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The Starch Solution: Eat the Foods You Love, Regain Your Health, and Lose the Weight for Good!
A bestselling author’s groundbreaking eating plan that challenges the notion that starch is unhealthy
From Atkins to Dukan, the fear-mongering about carbs over the past few decades has reached a fever pitch; the mere mention of a starch-heavy food is enough to trigger a cavalcade of shame and longing.
In The Starch Solution, bestselling diet doctor and board-certified internist John A. McDougall, MD, and his kitchen-savvy wife, Mary, turn the notion that starch is bad for you on its head. The Starch Solution is based on a simple swap: fueling your body primarily with carbohydrates rather than proteins and fats. This will help you lose weight and prevent a variety of ills.
Fad diets come and go, but Dr. McDougall has been a proponent of the plant-based diet for decades, and his medical credibility is unassailable. He is one of the mainstay experts cited in the bestselling and now seminal China Study—called the “Grand Prix of epidemiology” by the New York Times. But what The China Study lacks is a plan.
Dr. McDougall grounds The Starch Solution in rigorous scientific fact and research, giving readers easy tools to implement these changes into their lifestyle with a 7-Day Quick Start Plan and 100 delicious recipes. This book includes testimonials from among the hundreds Dr. McDougall has received, including people who have lost more than 125 pounds in mere months as well as patients who have conquered lifethreatening illnesses such as diabetes and cardiac ailments.
From Atkins to Dukan, the fear-mongering about carbs over the past few decades has reached a fever pitch; the mere mention of a starch-heavy food is enough to trigger a cavalcade of shame and longing.
In The Starch Solution, bestselling diet doctor and board-certified internist John A. McDougall, MD, and his kitchen-savvy wife, Mary, turn the notion that starch is bad for you on its head. The Starch Solution is based on a simple swap: fueling your body primarily with carbohydrates rather than proteins and fats. This will help you lose weight and prevent a variety of ills.
Fad diets come and go, but Dr. McDougall has been a proponent of the plant-based diet for decades, and his medical credibility is unassailable. He is one of the mainstay experts cited in the bestselling and now seminal China Study—called the “Grand Prix of epidemiology” by the New York Times. But what The China Study lacks is a plan.
Dr. McDougall grounds The Starch Solution in rigorous scientific fact and research, giving readers easy tools to implement these changes into their lifestyle with a 7-Day Quick Start Plan and 100 delicious recipes. This book includes testimonials from among the hundreds Dr. McDougall has received, including people who have lost more than 125 pounds in mere months as well as patients who have conquered lifethreatening illnesses such as diabetes and cardiac ailments.
348 pages, Hardcover
First published May 8, 2012
1780 people are currently reading
4445 people want to read
About the author
John A. McDougall
34 books199 followersJohn A. McDougall was an American physician, author, and advocate of low-fat, plant-based nutrition. After surviving a stroke at 18, he pursued medicine, ultimately creating the McDougall Program, a starch-based vegan diet aimed at preventing and reversing chronic disease. His bestseller The McDougall Plan popularized his nutritional philosophy, emphasizing unprocessed starches, vegetables, and fruit while eliminating all animal products, oils, and processed foods. Over his career, McDougall published multiple books, sold more than 1.5 million copies, and co-founded Dr. McDougall's Right Foods.
McDougall ran a 10-day residential health program in California and appeared frequently in media to promote dietary change. He also served on the advisory board of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and was a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging federal cholesterol guidelines. In 2018, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
Though praised by supporters for his unwavering commitment to diet-based healing, McDougall also faced criticism for promoting what some experts labeled as a restrictive “fad diet.” Concerns included potential nutritional deficiencies and the exclusion of entire food groups like nuts and oils. Nonetheless, studies reported health improvements among adherents, and the American Heart Association acknowledged partial alignment with its dietary guidelines.
McDougall's work significantly influenced the plant-based movement and helped reshape public understanding of nutrition’s role in health. Despite controversy, his emphasis on whole foods and dietary simplicity made lasting contributions to preventive medicine and lifestyle change.
