I know I asked you (a few weeks ago, maybe?) what your path to veganism was, and when you didn't reply, I chalked it up to my asking a too-personal question. Now I realize -- you were writing THIS piece of utter gorgeousness. Wow. So vulnerable and honest, and SO well-written. You really took me on your journey with you.
A brief share: I've always been conscious of food's healing properties ever since my mother died of cancer when I was 23. But my understanding of it kicked into higher gear later, when my husband contracted CLL, and later still, when my daughter was bedridden with Lyme. It was her situation that really brought it all together; after 2 years of the typical medical run-around, she went on a 6-month healing diet, eating only fruits and vegetables, and NOTHING else. Within a month, she was up and around, after 6, she was able to return to more normal activities. She's now a vegan Division 1 volleyball player, stronger and faster than anyone else on the team.
I totally relate to wanting to shake people (did you actually say that? Probably not; that's me) who don't seem to understand the relationship between what they put in their mouths and their quality of life. You're right, words alone won't reach them; but I believe a story like yours could. Thank you for telling it.
Thanks, Mary... You continually inspire me to reach deeper in my writing and develop more confidence in what I say. Your question inspired this recent piece and the entire junk drawer concept!
Thanks for contributing to the conversation with your personal connections. I'm happy to hear your daughter discovered the powers of plant healing at such a young age - that will serve her well in the future.
The more I talk about my experiences (and I do that a lot within the MS community - specifically within the community of amazingly strong individuals following the same lifestyle program I follow), the more I realize almost everyone has some health issue, they are currently trying to deal with, or they know someone close who struggles with physical, mental or cognitive health. I also realize that many people do not want to change their lives, including the will to heal. It's frustrating...but it's the way it is. It's a bit like giving up smoking...or dealing with alcoholism...or changing a drug habit. The will to change has to come from within...and not from what people tell you.
I'm so happy that I played even a small part in the genesis of this, Jack. You clearly were ready to tell your story -- not unlike the comment you made about the will to change coming from within... :-)
Here's to your continued good health and inspired writing!
Agreed that stories are also powerful. People connect much more with other people than they do with scientific information, which is quite irrational in a sense, but it’s the way we are wired.
At the same time, it can be quite hard to open up and share stories like this, especially in a public forum like the Internet. There’s a line you have to drive to avoid sharing too much while still being vulnerable enough to connect with others. 
Lovely post Jack. I appreciate you sharing, as a fellow OMSer I understand completely and look forward to your recipes & podcasts. Unfortunately my mobility was affected before I started the plant based eating so probably not get better, but hopefully it will help slow progession. I'm very strict on diet, take my DMT, vit D, made drastic changes to destress, just got to start exercising. Maybe this year! All the best for 2023
Incredible. I reversed an unknown metabolic disorder with a plant-based diet, and I know from the literature that it reverses heart disease--but I had no idea it treated MS as well. Thanks for telling your story!
Thanks for sharing your story, Jack. It’s so true that talk is cheap when it comes to lifestyle changes. If more information alone did the trick, we would all be healthier. But I think once people see (or taste) that they won’t lose the pleasure of eating when they shift to a healthier lifestyle, they are more inclined to at least give it a shot.
There are a bunch of other factors, of course. People need to develop or improve their cooking skills, understand how to balance macronutrients, and know which supplements are important. But getting over that initial hurdle of seeing a plant-based diet as restrictive starts with a bite of a vegan version of a favorite dish. 
My own journey started with a flexitarian diet in high school and shifted toward vegetarian as I lost my taste for meat. When I discovered that severe lactose intolerance was behind a lot of my digestive problems, I gave up dairy and went fully plant-based. It’s been a journey ever since, and I’ve spent the last 13 years going from someone who largely subsistent on quesadillas and didn’t know how to cook tofu to almost completely whole food plant-based and making the majority of my own food.
I really like exploring recipes and discovering new fruits and vegetables. Food and cooking have always been central in my life; being plant-based has simply added another layer of exploration. 
Thanks for contributing "Sam" - As always, I enjoy reading your perspective... And yes, the plant world is endlessly fascinating to explore as a cook/chef...
