Opinion

You can be free from diabetes, obesity and drugs, if ...

Surprisingly, diabetics continue to eat the wrong foods. So I felt in this article that I should reiterate the importance of eating good, healthy foods.

Dr. Timothy Moore

by Dr. Timothy Moore
Ph.D., N.M.D., C.N.

During a recent outing, a man and woman in their early 50s talked about their daily fight with diabetes. Both are at a stage where they have to give themselves daily insulin injections, yet they’d gathered with others to celebrate their friend’s 50th birthday party with a lavish spread of chicken, deviled eggs, various chips, dips and cheeses, Swedish meatballs, a 14-inch cake with fruit on-top of white icing, and a number of other foods.

Surprisingly, diabetics continue to eat the wrong foods. So I felt in this article that I should reiterate the importance of eating good, healthy foods.

We love to eat grease-dripping foods and almost anything that’s edible. According to information just released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC), new estimates regarding the rise of diabetes are alarming: One out of three Americans has type 2 diabetes.

Most advertisers make food look tasty and harmless. But on the flip side, they push drugs to control diabetes after you’ve eaten foods such as chitterlings, pig’s feet, fried chicken, fried fish, pickled pig feet, and eggs. Weight gain also becomes a problem. Everyone, it seems, is trying to lose a pound or two, but instead gain four or five pounds even after dieting.

With nearly 26 million Americans suffering from diabetes and an estimated 79 million U.S. adults with pre-diabetes, a time bomb is set to explode. You may ask, “Can diabetes be controlled?” Yes, it can. But Americans must stop eating process food – which includes fried foods, dairy and animal foods – and switch to a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains. Once your health returns, you won’t need daily injections of insulin.

When First Lady Michelle Obama unveiled the Let’s Move! Initiative to combat the epidemic of childhood obesity, some people refused to listen to the seriousness of her call for a healthier generation of kids. She just brought to light the chronic health of Americans and the need to address the problem. We must change the way we eat and understand that some foods are not to be consumed.

Genetically modified food is not good for you. It is cheap and has no nutritional value. Just look at what you get in a $1 hamburger: a lot of fat and calories. A small fresh salad for $3.50, on the other hand, is better for you. Therefore, what you eat matters. It is key to your overall health.

Obesity and diabetes affect all of us in some way. Our loved ones and friends tend to suffer with us too. And, the medicine we take can be costly. Let’s decide to do something about it today and make the necessary changes to reverse the devastating effects of diabetes.

So what do I eat and where do I start?

The first step is to make a lifestyle change. Then, if you’re serious, go to your kitchen and remove anything that’s processed and give it away, or throw it out. After you do this, make a list of foods that are nutritious, such as greens, turnips, collards, chards, and kale, which have to be eaten daily. A good breakfast also is important to start your day to great health.

According to the CDC, obesity and diabetes can be prevented and reversed. But first, we must understand the importance of eating healthy. One of the things you must do is surround yourself with new friends who think like you and eat the way you eat. Your thoughts about food also have to change.

Here’s a challenge: For 14 days, do not eat any food that’s processed, including fast foods. On the 15th day, you should notice a difference. And if you remain committed, you will see a new, healthy you. What do you have to lose anyway, except maybe a few necessary pounds?  

Fresh food is the only way to achieve optimal health and energy. Start today on your new journey and let your doctor take you off all those harmful drugs that you believe you can never live without. Well, guess what? You can be free from diabetes, obesity and a life of drugs, if you change your eating habits.  

(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plant-based lifestyle. He is a professional speaker, wellness coach and personal plant-based chef. He can be reached by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.cheftimothymoore.com or www.twitter.com/cheftimmoore.)