McDougall ran a 10-day residential health program in California and appeared frequently in media to promote dietary change. He also served on the advisory board of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and was a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging federal cholesterol guidelines. In 2018, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
Though praised by supporters for his unwavering commitment to diet-based healing, McDougall also faced criticism for promoting what some experts labeled as a restrictive “fad diet.” Concerns included potential nutritional deficiencies and the exclusion of entire food groups like nuts and oils. Nonetheless, studies reported health improvements among adherents, and the American Heart Association acknowledged partial alignment with its dietary guidelines.
McDougall's work significantly influenced the plant-based movement and helped reshape public understanding of nutrition’s role in health. Despite controversy, his emphasis on whole foods and dietary simplicity made lasting contributions to preventive medicine and lifestyle change.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 423 reviews
April 6, 2016
It's about time I've read a book by Dr. McDougall. I've been hearing about him and seeing random tidbits from him here and there ever since I went vegan five years ago. This book just might be a life-changer for me. Even though I have never bought into low-carb diets and would always defend healthy carbs in whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables, I still held onto some carb-phobia, thinking I needed more fat and more protein to be healthy and satisfied. Now once and for all, I am convinced by the scientific evidence in this book, Dr. McDougall's decades of experience with his own/his patients' diets, and my own recent experimentation with my diet that a healthy high carb/starch diet will not make you fat, will not give you diabetes, and is, indeed, satisfying. That last part about it being satisfying is a huge deal for someone like me to say. I'm a lifelong food addict and have been overweight or obese (mostly obese) since I was 8 years old. I am rarely satisfied; I either go hungry after a meal if I eat a "normal" sized portion, or I stuff myself to discomfort. There is almost never middle ground, but I've noticed that eating starches gets me to that nice, physically, and most importantly for me, psychologically satisfied middle ground.
A low-fat mostly whole foods plant-based diet with no calorie counting has worked for me in the past, but I wasn't satisfied often enough, so I went back to old habits even though I had lost 20 pounds. I realize now I wasn't satisfied because I was avoiding eating rice or potatoes or other high starch foods with my meals, and I was skipping out on fruit almost entirely. The only reason I was avoiding these things was because of some pseudo-science metabolic type diet book and just the general carb-phobia in our culture.
I am glad Dr. McDougall included a chapter called The Fat Vegan. I can't stand when some writers mislead people when they say stuff like, "If you go vegan, I promise you will lose weight." or "Fat vegans are extremely rare." Yeah, right! Maybe I lost like 2 pounds when I went vegan, but I then quickly gained it back plus about another 20 when I figured out where to buy all the fatty vegan products (nondairy sour cream, cream cheese, cheese, butter, cookies, etc.) and how to eat for comfort just like I used to with nonvegan food. It's about time that writers start making the distinction between a low fat plant-based diet that can help you lose weight and a vegan diet done solely for ethical reasons (which can include chips, vegan cookies, cakes, pie, ice cream, french fries, tater tots, dark chocolate, and the list goes on).
A low-fat mostly whole foods plant-based diet with no calorie counting has worked for me in the past, but I wasn't satisfied often enough, so I went back to old habits even though I had lost 20 pounds. I realize now I wasn't satisfied because I was avoiding eating rice or potatoes or other high starch foods with my meals, and I was skipping out on fruit almost entirely. The only reason I was avoiding these things was because of some pseudo-science metabolic type diet book and just the general carb-phobia in our culture.
I am glad Dr. McDougall included a chapter called The Fat Vegan. I can't stand when some writers mislead people when they say stuff like, "If you go vegan, I promise you will lose weight." or "Fat vegans are extremely rare." Yeah, right! Maybe I lost like 2 pounds when I went vegan, but I then quickly gained it back plus about another 20 when I figured out where to buy all the fatty vegan products (nondairy sour cream, cream cheese, cheese, butter, cookies, etc.) and how to eat for comfort just like I used to with nonvegan food. It's about time that writers start making the distinction between a low fat plant-based diet that can help you lose weight and a vegan diet done solely for ethical reasons (which can include chips, vegan cookies, cakes, pie, ice cream, french fries, tater tots, dark chocolate, and the list goes on).
June 16, 2012
Most important: do not just skip to the recipes in this book! As good as they are, I believe it's important to read and understand the detailed information on the basic building blocks of nutrition and the even more essential information on the health benefits and dangers of individual food types.
