Starring: Joe Cross, Amy Badberg and Merv Cross
Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead
Director: Kurt Engfehr
Rating: 5/5
Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead tells the story of Joe Cross, a very successful businessman, who is so focused on his work- he neglects his body and his health.
One day, he decides that he's going to do nothing but fast on juice for 60 days in a bid to gain back control of his health and his happiness.
I came across this DVD on a hunt for transformational documentaries, after watching the likes of Forks Over Knives and That Sugar Film. Like the others, it left me feeling every different kind of emotion as the credits rolled.
My first feeling was anger because I have wasted good money on expensive weight loss plans and food and been duped into thinking it was the 'healthy' way to lose weight. I also had an overwhelming sense of ignorance. I had no idea just what these foods in their juiced form could do to the cells of the body.
People spend a fortune on diet foods, supplements, pills and support, when the answer lies in fruits and vegetables- one of the cheapest foods money can buy.
Joe decides to travel to America, as he wants to fast in the most tempting place of all where food is concerned. While he's there, he meets many different people who are willing to talk about their eating habits and their health. There is a lot a familiarity in the habits and excuses people come up with to eat what they do. Many of us have convinced ourselves of certain untruths- namely that we don't have the willpower, the time or the inclination to do something different for just 60 days. Lots of people are willing to die early if it means they can eat what they want for the few years they are around. Some of the responses to Joe's questions are staggering.
As Joe completes his juice fast, he is contacted my Phil, a truck driver he met on his travels in America who desperately seeks his help. Following the same plan, Phil starts his journey as a morbidly obese man- as to how it ends- you'll have to watch and see!
This DVD proves that people who want to lose weight are programmed to overcomplicate their eating habits in order to shed the pounds. All you really need is a juicer, some green vegetables and a determination to change.
This documentary is nothing short of inspiring. It is educational but in an accessible way- people of all ages will get something out of watching this. If you are looking to make some changes in the new year- rather than popping pills or reaching for a powdered meal supplement- buy this DVD instead.