Making better lifestyle choices in any area requires sustained motivation. It’s not just enough to know we should. We need the “want to”. The “will do”.

Courtesy 123RF/Oleg Dudko

This is certainly true in eating better. Most know we’d do better to eat more vegetables and fruits, less processed and fast food, less sugar, etc. It just seems so hard; so dramatic; so deprived.

When I made dramatic changes in my nutrition almost five years ago, I was highly motivated because of a serious health threat. But, my long-term motivation came as I kept learning the power of my choices, the short-term and long-term benefits, how to make it easy and enjoyable, and hearing the stories of other’s successes.

There’s nothing like empowering knowledge and great success stories to keep momentum going. And every better choice is a step in the right direction.

People often ask me how I shifted to a completely plant-based eating plan. My answer is: I feed on great, motivating resources. I’m not trying to be clever—”to feed” is just the best way for me to describe the ongoing process of staying motivated.

So here’s a list of the main resources that helped me and still help me.

Movies

Most of these are available on Netflix or Amazon Prime.

1. Forks Over Knives. This movie focuses on the lifework of two world-class doctors and the startling yet undeniable results their research revealed about the impact of food on our health and healing. The symbolism behind the title emphasizes nutrition over surgery. The film was released several months after I made changes in my eating. I’d learned a lot by then but this movie really revved me up. I’ve watched it over 25 times—I always learn something new and it just inspires me. If you only check out one resource on this list, watch this movie—soon.

2. Fed Up. Another engaging expose on why we have such rampant health epidemics today. Why we are becoming increasingly obese. The myths of food and exercise. The devastating impact of sugar in our society. Narrated by Katie Couric and well documented.

3. Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead. The journey of Australian entrepreneur, Joe Cross, in rebooting his eating through a juice fast. In the process, he reversed his chronic health issues and was able to get off all his medications. Even if you never do an extensive juice fast, you’ll love the encouraging stories of Joe and Phil, a friend he makes and helps along the way, and their dramatic health improvements.

4. Hungry For Change. The diet, weight-loss, and food industries have some secrets that keep you locked into an unhealthy lifestyle. More helpful strategies told through dramatized and real-life stories.

Books

1. The Spectrum. Written by world-renowned Dr. Dean Ornish, this book gives a program to move people to greater health through lifestyle change. Based on revolutionary clinical research, Ornish shows how chronic diseases can be stopped and even reversed through healthier choices. No guilt, no judgment—just learning how to make better choices to get the degree of health you desire.

2. Eat To Live. The highly regarded nutrient-rich eating program by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. Not all food is equal and it’s not just about calories. Sustainable weight-loss and overall health happens when we eat foods that have higher nutrients per calorie. It’s the reason why kale and spinach are powerhouses versus nutritionally useless iceberg lettuce. Amazingly insightful—and delicious.

Apps

1. Forks Over Knives Recipes. I don’t use many recipes. We do more combining of basic whole foods. But when I do want a great recipe especially for a healthier version of an old favorite, I turn to the folks at Forks Over Knives. These recipes are killer and the app is extremely helpful. New recipes are constantly being downloaded. You can flag favorites and even build a shopping list.

2. Dirty Dozen. Many conventionally grown fruits and vegetables have pesticide residues when you bring them home. When you can’t find or afford organic produce, this app helps you identify produce that tests lower in pesticides. For example, conventionally grown apples and leafy greens tend to have higher levels of pesticides so it’s better to buy organic if you can. Non-organic avocados are low on the pesticide risk so I don’t spend the extra money on organic.

Websites

While there are many good ones, these are my top two.

1. Hallelujah Diet. Founded by former pastor, George Malkmus, after beating colon cancer through nutrition, this site has a wealth of information and products that promote better health. The education and recipes sections are extensive and you can spend days there. I have completed their Health Minister training so if you ever set up a customer account, please include my Health Minister code GZD where requested to be connected with me.

2. Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine. A coalition of over 12,000 physicians led by Dr. Neal Barnard. The PCRM is devoted to changing the way doctors treat chronic diseases. They emphasize prevention over pills and encourage individual responsibility for overall health. Very helpful resources in their Health and Nutrition section, many for children.

There are so many great resources available today to help educate and motivate healthier choices. I encourage you to check out these resources and others to keep your momentum going towards better health, step by step.