I bought and read the first McDougall book many years ago, in the 1980s. At that time I read it straight through and followed the plan for a while. Unfortunately I slid away from the basics and my health suffered as a result. Although I was a lacto-ovo vegetarian since the end of 1982 and have been a vegan since the middle of 2007, and although I have read a great many articles on veganism and tried to maintain a reasonably healthy version of a vegan plan, I found when I read this book that I had forgotten some elements and that likely McDougall knows even more now than he did then. For example:
* When he says starches he really means starches. Potatoes, rice, bread, pasta, legumes, among others. These types of foods need to take over at least half of your plate. Non-starchy vegetables take up another segment and fruit the rest. The evidence is in the book in the form of several studies over many years.
* Isolated soy protein is as bad for you as animal protein. This I didn't know. I love my Gardein cutlets and Tofurky sausages but from here on these items have got to be for special occasions only. Foods made from isolated soy protein or, for that matter, isolated wheat protein, have significant impacts on the development of cancers and other serious diseases. The name of the game here is protein. Do not overdo it. It's dangerous.
* Fish oils do not protect us from heart disease. They do provide us with dangerous levels of mercury. This is something I did know, but it's good to see it stated here, with evidence.
* Supplements are not only not necessary (except possibly B12 and, in rare instances, small amounts of Vitamin D) but can be dangerous. When these nutrients are separated from the rest of the whole food they come from they cause our systems to react to the concentrated form and this reaction can be lethal. Don't be fooled into thinking "can't hurt, might help" because it's more likely that they can hurt.
* Calcium! Interestingly, those who consume less calcium make better use of it. Those who consume large amounts do not benefit from the extra. We know this is true of the calcium in milk products, but it's important to realize it's also true of calcium supplements. Get your calcium from vegetables.
There is a great deal more to read and absorb. For those who are new to a plant-based diet McDougall offers answers you can offer to your concerned meat-eating friends. Knowledge is power and it's also stress-reducing.
Now, to the recipes. In the early McDougall books the recipes were very simple and I had the impression that the majority of them called for canned tomatoes or sauce. Understandable, given how useful and low-fat these foods are. Now, however, Mary McDougall has developed far more interesting and sophisticated recipes that continue to be easy to understand and prepare, and that call for familiar ingredients for most of us. I am excited to try them, and have committed myself to starting over, armed with a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm. I hope you join me.
I bought and read the first McDougall book many years ago, in the 1980s. At that time I read it straight through and followed the plan for a while. Unfortunately I slid away from the basics and my health suffered as a result. Although I was a lacto-ovo vegetarian since the end of 1982 and have been a vegan since the middle of 2007, and although I have read a great many articles on veganism and tried to maintain a reasonably healthy version of a vegan plan, I found when I read this book that I had forgotten some elements and that likely McDougall knows even more now than he did then. For example:
* When he says starches he really means starches. Potatoes, rice, bread, pasta, legumes, among others. These types of foods need to take over at least half of your plate. Non-starchy vegetables take up another segment and fruit the rest. The evidence is in the book in the form of several studies over many years.
* Isolated soy protein is as bad for you as animal protein. This I didn't know. I love my Gardein cutlets and Tofurky sausages but from here on these items have got to be for special occasions only. Foods made from isolated soy protein or, for that matter, isolated wheat protein, have significant impacts on the development of cancers and other serious diseases. The name of the game here is protein. Do not overdo it. It's dangerous.
* Fish oils do not protect us from heart disease. They do provide us with dangerous levels of mercury. This is something I did know, but it's good to see it stated here, with evidence.
* Supplements are not only not necessary (except possibly B12 and, in rare instances, small amounts of Vitamin D) but can be dangerous. When these nutrients are separated from the rest of the whole food they come from they cause our systems to react to the concentrated form and this reaction can be lethal. Don't be fooled into thinking "can't hurt, might help" because it's more likely that they can hurt.
* Calcium! Interestingly, those who consume less calcium make better use of it. Those who consume large amounts do not benefit from the extra. We know this is true of the calcium in milk products, but it's important to realize it's also true of calcium supplements. Get your calcium from vegetables.
There is a great deal more to read and absorb. For those who are new to a plant-based diet McDougall offers answers you can offer to your concerned meat-eating friends. Knowledge is power and it's also stress-reducing.