I changed from meat eater to 100% whole food plant-based diet this time last year and haven’t regretted it. I wish I had known about the health benefits earlier in my life. Though it’s never too late to make a difference. My doctor was strongly advising medication for high cholesterol and I asked for time to try and make a difference by changing my diet. Well it worked. But wouldn’t it have been nice if the doctor had encouraged me and informed me about eating vegan? I did it on my own. I just wonder how much fitter better I might have been had I done this thirty or forty years ago. I’m loving your Substack, thanks for sharing.
Jack, I also changed my lifestyle to vegan for health reasons. After having a doctor advise me to go on a "keto" diet and becoming quite ill, I changed doctors and researched nutrition. Doctors, for the most part are not nutritionist and don't view food as medicine. In doing this research, I ran across nutritioinfacts.org and it changed my life forever. Looking back I would have gone more slowly due to the shock to my gut biome, we went cold turkey. My body adjusted after a few months. I lost weight, my skin cleared and I felt and feel great. I realized after I started cooking plant-based that meals became way more interesting. I used to consider some broccoli and a piece of chicken to be a mainstay. Now, with the help of an instantpot, I make ratatouille, dozens of soups, stuffed bell peppers and we even make bbq with shredded jackfruit. My diet has never been more interesting. Thank you so much for posting here. I love to read and hear from other vegans who are vegan for their health. If I had changed my lifestyle much earlier I would not have had the health issues I had when I was younger. Last night we were at a birthday party that was potluck. 80% of the food was animal based. We brought some fruit. These were all older people who were walking around with stents in their hearts already or stroke survivors. Yet, this is what they brought to share. One guy asked why were weren't eating any of it and when I told him that we were vegan he responded that he could never do that. ( He was also one of the ones with stents in his heart). So I also choose not to share that I am vegan with many people because they choose not to understand or explore the idea of change.
Thanks for the contribution Mary. I'm happy you were able to find your way to reliable information that works for you. I've been to events similar to the one you attended. I, too, was amazed to see people with obvious health issues completely ignore the concept of feeding the body with healthy food and nutrients as a frontline treatment - that is so baffling to me.
Best wishes to you on your continued success...and thanks for supporting the work I am trying to do with VeganWeekly.
I've been vegan for love of other animals for 9 years with the added benefit that my mental, emotional and physical health transformed, I'm 59 now and full of beans. I found the longer I've been vegan the crazier it seems not to be.
What an inspiring piece, and so beautifully written! I'm 76 now and never really have been sick, except for an occasional flu. I count myself lucky; I've inherited a strong constitution. But being vegan for over 20 years has helped too, I'm sure. I wish you continuing good health, and look forward to more of your recipes, always so carefully researched and delicious.
Thanks, Jessica, for contributing. Twenty years of following a vegan lifestyle...and rarely getting sick is a wonderful testament to the benefits many people can expect from this kind of living. It's also worth noting that quality of life as we grow older is extremely important. I'm impressed with your level of activity, and I can hardly believe you have reached 76 years - I'm inspired!
Thank you for sharing your story. It really helps me understand the depth of caring you have for what you’re doing. It inspires me too! When I went gluten-free 15 years ago, it was because of a health issue. I found that one easy, because the health consequence was just way worse than not eating gluten. Switching to being (mostly) vegan 4 years ago was for health reason for me too, but not as obvious or serious (but I could see it coming). I also really love knowing that you were able to heal. I have made a number of changes in my life style and in my choices related to my health. Unfortunately, or fortunately, pain has been quite a motivator.  and I’m grateful for whatever it is that has allowed me to make those changes, even when it is hard. I know some people just can’t and I don’t know why I have so far been one of the lucky ones.  I’m really working on the anxiety, stress, meditative side of things right now.
Thanks for contributing to this conversation Karen.
I think most people already have a baseline understanding of how food can make us feel good...the trick is embracing the long-term physical goodness more than the temporary soothing that might come from feeding a habit or indulging in a temporary dopamine hit. It sounds like you've uncovered the goodness of feeling good long-term - for that, I congratulate you!
I find getting into nature - as you regularly do - really helps the stress side of things...plus, you make some really cool photos and observations!
Walking in nature with a camera is a wonderful mindfulness practice. It also forces me into the present moment, which allows me to see and appreciate things I would have missed. It's a beautiful practice and activity.
