Creating an inspirational tale of survival, Australian Joe Cross directed an amazing true story of transformation. Sick and tired, on medication, carrying too much weight, Cross decides to reclaim his life. With medical assistance, he embarks on a journey of rediscovery. Consuming only phytonutrient-dense juices (fruits and vegetables), Cross begins changing and begins feeling better. As his health improves, so does his desire to help other people. As he traverses the U.S., he finds other people who are also sick and overweight, and he links them to those who can help them change, too.
This is a simple film, really, just one man's journey to health -- but it leaves an impact on the viewer and makes one wonder - what is wrong with the American diet? Why are so many people stricken with diabetes and heart disease? Are fruits and vegetables a natural remedy? Why is there a national epidemic of obesity?
Sick, Tired, and Nearly Dead is an Eye Opening Story of Dietary Disaster
At one truck stop, Cross meets a 429 pound man who was quite ill with the same disorder Cross himself struggled with. This man, too, was on medication, obese and miserable. His job as a truck driver meant long hours without moving much. Most Americans eat a diet that is 60% processed foods, 30% animal products, 5% produce, and 5% grains and potatoes, according to the film. Shifting to a 100% plan juice diet started a process that Cross calls "rebooting," a way to allow the body's natural health to re-emerge. In one month's time, the man went from a diseased, obese body to one of emerging health. Eventually, the man lost over 200 pounds with a carefully medically supervised juice fast.
Joe Cross Shares His Own Journey to Health
The power of the film is in the true stories of the participants. When one obese man reveals that he has to use creativity to clean his own personal body parts, it is a shocking admission to the dysfunction that comes with morbid obesity. According to the film, 70% of disease comes from dysfunctional lifestyles reliant on processed foods, a lack of exercise, and a dearth of plant foods. Witnessing the change from disease and desperation to vitality and health is enough to get anyone off their feet and moving towards the purchase of a juicer - though admittedly, it is an overly-simple solution to a very complex problem. Still, safe to say that including more fresh fruits and vegetables in our diet is never a bad thing.
- Movie site
- Best Documentary Feature, Iowa Independent Film Festival, 2010
- Turning Point Award, Sonoma International Film Festival, 2010
- Audience Choice Award, Sonoma International Film Festival, 201
- Reboot Media
- A Joe Cross Film
Barbara DeGrande - Barbara DeGrande is a writer, film critic, and blogger, with years of experience as a program developer. She has a Bachelor of Arts in ...
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