Now, to the recipes. In the early McDougall books the recipes were very simple and I had the impression that the majority of them called for canned tomatoes or sauce. Understandable, given how useful and low-fat these foods are. Now, however, Mary McDougall has developed far more interesting and sophisticated recipes that continue to be easy to understand and prepare, and that call for familiar ingredients for most of us. I am excited to try them, and have committed myself to starting over, armed with a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm. I hope you join me.
May 27, 2013
One of my colleagues recommended this book, as following the diet has helped her child with an autoimmune condition. Although I'm glad it helped her child, this is not for me. A couple of things I didn't like about the writing: first, McDougall cites confounding lifestyle factors when a study disagrees with his philosophy, but he completely ignores them when it it convenient to do so; second, he claims absolute, incontrovertible evidence of causation (good and bad) in studies that show only correlation. I'm sticking with Walter Willett and his more moderate, "This is what we have evidence for, and it might mean thus-and-such, so our best guess it that ________ is the way to go, until research proves or disproves..." approach. McDougall's absolute certainty that he is right about everything makes me itch; I'd rather take my dietary advice from a guy who will tell me what he is reasonably sure of while admitting that we still have tons to learn.
June 1, 2018
Nonfiction challenge- book #6
May 26, 2013
This book contains a lifestyle diet. It is very well written, complete yet not technical, with references to peer-reviewed articles. This is basically the same diet as recommended by "The China Study", The Engine 2 Diet: The Texas Firefighter's 28-Day Save-Your-Life Plan that Lowers Cholesterol and Burns Away the Pounds, and "Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease".
While modern medicine is excellent for curing contagious diseases, it fails miserably against the so-called chronic diseases of the affluent. Dr. McDougall's approach is very much anti-medical establishment. A nutrition system that helps people avoid expensive medical treatments, and really cures or reduces chronic "diseases" is not in the health industry's economic interest. But Dr. McDougall has been treating patients for many years, and his nutrition guidelines really work. They worked wonderfully for me, so I highly recommend this book.
While modern medicine is excellent for curing contagious diseases, it fails miserably against the so-called chronic diseases of the affluent. Dr. McDougall's approach is very much anti-medical establishment. A nutrition system that helps people avoid expensive medical treatments, and really cures or reduces chronic "diseases" is not in the health industry's economic interest. But Dr. McDougall has been treating patients for many years, and his nutrition guidelines really work. They worked wonderfully for me, so I highly recommend this book.
May 20, 2014
Study cherry-picking, agenda-selling piece of propaganda.
August 25, 2015
I have two significant problems with this book. That said, I'm here for the recipes.
First, the guy comes across as a pompous ass. His condescending pity for people who are not "thin and beautiful" is offensive. Indeed, one of his section titles is "Where have all the thin and beautiful people gone?"
Second, all major diseases are blamed on weight. This latter completely disregards the plethora of medical research coming out that is linking inflammation to many of these major diseases - heart disease, for one. Weight doesn't explain the significant number of "ample" (to use his word) people who are perfectly healthy, nor the "thin and beautiful" people who drop dead of undiagnosed heart disease. This book doesn't doesn't factor in the widening body of research that is linking viral sources with the causation of cancer. And so forth. The book, in short, seems quite dated.
I'm not saying that weight doesn't aggravate chronic disease scenarios, but merely that this is quite the limited viewpoint.
As for the recipes, hey, some great stuff in there. Glad I only bought this on Kindle.
First, the guy comes across as a pompous ass. His condescending pity for people who are not "thin and beautiful" is offensive. Indeed, one of his section titles is "Where have all the thin and beautiful people gone?"
Second, all major diseases are blamed on weight. This latter completely disregards the plethora of medical research coming out that is linking inflammation to many of these major diseases - heart disease, for one. Weight doesn't explain the significant number of "ample" (to use his word) people who are perfectly healthy, nor the "thin and beautiful" people who drop dead of undiagnosed heart disease. This book doesn't doesn't factor in the widening body of research that is linking viral sources with the causation of cancer. And so forth. The book, in short, seems quite dated.
I'm not saying that weight doesn't aggravate chronic disease scenarios, but merely that this is quite the limited viewpoint.
As for the recipes, hey, some great stuff in there. Glad I only bought this on Kindle.
May 17, 2012
Solid health advice from a medical doctor with decades of experience using a starch-centered, low-fat vegan diet to help people improve their health. Not a lot of new information for me since I've read most of the author's previous books and monthly newsletter, but I do enjoy McDougall's writing style, and the fact that he backs up his recommendations with references in published, peer-reviewed medical journals. Mary McDougall's recipes are great too.
