Page 20 - Impression March 2020

Featured Story

Christopher Gatling:

Johns Hopkins HealthCare

Being healthy enough to extend the years of my
life to see future grandkids has inspired me to live
a healthy lifestyle. I watched a food documentary
that I had seen many times before, but a lightbulb
went off for me the last time I watched it. In
November 2018, I made the decision to really get
my health in check. I adopted a whole food, plant-
based lifestyle. My previous go-to diet was always
low carb. I realized that diet was no longer the
healthy option for me.
A typical day of eating whole, plant-based foods is
very filling for me. For breakfast, I may start with a
bowl of steel cut oats, fresh fruit and walnuts. For
lunch, I may have a hearty salad. For dinner, I
may have a lentil-quinoa burger along with a side
of greens and a potato.

My go to snacks are mostly fresh fruits and/or nuts in between meals. I never feel
limited eating whole, plant-based foods.
I have lost 90 pounds since November 2018. My doctor placed me on blood
pressure and cholesterol medications in 2018. I had an allergic reaction to those
medications that landed me in the ER.

After changing my diet, my cholesterol and blood pressure improved so much I no
longer need medication.

Eating a whole food, plant-based lifestyle is freeing. I eat what my body needs and
enjoy the process.

Have you kept your blood pressure down? Join Healthy at Hopkins as we focus on
healthy Blood Pressure this year. Visit the Healthy Start programs page for tools and
resources available to help you attain and maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Follow us on Twitter @HealthyHopkins to share how you stay
#HealthyatHopkins.