"As a vegan for 23 years, I know what it's like to experience vibrant health. But I also know this makes me uncommon among U.S. women, where up to 80% of us are overweight and up to 50% are obese. As a result, we experience among the highest rates of death and disability from heart attack, cancers, stroke, and diabetes. <<<|>>> The good news is that these chronic diseases can be prevented and often reversed by eating plenty of plant-based foods that we all know are good for us. Foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes (or, beans, nuts, lentils, and split peas).