July 6, 2021
There's a lot I like about this, but there are a few things I don't like.
Likes:
- The most important thing is that, since starting a starch-based diet, I feel better than I ever remember feeling. I'd highly recommend this diet, with only a few minor changes.
- He mentions that Vitamin D deficiency is over-diagnosed, and cites a seemingly incontrovertible study done in Hawaii to prove his point. I was diagnosed with it and was confused how I could be deficient. I stopped taking my supplement while reading this book and I feel fine. Obviously if that changes, I'll take it again, but I doubt it will.
- He really walks you through the transition process to make it as easy as possible. He gives advice on how to replace ingredients you're already using with healthier options, recipes, meal planning, grocery lists, and even a list of pans you might need. He makes sure you have all the information you need because he clearly understands how daunting it can be to change your whole lifestyle.
- He's pretty lenient in some areas. For example, he encourages you to add salt and sugar to your food if it makes it more palatable. That's not advice you often get from health gurus. He also encourages you to eat as much as you want. His stance is that, as long as you're eating the proper foods, your body will let you know when you've had enough. In my experience, it's true. Before this, I ate a vegan diet that focused a lot on veggies. I always thought, if I was still hungry after eating my meal, I should eat more veggies and the fiber would make me full. I guess that's true, but for me, it takes a lot of fiber to make me want to stop eating and while veggies don't have a lot of calories, it's a waste of food and money if you eat that many of them. Since going on this diet, I haven't overeaten at all, except when I'm eating something that's not starch-based.
Dislikes:
- He tells you not to eat any fats, including avocados and flaxseeds. I eat avocados all the time. I'm not trying to lose weight now, but when I was, I still ate them and did just fine. And I eat at least two tablespoons of flaxseeds every day. It's a good vegan source of nutrients and, without healthy fats, it doesn't matter how much fiber you eat, you might be perpetually constipated.
- He basically implies that if you have cancer or any disease, it's because you're eating animal products. In fact, he states it outright a few times that the typical meat-heavy American diet is to blame. I just think the way he words it is ethically wrong, even if there's data to back it up. There are people who will take that to heart and there's no guarantee they won't get cancer. Sure, their risk will almost definitely be lower, but it won't be reduced completely. It's just a delicate subject matter and should be handled with care.
- He has an anti-doctor sentiment. He himself is a doctor, so I don't think this is intentional, but he mentions several times that if a doctor tells you that you'd be healthier if you ate something that's not prescribed in this book, they're ignorant. My body thrives on a vegan diet, so part of me agrees with that, but I don't think those suggestions should be completely written off. It's important for people to have autonomy over their health rather than completely handing their fate over to a doctor. Do your own research, but doctors did go through all those years of school for a reason. I also think saying, "Don't listen to your doctors; listen to me," just breeds a cult-like mentality.
- He gives advice on eating this diet at restaurants and it's just rude advice. He says if the restaurant doesn't make your food exactly how you ordered it, send it back. Obviously there are times when this is appropriate, but he goes farther. He's saying that if you order something and realize that there's a little olive oil on it, for example, send it back. I vehemently disagree with that. Not only does that foster an unhealthy eating mindset, it's also extremely wasteful. If you're so stuck on your diet that olive oil or a tablespoon of cheese or a slice of avocado is going to give you anxiety, work on your mental state first. Then, I would suggest not eating at a restaurant at all. I don't know any other vegans who I go to restaurants with, whether family or friends, so I usually have to compromise on where to eat. Before going, I look for options online that fit my diet. If there are none, I eat beforehand. It's not that big of a deal.
Overall, if health is important to you, I'd recommend reading as much as you can on the subject. Keep the things that work and ditch the things that don't. There's probably not going to be one book that's a perfect fit for you.
Likes:
- The most important thing is that, since starting a starch-based diet, I feel better than I ever remember feeling. I'd highly recommend this diet, with only a few minor changes.
- He mentions that Vitamin D deficiency is over-diagnosed, and cites a seemingly incontrovertible study done in Hawaii to prove his point. I was diagnosed with it and was confused how I could be deficient. I stopped taking my supplement while reading this book and I feel fine. Obviously if that changes, I'll take it again, but I doubt it will.
