The world of Tzu Chi Augusts 2021 (Vol.136)

2021 • 08 14 eature Simple diet but significant results For the past eight years, Ng Leong Eng had been dependent on several types of medication. He knew he had to take a proactive step to manage his health which took a plunge because of work pressure and unhealthy eating habits. “I n the past, my favourite food was nasi lemak (a typical Malaysian breakfast consisting of coconut rice and anchovies) topped with a good serving of chilli, curry, squid, chicken rendang (cooked with curry paste) and eggs,” shared Ng Leong Eng, who was no newcomer to the “Healthier Me” 21- Day Challenge. Forty-five-year-old Leong Eng was once a meat lover, but now that he is a vegetarian, he has made changes to his daily menu. His breakfast now consists of oat, berries and soy milk with the occasional almond nuts while his lunch is often a small bowl of rice topped with vegetables and tofu. Leong Eng, who works in the information technology industry, used to have frequent health problems due to work pressure and unhealthy eating habits. At the age of 36, he was diagnosed with signs of cardiomegaly (enlarged heart). In the following year, he was diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, for which he had to take seven types of medicine. At 173 cm tall, his weight was a hefty 98 kg. The three highs and cardiovascular disease have plagued him for years; the medicine could only control but not cure him of his ailments. Today, after more than six months of consuming plant foods, he has lost 23 kg and his waist circumference has decreased from 40 inches to 32 inches. Now he only needs to take five types of medication, of which the dosages have been reduced to half. The changes are visible. He received positive comments from his family. “Dad looks even more handsome now!” his daughter Shi Yu chuckled. Leong Eng comes from a Catholic background, and is the breadwinner for the family. Health is important, especially when he has to live not just for himself but for his son and daughter. His wife, Minly Lim, has been a vegetarian for nine years. Bracing the challenge for health The plant food challenge was not a breeze for Leong Eng. For someone accustomed to feasting on succulent meat meals, going vegetarian was a torture at the start. “I was quite upset with the food on the first day; it was very simple and bland,” he said. Perseverance kept him going despite the seemingly unpalatable food. Then came the eighth day of the challenge when he saw a slight drop in his blood pressure and blood sugar readings. That was an encouragement. After persisting for 21 days, his blood test report showed positive results: his blood pressure and cholesterol levels had returned Translated by Ten Zhe Xin