The results from this study after a few weeks-weight loss, improvements in cholesterol, energy gains, and satisfaction with health-run parallel to larger patterns later on in life: a reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even certain forms of cancer. One of the best parts about the study is the level of comfort the nurses felt while experimenting with different plant-based food options. A plant-based diet doesn't require food scales, calorie counts, or a growling in your stomach. It's an easy way to fill up with nutrients, stay satiated, lose weight, and keep it off. The only side effects-steady blood sugar, healthy blood pressure, and an optimal HDL/LDL cholesterol ratio-are all desirable.

Neal B., MD, via Facebook

Editor's note: Neal Barnard is president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, the organization that developed the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart program, the diet plan followed by the nurses in this article.