I really admire the dedication and persistence it took to make this change toward health. I fully believe my dad’s fatal nervous system illness was related to diet but could never even get him to try a diet change for a few days. It’s difficult. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
That is a shame… My father also refused to implement lifestyle changes even after seeing the benefits I was getting… Same with my wife and her mother, who had MS as well…she digressed quickly.
Lifestyle changes are difficult…very difficult. A significant change to lifestyle causes titanic shifts in relationships, culture, habits, philosophy, and ethics. Every detail in life is eventually measured against our daily food choices... sometimes confrontationally…and many people can’t deal with this added stress.
Thank you for sharing this inspiring and personal story. It is just so amazing what a plant-based diet can do for our health and well-being. It is stories like your that should be read by much more people...
It's true, a plant-based diet can do a lot for our health. Incorporating other lifestyle choices (reducing stress, getting regular exercise, developing a personal connection with nature and all living beings) contributes even more to a healthy existence...and certainly, a much greater quality of life.
Just renewed my subscription and came across this post. So glad I did! Originally heard about you from OMS, I’ve been following the protocol since just after my diagnosis in 2013. Reading about your journey was just what I needed today. (Bad fatigue today, going through a bit of an exacerbation lately.) Am going now to bake some sweet potatoes for dinner along with a salad. Thank you Jack for the inspiration and reminder!
Thanks so much for reading and supporting my work, Sylvie... I'm happy my story was helpful to you - we all need that kind of pick-me-up from time to time...
I always say that if I invited people for dinner and said I was cooking vegan, then the excuses would come.
If I never said, then put on the table a selection of dishes for guests to share, maybe with one meat or fish dish, then nobody would even notice that everything else was plant based.
I often put multiple dishes out at lunch, say eighty per cent being vegan, without really thinking about it. I’m sure no one really knows as they just enjoy.
People are so quick to label and make decisions based on that. Sad really.
Thank you for this graceful post. I am so glad you are able to manage MS in this way.
I too am vegan (as are our dogs, under the supervision of a vegan vet), and I am SO tired of the questions. If it's genuine interest, fine; but often it's questions designed to trip one up: 'Do you think lions are evil, then, for killing other animals?' I have answers to this and other qs (I've just finished writing a vegan cookbook – unpublished – that also addresses all such issues).
Truely a great story, I know how you feel everytime someone asks this type of weird questions. I thought today people become more mindfullness than a few years before, but anyway still ask about pretty common diet these days. You know, I also have a special diet which is mostly based on my personal preferenceses and which would be better for my stomach after a eat the exact type of food. So it's more of an intuitive diet that most people still couldn't accept. Besides, it's not about a "trend" as many people do, but about health problems that were obviously caused by the previous junk food I consumed almost every day in my school days. After more than 10 years of choosing what's better, trying to find the most valuable way of combining products, I can surely say that it was one of the best decisions in my life, which I'm very proud of. Also, the thing is, I'd say I've become half vegan or just forced to stop eating so many ingredients that are forbidden for vegans. Also, from day to day or even week to week I could only eat like a vegan because sometimes I get tired of eating meat and have an extreme desire to eat only plant-based products. But you know, I still can't imagine my life without red meat, and not any kind, and what's more important, give up eating seafood, which is now the most nutritious for me.
I'm telling you all this because, as you might expect, not every person I've met would have the same beliefs or even try to understand me, but not think of me as a typical weirdo.
By the way, I like your narrative style, how the text flows on itself. Thanks for taking the time to share your personal feelings.
I know I asked you (a few weeks ago, maybe?) what your path to veganism was, and when you didn't reply, I chalked it up to my asking a too-personal question. Now I realize -- you were writing THIS piece of utter gorgeousness. Wow. So vulnerable and honest, and SO well-written. You really took me on your journey with you.
A brief share: I've always been conscious of food's healing properties ever since my mother died of cancer when I was 23. But my understanding of it kicked into higher gear later, when my husband contracted CLL, and later still, when my daughter was bedridden with Lyme. It was her situation that really brought it all together; after 2 years of the typical medical run-around, she went on a 6-month healing diet, eating only fruits and vegetables, and NOTHING else. Within a month, she was up and around, after 6, she was able to return to more normal activities. She's now a vegan Division 1 volleyball player, stronger and faster than anyone else on the team.