- He really walks you through the transition process to make it as easy as possible. He gives advice on how to replace ingredients you're already using with healthier options, recipes, meal planning, grocery lists, and even a list of pans you might need. He makes sure you have all the information you need because he clearly understands how daunting it can be to change your whole lifestyle.
- He's pretty lenient in some areas. For example, he encourages you to add salt and sugar to your food if it makes it more palatable. That's not advice you often get from health gurus. He also encourages you to eat as much as you want. His stance is that, as long as you're eating the proper foods, your body will let you know when you've had enough. In my experience, it's true. Before this, I ate a vegan diet that focused a lot on veggies. I always thought, if I was still hungry after eating my meal, I should eat more veggies and the fiber would make me full. I guess that's true, but for me, it takes a lot of fiber to make me want to stop eating and while veggies don't have a lot of calories, it's a waste of food and money if you eat that many of them. Since going on this diet, I haven't overeaten at all, except when I'm eating something that's not starch-based.
Dislikes:
- He tells you not to eat any fats, including avocados and flaxseeds. I eat avocados all the time. I'm not trying to lose weight now, but when I was, I still ate them and did just fine. And I eat at least two tablespoons of flaxseeds every day. It's a good vegan source of nutrients and, without healthy fats, it doesn't matter how much fiber you eat, you might be perpetually constipated.
- He basically implies that if you have cancer or any disease, it's because you're eating animal products. In fact, he states it outright a few times that the typical meat-heavy American diet is to blame. I just think the way he words it is ethically wrong, even if there's data to back it up. There are people who will take that to heart and there's no guarantee they won't get cancer. Sure, their risk will almost definitely be lower, but it won't be reduced completely. It's just a delicate subject matter and should be handled with care.
- He has an anti-doctor sentiment. He himself is a doctor, so I don't think this is intentional, but he mentions several times that if a doctor tells you that you'd be healthier if you ate something that's not prescribed in this book, they're ignorant. My body thrives on a vegan diet, so part of me agrees with that, but I don't think those suggestions should be completely written off. It's important for people to have autonomy over their health rather than completely handing their fate over to a doctor. Do your own research, but doctors did go through all those years of school for a reason. I also think saying, "Don't listen to your doctors; listen to me," just breeds a cult-like mentality.
- He gives advice on eating this diet at restaurants and it's just rude advice. He says if the restaurant doesn't make your food exactly how you ordered it, send it back. Obviously there are times when this is appropriate, but he goes farther. He's saying that if you order something and realize that there's a little olive oil on it, for example, send it back. I vehemently disagree with that. Not only does that foster an unhealthy eating mindset, it's also extremely wasteful. If you're so stuck on your diet that olive oil or a tablespoon of cheese or a slice of avocado is going to give you anxiety, work on your mental state first. Then, I would suggest not eating at a restaurant at all. I don't know any other vegans who I go to restaurants with, whether family or friends, so I usually have to compromise on where to eat. Before going, I look for options online that fit my diet. If there are none, I eat beforehand. It's not that big of a deal.
Overall, if health is important to you, I'd recommend reading as much as you can on the subject. Keep the things that work and ditch the things that don't. There's probably not going to be one book that's a perfect fit for you.
November 2, 2012
Yes! I was already doing most of the things Dr. McDougall recommends in this book, but how satisfying to read all the science behind why it is good for me and why I can continue to eat rice, potatoes, and pasta with veggies and salsa as much as I want, whenever I want.
January 6, 2014
I reluctantly agreed to try the Starch Solution when my doctor recommended it... I never, ever, ever voluntarily ate vegetables until I was well into adulthood. With much dismay, I discovered that I NEVER felt better than I do following this lifestyle plan. And I am even more pleased that the McDougall's believe in what the preach so much that they've made it available, without cost, to everyone on their website. Bravo to them, to everyone who follows them and even to me for climbing on board :)
October 21, 2012
A comprehensive, detailed and top notch review of all nutritional myths. This book as others I've read is an eye opener. A lot of my information was corrected, not only that but he support whatever he is saying with evidence. It's not his opinion.
I think this book would change your life, no matter if you are sick, obese or not. It will give the information needed to change your ways with food.
It worth every minute you spend reading. So don't waste your time and start reading.
