Benji Kurtz used to weigh 280 pounds, but has lost 100 pounds since 2005. He was a well-known crash dieter eliminating carbs only to regain the weight he lost quickly. He finally saw the food documentary Forks over Knives, which focuses on plant-based eating. The movie left him inspired to change the way he ate.
He also read up on the subject matter as he adapted to his new lifestyle. Once he started seeing results, he stuck by it and hasn't looked back since.
Read more ¿Qué más?: 11 of the most amazing body transformations of 2013
As a result of his plant-based diet, Kurtz's cholesterol levels dropped and started feeling way more energetic. "Once you start eating this way, your palate totally changes," he explained of his diet change. "You are tasting food the way food was supposed to taste in the first place. Like a film has been lifted off your taste buds."
An example of his daily meals included fruit smoothies in the morning, beans, potatoes, and steamed veggies for lunch and dinner, as well as nuts, fruits, and other healthy seeds for snacks. Kurtz can now fit into size 31 pants and weighs 138 pounds. He is down 100 pounds and 19 pants sizes since his diet transformation.
For exercise, Kurtz has turned to swimming and is a member of an indoor pool he visits almost seven days a week. Most doctors recommend his new lifestyle and one in particular, Dr.John McDougall, says he's seen success in patients who have done the same. Kurtz loves his new way of eating and says he wouldn't go back to his bad habits. "I don't crave foods I no longer eat. I'm not going to bed hungry. Everything about life is better," he raved.
I'm impressed that this man took the plunge into vegetarian eating. A lot of people critique this lifestyle and say it's impossible for them. Although I support it 100 percent, I'm aware that it isn't everyone's cup of tea. However, what other people looking to lose weight can take away from Kurtz's story is that it is important to load up on fresh foods daily. I'm glad he's still on top of his diet and that he's noticed the positive effects its had on him. Hopefully he can inspire others as well!
Images via CNN