I totally relate to wanting to shake people (did you actually say that? Probably not; that's me) who don't seem to understand the relationship between what they put in their mouths and their quality of life. You're right, words alone won't reach them; but I believe a story like yours could. Thank you for telling it.
Thanks, Mary... You continually inspire me to reach deeper in my writing and develop more confidence in what I say. Your question inspired this recent piece and the entire junk drawer concept!
Thanks for contributing to the conversation with your personal connections. I'm happy to hear your daughter discovered the powers of plant healing at such a young age - that will serve her well in the future.
The more I talk about my experiences (and I do that a lot within the MS community - specifically within the community of amazingly strong individuals following the same lifestyle program I follow), the more I realize almost everyone has some health issue, they are currently trying to deal with, or they know someone close who struggles with physical, mental or cognitive health. I also realize that many people do not want to change their lives, including the will to heal. It's frustrating...but it's the way it is. It's a bit like giving up smoking...or dealing with alcoholism...or changing a drug habit. The will to change has to come from within...and not from what people tell you.
I'm so happy that I played even a small part in the genesis of this, Jack. You clearly were ready to tell your story -- not unlike the comment you made about the will to change coming from within... :-)
Here's to your continued good health and inspired writing!
Agreed that stories are also powerful. People connect much more with other people than they do with scientific information, which is quite irrational in a sense, but it’s the way we are wired.
At the same time, it can be quite hard to open up and share stories like this, especially in a public forum like the Internet. There’s a line you have to drive to avoid sharing too much while still being vulnerable enough to connect with others. 
So true! Definitely a balancing act. Substack has been a great teacher for me; I follow a number of writers who very skillfully navigate that line.
Lovely post Jack. I appreciate you sharing, as a fellow OMSer I understand completely and look forward to your recipes & podcasts. Unfortunately my mobility was affected before I started the plant based eating so probably not get better, but hopefully it will help slow progession. I'm very strict on diet, take my DMT, vit D, made drastic changes to destress, just got to start exercising. Maybe this year! All the best for 2023
Bless you, Emma - and thanks for sharing your story.
Incredible. I reversed an unknown metabolic disorder with a plant-based diet, and I know from the literature that it reverses heart disease--but I had no idea it treated MS as well. Thanks for telling your story!
Thanks Jennifer...and congratulations on reversing your own disorder.
Diet, exercise, reduced stress and close social connections are key elements in leading a healthy and happy life - at least from my perspective!
The science around the blue zones bears this out! 
Very true--all four are essential, and I'm working on that stress-reduction piece now. May we have lifetimes of blissful perambulation!
Thanks for sharing your story, Jack. It’s so true that talk is cheap when it comes to lifestyle changes. If more information alone did the trick, we would all be healthier. But I think once people see (or taste) that they won’t lose the pleasure of eating when they shift to a healthier lifestyle, they are more inclined to at least give it a shot.
There are a bunch of other factors, of course. People need to develop or improve their cooking skills, understand how to balance macronutrients, and know which supplements are important. But getting over that initial hurdle of seeing a plant-based diet as restrictive starts with a bite of a vegan version of a favorite dish. 
My own journey started with a flexitarian diet in high school and shifted toward vegetarian as I lost my taste for meat. When I discovered that severe lactose intolerance was behind a lot of my digestive problems, I gave up dairy and went fully plant-based. It’s been a journey ever since, and I’ve spent the last 13 years going from someone who largely subsistent on quesadillas and didn’t know how to cook tofu to almost completely whole food plant-based and making the majority of my own food.
I really like exploring recipes and discovering new fruits and vegetables. Food and cooking have always been central in my life; being plant-based has simply added another layer of exploration. 
Thanks for contributing "Sam" - As always, I enjoy reading your perspective... And yes, the plant world is endlessly fascinating to explore as a cook/chef...
I changed from meat eater to 100% whole food plant-based diet this time last year and haven’t regretted it. I wish I had known about the health benefits earlier in my life. Though it’s never too late to make a difference. My doctor was strongly advising medication for high cholesterol and I asked for time to try and make a difference by changing my diet. Well it worked. But wouldn’t it have been nice if the doctor had encouraged me and informed me about eating vegan? I did it on my own. I just wonder how much fitter better I might have been had I done this thirty or forty years ago. I’m loving your Substack, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing Yasmin...and yes, I think it would be extremely helpful if doctors improved their education on nutrition.