I think this book would change your life, no matter if you are sick, obese or not. It will give the information needed to change your ways with food.
It worth every minute you spend reading. So don't waste your time and start reading.
April 9, 2014
This really works, folks! I have been vegetarian for 7 years. This book gave me permission to eat starches I had been avoiding out of habit from my dieting days. Dr. McDougall's explanation about the importance of starches makes total sense, and the recipes are good too. McDougall is the only doctor I really trust to put people's health ahead of profit. Check out his website for free information on almost any health topic.
July 27, 2017
ah, what is a better way than reading about health during my darkest hours of sickness ?
being a vegan since 2013 I've been through a lot of hardships socially and emotionally, and reading this book shed some light at some issues I had questions about for a while and this book was very well researched and contained a ton of useful information for me and I think people should read it to at least know what is going on with their health
I was a bit confused as some researches weren't that convincing and the references didn't offer much information specially the bit about the vitamin supplements but I will look more into it as hard as it might seem in this age that is filled with misinformation everywhere
I will certainly try the recipes in the book because they sound delicious and also to test my cooking skills since it's been a while when I last cooked due to my sickness .. hopefully I get better with this advice
Peace.
being a vegan since 2013 I've been through a lot of hardships socially and emotionally, and reading this book shed some light at some issues I had questions about for a while and this book was very well researched and contained a ton of useful information for me and I think people should read it to at least know what is going on with their health
I was a bit confused as some researches weren't that convincing and the references didn't offer much information specially the bit about the vitamin supplements but I will look more into it as hard as it might seem in this age that is filled with misinformation everywhere
I will certainly try the recipes in the book because they sound delicious and also to test my cooking skills since it's been a while when I last cooked due to my sickness .. hopefully I get better with this advice
Peace.
May 23, 2017
I love the recipes in the back of this book, but most of this book has to be taken with a grain of salt. Yes carbs are good, yes fat is bad, but the fat you eat is NOT the fat you wear. Of course that goes for people who eat only animal fatty food, but our bodies need fat. Our brain needs it. So yes, some parts were true but other parts were huge exaggerations.
November 4, 2017
The man's a rare genius and makes more sense than I've heard in a long time. Highly recommended for everyone.
September 21, 2017
super informative! now i feel the urge to eat ALL THE POTATOES and further my veganism~~
January 5, 2020
Legit read this in 2 days because I'm obsessed with all things about the WFPB diet lately.
So I've been researching more and more about the Whole Food Plant Based diet (or lifestyle if you will). I started with a documentary on Netflix when I was bored one day (Forks Over Knives) which really got me thinking. Then I went to YouTube and binge watched people making recipes and talk about their results. I came across a YouTuber, Plantiful Kiki, who lost 66 lbs and gained her health back by eating mostly potatoes and vegetables. I was floored because we are taught that carbs are bad, especially with low carb fad diets like Keto being popular now.
I'm not looking to lose weight at all and, in fact, the whole reason I was looking into this was to help my parents better their diet (my dad has high cholesterol and his blood pressure is through the roof). I've watched people die from heart disease and diabetes in my family, and I want to avoid that future for myself at all costs. Plus I'm hoping eating better will help improve my running when I get back into it in the spring.
After doing all this research and especially reading this book, I am completely convinced that this is the optimal way to eat and I'm looking forward to incorporating more potatoes, rice, beans, and non-starchy veggies into my diet and cutting out meat and dairy whenever possible.
So I've been researching more and more about the Whole Food Plant Based diet (or lifestyle if you will). I started with a documentary on Netflix when I was bored one day (Forks Over Knives) which really got me thinking. Then I went to YouTube and binge watched people making recipes and talk about their results. I came across a YouTuber, Plantiful Kiki, who lost 66 lbs and gained her health back by eating mostly potatoes and vegetables. I was floored because we are taught that carbs are bad, especially with low carb fad diets like Keto being popular now.
I'm not looking to lose weight at all and, in fact, the whole reason I was looking into this was to help my parents better their diet (my dad has high cholesterol and his blood pressure is through the roof). I've watched people die from heart disease and diabetes in my family, and I want to avoid that future for myself at all costs. Plus I'm hoping eating better will help improve my running when I get back into it in the spring.
After doing all this research and especially reading this book, I am completely convinced that this is the optimal way to eat and I'm looking forward to incorporating more potatoes, rice, beans, and non-starchy veggies into my diet and cutting out meat and dairy whenever possible.
