TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
My name is Antoine Foy. I am in Construction Management Services. I’m a violinist, a marathon runner, and a husband. My wife is partially into plant-based, about 50%.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST START LOOKING INTO A PLANT-BASED, VEGAN DIET?
About 15 years ago, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and I was pre-diabetic. My doctor came to me around three years ago and suggested I see a nutritionist. He said that if I was willing to change my eating habits, I would see my medical numbers change from bad to good. He said he would follow up with me a every six months.
WHAT ADVICE DID YOUR NUTRITIONIST HAVE FOR YOU?
She said to shop only on the outskirts* of the local food market and not in the aisles.
*Shopping on the outskirts – In most grocery stores, the produce, frozen foods, organic and bakery departments are on the outskirts or outer edges of the store. The central aisles of a store hold all the junk food, the processed foods, the sugary foods, and the stuff you really shouldn’t be consuming. Staying away from the central aisles of the grocery store will make for a healthier shopping trip. However, you do need to visit those aisles now and then for things like canned beans and tomatoes, grains, pasta and nut butters.
WHAT HAPPENED AT YOUR SIX-MONTH CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR?
My doctor did lab work and said my numbers had improved and to continue eating healthy. Another six months went by and things had improved more. My every six-month checks continued and after two and half years, my doctor told me to stop all the medication because the symptoms were gone. Since then I have been free.
WAS THERE A PARTICULAR PLAN THAT APPEALED TO YOU THE MOST?
I was a vegetarian for about 40 years. I began to pin some local vegan groups and attend seminars on becoming vegan. I knew this was the right plan for me, but I basically had to learn how to cook all over again. Since becoming vegan, I lean more towards 100% plant-based🥦. This lifestyle really caught my attention.
🥦 To learn the difference between Vegan and Plant-Based, please check-out my post: Are a Plant-Based Diet and Veganism the same thing?
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE AND HOW HAVE YOU MANAGED TO GET PAST IT?
Honestly it wasn’t much of a challenge, more of a welcoming.
HOW MUCH WEIGHT DID YOU LOSE?
My starting weight was 289 pounds and my current weight is 191 pounds. So, I lost almost 100 pounds.
DID YOU DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN CHANGE YOUR DIET?
I started going to the gym and working out. I also do CrossFit training and I am a marathon runner.
DO YOU EVER CHEAT?
I can honestly say never, never, never. This is my life.
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED?
When I look back at how I used to look, I know I don’t ever want to be on that road again. I never have to take another pill or medication! I can live freely to the best of my ability every day.
FINAL WORD FROM ANTOINE
If I can do it, then other people can do this! I need to show them there’s no quick pill and there’s no fast way. But if you want to better your health there are some things you need to do. I’m going to concentrate on helping people and that’s a desire that I have, to help people.
Interview with Dorothea McGuire
Last year, Antoine did a live interview with Dorothea McGuire from the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Education, Inc.
You can view the video here:
“Let’s Talk Sarcoidosis with Fitness & Vegan Health Guru Antoine Foy”
Thank you, Antoine for allowing me to share your plant-based journey. You were a delight to work with and I’m sure others will find your story inspirational!