Wonderful post. Thank you so much for sharing. Inspirational.
Thanks Victoria - the personal stuff is often the hardest bits for me to write about...
Jack, I also changed my lifestyle to vegan for health reasons. After having a doctor advise me to go on a "keto" diet and becoming quite ill, I changed doctors and researched nutrition. Doctors, for the most part are not nutritionist and don't view food as medicine. In doing this research, I ran across nutritioinfacts.org and it changed my life forever. Looking back I would have gone more slowly due to the shock to my gut biome, we went cold turkey. My body adjusted after a few months. I lost weight, my skin cleared and I felt and feel great. I realized after I started cooking plant-based that meals became way more interesting. I used to consider some broccoli and a piece of chicken to be a mainstay. Now, with the help of an instantpot, I make ratatouille, dozens of soups, stuffed bell peppers and we even make bbq with shredded jackfruit. My diet has never been more interesting. Thank you so much for posting here. I love to read and hear from other vegans who are vegan for their health. If I had changed my lifestyle much earlier I would not have had the health issues I had when I was younger. Last night we were at a birthday party that was potluck. 80% of the food was animal based. We brought some fruit. These were all older people who were walking around with stents in their hearts already or stroke survivors. Yet, this is what they brought to share. One guy asked why were weren't eating any of it and when I told him that we were vegan he responded that he could never do that. ( He was also one of the ones with stents in his heart). So I also choose not to share that I am vegan with many people because they choose not to understand or explore the idea of change.
Thanks for the contribution Mary. I'm happy you were able to find your way to reliable information that works for you. I've been to events similar to the one you attended. I, too, was amazed to see people with obvious health issues completely ignore the concept of feeding the body with healthy food and nutrients as a frontline treatment - that is so baffling to me.
Best wishes to you on your continued success...and thanks for supporting the work I am trying to do with VeganWeekly.
hello, just found your stack! Amazing.
I've been vegan for love of other animals for 9 years with the added benefit that my mental, emotional and physical health transformed, I'm 59 now and full of beans. I found the longer I've been vegan the crazier it seems not to be.
Jo
🐒
Welcome Jo...and thanks for your contribution and support. I share your convictions and feelings ...and I like the 'full of beans' statement!
🙏🏽🌱
What an inspiring piece, and so beautifully written! I'm 76 now and never really have been sick, except for an occasional flu. I count myself lucky; I've inherited a strong constitution. But being vegan for over 20 years has helped too, I'm sure. I wish you continuing good health, and look forward to more of your recipes, always so carefully researched and delicious.
Thanks, Jessica, for contributing. Twenty years of following a vegan lifestyle...and rarely getting sick is a wonderful testament to the benefits many people can expect from this kind of living. It's also worth noting that quality of life as we grow older is extremely important. I'm impressed with your level of activity, and I can hardly believe you have reached 76 years - I'm inspired!
Thank you for sharing your story. It really helps me understand the depth of caring you have for what you’re doing. It inspires me too! When I went gluten-free 15 years ago, it was because of a health issue. I found that one easy, because the health consequence was just way worse than not eating gluten. Switching to being (mostly) vegan 4 years ago was for health reason for me too, but not as obvious or serious (but I could see it coming). I also really love knowing that you were able to heal. I have made a number of changes in my life style and in my choices related to my health. Unfortunately, or fortunately, pain has been quite a motivator.  and I’m grateful for whatever it is that has allowed me to make those changes, even when it is hard. I know some people just can’t and I don’t know why I have so far been one of the lucky ones.  I’m really working on the anxiety, stress, meditative side of things right now.
Thanks for contributing to this conversation Karen.
I think most people already have a baseline understanding of how food can make us feel good...the trick is embracing the long-term physical goodness more than the temporary soothing that might come from feeding a habit or indulging in a temporary dopamine hit. It sounds like you've uncovered the goodness of feeling good long-term - for that, I congratulate you!
I find getting into nature - as you regularly do - really helps the stress side of things...plus, you make some really cool photos and observations!
Yes, I should have said I only started doing what I do (walking in nature with a camera) because I NEEDED It for my health and well-being.
