One Night, Philadelphia Story), Hollywood cranked out hope on a weekly basis and glum Americans ate it up. I can only imagine what it must have been like to see The Wizard of Oz when it premiered in Technicolor glory, or how about Gone with the Wind? WOWZA! Though I must say, Carol Burnett’s Went with the Wind skit was almost as good. How about the dancing? As an old showgirl, I still get a kick out of Fred and Ginger. They always seemed to have smiles on their faces as they swirled my blues away. And those Busby Berkeley synchronized numbers are mondo trippy even today. The list is too big… how about Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, Sunset Boulevard – have you seen these gems? Jaw-dropping black and white rapture.
The 50’s brought us two of my all time faves, Rebel Without a Cause (James Dean, please have sex with me in heaven) and On the Waterfront. The 60’s and 70’s – now that was a juicy time for anti-heroes! Easy Rider, Midnight Cowboy, Jeremiah Johnson, Coming Home (I LOVE THIS FILM), Five Easy Pieces (HUBBY LOVES THIS FILM), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Godfather, and the granddaddy of mythology: Star Wars!
I just adore guns, the mafia, and space. Don’t you?
The 80’s – one word: ALIEN. Now, that movie was full of spooky, wiz-in-your-pants nausea inducing F.U.N. If I could be anyone other than myself I’d be Ripley. Remember in Aliens (the sequel) when the gnarly monster was about to chow Newt? Ripley stormed over in a tractor suit and uttered my favorite movie line ever – “get away from her you BITCH”. Sing it Ripley!!! I wanted to be just like her. I dreamed of fighting predators in a white tank top and no bra.
…But don’t forget documentaries. Everyday heroes blow the big box office names away. Documentaries remind me of how I fell in love with my Brian. On our first official date we went to see Spellbound. We LOVED it, and spent the rest of the starry night chatting about film, our dreams, and the state of the world while sitting under the Gandhi statue in Union Square, NYC. I really liked him after that. Many movies later (including our own), we got hitched.
Film is soothing. Film opens our imagination and reminds us that even the underdog can – and should – win. For all its pomp and silliness, Hollywood does the Underdog so well.
People often ask me how I got through the early days of my medical shit-pickle. Simple. Creativity. Making my documentary got me through the fear. It was my outlet and I am so grateful to my angel camera. I lost myself in the shooting and writing. When I wasn’t working on my own project, Netflix brought other documentaries that would inspire my story.
Some recent fave docs: Born into Brothels, Jesus Camp, Planet Earth, Grizzly Man, Murderball, Mad Hot Ballroom, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Control Room, anything Michael Moore, War Photographer (I worship James Nachtwey). Don’t miss the first and still champion rock doc: The Last Waltz.
Here at chez Carr-Fassett, our must-see pick of the past few years is Into the Wild. Breathtaking! Perfect! Unbelievable! Sean Penn got screwed out of a gold statue on that one. Thank Goddess the Academy recognized him for Milk this year! This is also where I should mention the HBO Series The Wire. I know I’m a few years late to the party and it’s not cinema, per se, but dang is it good – and addictive. Hubs and I have been racking up the episodes like whiskey shots, one after another late into the night. Confession: I have the hots for Stringer Bell. Is it ok that I’ve considered putting a murderous thug on my vision board?!?
This weekend, turn off CNN, burn the newspaper in a bonfire, and step away from your internet cocaine dispenser. Rent a flick. Dim the lights, get cozy, and indulge in some good old-fashioned escapism.
Is there such thing as clean coal? Hmmm. Once again it all comes down to advertising. If I place the word “green” in front of the word formaldehyde does it magically transform it into a healthy substance? What if I write the word formaldehyde in green letters? Will the color fool you into thinking that formaldehyde has medicinal qualities? It is wrong that in the United States of America we can be so misled by all this green washing manipulation. Once again, the responsibility to translate the madness is on us. We are constantly bombarded with lies and it effects our health. “Clean”? There is no eco-friendly alternative when coal is involved.
Enter the fabulous Coen Brothers. These groovy chapsdirected a funny new commercial for The Reality Coalition (earth rockstar Al Gore’s latest and greatest) debunking the idea. I love the Coen Brothers! In fact, I have a ridiculous Joel Coen story that I can’t believe I’m about to share with you. Let the blushing begin.
Years ago, after they won for Fargo, I was at a cocktail party at Joel and Francis McDormand’s apartment in NYC. Don’t ask how I got there, I’m still not sure. At the time I was an unemployed actress socializing with a set way cooler than me. After a few too many I needed to use the lou. I remember loving the paint colors they had chosen for the bathroom walls. Burnt terricotta, very chic. I marveled with pride at their shower curtain. We had the same one, a plastic gold fish print. Then I noticed it…my heart stopped…there, above my head, was the oscar…
