By
Xavier Toledo, MS, RD, LDN
“Forks Over Knives” is a groundbreaking documentary that empowers viewers to take control of their health through a whole-food, plant-based diet. Directed by Lee Fulkerson, the film delves into the personal and professional journeys of Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. Their pioneering research suggests that many chronic diseases can be controlled or even reversed by omitting animal-based and processed foods.
At Choose More Plants, our mission is to encourage people to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diet in a way that feels right for them. Whether you’re interested in going entirely plant-based or simply adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals, this documentary provides valuable insights into the benefits of plant-based eating. This film greatly inspired my journey, and I believe it can offer something useful to everyone, regardless of where they are on their path to choosing more plants. With that said, let’s dive into our full “Forks Over Knives” documentary review.
“Forks Over Knives” examines the profound claim that most chronic diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, can be prevented—and often reversed—by adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet. The documentary traces the discoveries and groundbreaking research of Dr. T. Colin Campbell, a nutritional biochemist from Cornell University, and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, a former top surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic. Their separate paths led them to the same startling conclusion: food can be powerful medicine.
The film also follows everyday Americans suffering from chronic conditions as they transition to a plant-based diet, seeking to reduce their dependence on medications and improve their health. Through compelling real-life stories, “Forks Over Knives” showcases the transformative impact of dietary changes on individual lives.
Since its release, “Forks Over Knives” has garnered both praise and critique. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 59% approval rating from critics and a 79% audience rating. The film has been described as life-saving and persuasive, highlighting its impactful message about the benefits of a plant-based diet. However, some reviews have noted a repetitive nature and lack of charisma, emphasizing the heavy focus on science and data over entertainment.
Despite mixed reviews, the documentary has made a significant impact, resonating with many and fostering a community focused on health and nutrition.
While I enjoyed the “Forks Over Knives” documentary, it is best suited for viewers with at least a budding interest in plant-based eating or who are compelled by science and data. If you fall into this category, you will likely find the documentary informative and inspiring. However, you might want to start with other options if you and/or others watching with you prefer more entertaining content.
It’s important to remember that every documentary, including “Forks Over Knives,” comes with its own perspective and potential biases. While the film presents compelling arguments and data, it’s always a good idea to view such content with a critical mind and consider multiple sources of information.
“Forks Over Knives” has grown beyond just a film into a life-changing movement. It all started in 2001 when Brian Wendel attended a nutrition conference and was inspired to adopt a plant-based diet. This decision changed the course of his life, leading him to create the documentary in 2009. Since its debut in 2011, “Forks Over Knives” has sparked a national change. The accompanying book became a New York Times No. 1 bestseller. Many people, including Wendel’s own father and the film’s cast and crew, adopted a plant-based diet and regained control of their health.
The Forks Over Knives organization is not just about a film; it’s a comprehensive movement. It continues to promote plant-based nutrition through various initiatives. These include additional books, a mobile recipe app, a website with research and recipes, a cooking course, a meal planner, and a magazine. The team is dedicated to changing the way the world views and approaches nutrition, providing support at every phase of the journey towards incorporating more plants into diets.
If the message of Forks Over Knives resonates with you, we encourage you to explore some of their products below:
“Forks Over Knives” is an inspiring and informative documentary that has profoundly influenced my life and countless others. This film has played a significant role in promoting the health benefits of a plant-based diet. The compelling stories of experts and everyday individuals present a persuasive argument for considering dietary changes to improve health and well-being. Remember, we view choosing more plants as a personal journey that should be done in a way that feels right to the individual. This film is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring that path.
We hope you enjoyed our full “Forks Over Knives” documentary review. Click the button below to learn more about the film and where to watch.
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Our picks are a handpicked and continuously updated selection of recommendations favored by Xavier and the Choose More Plants community to support a plant-rich lifestyle. This selection reflects our preferences and experiences but is not the only great option. We aim to provide valuable choices while recognizing diverse needs and tastes.
To cater to everyone, we offer product tiers: “Value Pick,” “Standard Pick,” and “Premium Pick,” ensuring recommendations fit various budgets and preferences.
We use affiliate links for some picks, which help support our work without affecting our recommendations or increasing costs. For example, as part of the Amazon Associates program, we earn from qualifying Amazon purchases. Proceeds are reinvested into improving our community and resources.
Our picks are a handpicked and continuously updated selection of recommendations favored by Xavier and the Choose More Plants community to support a plant-rich lifestyle. This selection reflects our preferences and experiences but is not the only great option. We aim to provide valuable choices while recognizing diverse needs and tastes.
To cater to everyone, we offer product tiers: “Value Pick,” “Standard Pick,” and “Premium Pick,” ensuring recommendations fit various budgets and preferences.
We use affiliate links for some picks, which help support our work without affecting our recommendations or increasing costs. For example, as part of the Amazon Associates program, we earn from qualifying Amazon purchases. Proceeds are reinvested into improving our community and resources.
Let’s grow this collection of picks together. From foods to kitchen gadgets to resources, we’re all ears for your recommendations. We’ll review each submission and consider it for inclusion.