Walking in nature with a camera is a wonderful mindfulness practice. It also forces me into the present moment, which allows me to see and appreciate things I would have missed. It's a beautiful practice and activity.
I really admire the dedication and persistence it took to make this change toward health. I fully believe my dad’s fatal nervous system illness was related to diet but could never even get him to try a diet change for a few days. It’s difficult. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
That is a shame… My father also refused to implement lifestyle changes even after seeing the benefits I was getting… Same with my wife and her mother, who had MS as well…she digressed quickly.
Lifestyle changes are difficult…very difficult. A significant change to lifestyle causes titanic shifts in relationships, culture, habits, philosophy, and ethics. Every detail in life is eventually measured against our daily food choices... sometimes confrontationally…and many people can’t deal with this added stress.
Thank you for sharing this inspiring and personal story. It is just so amazing what a plant-based diet can do for our health and well-being. It is stories like your that should be read by much more people...
Thanks, Susanne. I appreciate the kind words...
It's true, a plant-based diet can do a lot for our health. Incorporating other lifestyle choices (reducing stress, getting regular exercise, developing a personal connection with nature and all living beings) contributes even more to a healthy existence...and certainly, a much greater quality of life.
Just renewed my subscription and came across this post. So glad I did! Originally heard about you from OMS, I’ve been following the protocol since just after my diagnosis in 2013. Reading about your journey was just what I needed today. (Bad fatigue today, going through a bit of an exacerbation lately.) Am going now to bake some sweet potatoes for dinner along with a salad. Thank you Jack for the inspiration and reminder!
Thanks so much for reading and supporting my work, Sylvie... I'm happy my story was helpful to you - we all need that kind of pick-me-up from time to time...
I always say that if I invited people for dinner and said I was cooking vegan, then the excuses would come.
If I never said, then put on the table a selection of dishes for guests to share, maybe with one meat or fish dish, then nobody would even notice that everything else was plant based.
I often put multiple dishes out at lunch, say eighty per cent being vegan, without really thinking about it. I’m sure no one really knows as they just enjoy.
People are so quick to label and make decisions based on that. Sad really.
I agree, Will. Labels (of any sort) significantly impact reactions and subsequent decisions...and judgments. It's a shame and, indeed, a sad reality.
Thank you for this graceful post. I am so glad you are able to manage MS in this way.
I too am vegan (as are our dogs, under the supervision of a vegan vet), and I am SO tired of the questions. If it's genuine interest, fine; but often it's questions designed to trip one up: 'Do you think lions are evil, then, for killing other animals?' I have answers to this and other qs (I've just finished writing a vegan cookbook – unpublished – that also addresses all such issues).
Reposting your post :-)
Thanks for reading, Roselle - I appreciate your kind words. And yes...the questions always come!
Congratulations on finishing your book, and I wish you the best of luck in getting it published.
Truely a great story, I know how you feel everytime someone asks this type of weird questions. I thought today people become more mindfullness than a few years before, but anyway still ask about pretty common diet these days. You know, I also have a special diet which is mostly based on my personal preferenceses and which would be better for my stomach after a eat the exact type of food. So it's more of an intuitive diet that most people still couldn't accept. Besides, it's not about a "trend" as many people do, but about health problems that were obviously caused by the previous junk food I consumed almost every day in my school days. After more than 10 years of choosing what's better, trying to find the most valuable way of combining products, I can surely say that it was one of the best decisions in my life, which I'm very proud of. Also, the thing is, I'd say I've become half vegan or just forced to stop eating so many ingredients that are forbidden for vegans. Also, from day to day or even week to week I could only eat like a vegan because sometimes I get tired of eating meat and have an extreme desire to eat only plant-based products. But you know, I still can't imagine my life without red meat, and not any kind, and what's more important, give up eating seafood, which is now the most nutritious for me.
I'm telling you all this because, as you might expect, not every person I've met would have the same beliefs or even try to understand me, but not think of me as a typical weirdo.
By the way, I like your narrative style, how the text flows on itself. Thanks for taking the time to share your personal feelings.
Thanks for commenting, Max.
Your journey is interesting - I'm happy to hear you are not afraid to experiment with food and figure out what works for you.
I'm happy my writing style resonates with you...