July 17, 2017
Wanted to start to educate myself a bit more on nutrition, ended up reading some well regarded American fad diet propaganda.
The first warning sign was the author's insistence on branding everything from canned soups to successful dieters. I wouldn't ever trust somebody who wants his name on everything.
Secondly, I disliked how selective the information provided was, e.g. Referring to Asian cuisine as the ultimate healthy one because rice, but ignoring their love for fish. He fails to mention any other diet type that might deviate from his chosen narrative like the Mediterranean cuisine, which is often quoted as major factor in longevity and general happiness (must be pizza!).
The most glaring fault in this book and diet is the author's recognition of balance being the best approach to food... but it doesn't matter because it's not achievable so you better become vegan???
I mean, I mostly eat vegetarian, so it's not like I'm pissed about not being allowed to eat meat, I just don't get why one would admit to and give a personal example of balanced, healthy diet only to spending the rest of the book trying to sell highly restrictive diet with cherry-picked science behind it. Meh.
The first warning sign was the author's insistence on branding everything from canned soups to successful dieters. I wouldn't ever trust somebody who wants his name on everything.
Secondly, I disliked how selective the information provided was, e.g. Referring to Asian cuisine as the ultimate healthy one because rice, but ignoring their love for fish. He fails to mention any other diet type that might deviate from his chosen narrative like the Mediterranean cuisine, which is often quoted as major factor in longevity and general happiness (must be pizza!).
The most glaring fault in this book and diet is the author's recognition of balance being the best approach to food... but it doesn't matter because it's not achievable so you better become vegan???
I mean, I mostly eat vegetarian, so it's not like I'm pissed about not being allowed to eat meat, I just don't get why one would admit to and give a personal example of balanced, healthy diet only to spending the rest of the book trying to sell highly restrictive diet with cherry-picked science behind it. Meh.
September 16, 2017
This is just another "you have to immediately switch over and stick to this ridiculously impossible restricted diet" book. Here's all the science why I'm right. Become a vegan, but also no oil in your diet. Then you will be magically healthy. And look at all the people who lost weight on this diet. And if you don't, you'll die. All the other diets are wrong because they ignored all these things I'm telling you. AND if you want to maximize weight-loss, here's the way to make it EVEN HARDER. Ha Ha!
I got this book from the library because a friend recommended it for recipes because of some temporary diet changes I am trying to reduce body heat. They give you 7 days worth of recipes to get you started where each recipe requires different ingredients in small quantities, so you'll have to spend a lot and throw out a lot. 1/2 cup each of 10 different veggies. Really, who has that sitting around? And how can get buy just that amount, and few of the other recipes use the "leftover" ingredients, never mind that you get 10 servings of something you use only once in the first 7 days.
I guess at this point I should have known better.
I got this book from the library because a friend recommended it for recipes because of some temporary diet changes I am trying to reduce body heat. They give you 7 days worth of recipes to get you started where each recipe requires different ingredients in small quantities, so you'll have to spend a lot and throw out a lot. 1/2 cup each of 10 different veggies. Really, who has that sitting around? And how can get buy just that amount, and few of the other recipes use the "leftover" ingredients, never mind that you get 10 servings of something you use only once in the first 7 days.
I guess at this point I should have known better.
June 26, 2012
I'm generally very skeptical of books like this. However, Dr. McDougal cites the majority of things he says. Well put together, convinced me to become vegan. I hesitate to recommend this sort of book, but I think everyone should read it.
December 21, 2014
First of all: I do strongly believe that a vegan diet has tons of health benefits and (apart from obviously being good for the environement)can be a solution to many health problems. I've been following a vegan diet for almost five years now, however I do have a problem with vegans saying things like "meat and milk cause cancer etc.". It's not just Dr. McDougall but generally people from the vegan society who tend to repeat that sentence over and over again. I do believe it is true BUT only if you consume it in huge masses/on a regular basis (which most people do..) a little bit of animal protein here and there will not automatically make you sick (and yes, this comes from a 100% convinced vegan).
now to the book:
What Dr. McDougall suggests here is a High Carb, Low Fat vegan diet consisting mainly of starches, veggies and fruits. Everything he says makes perfectly sense and while I was reading this book, I just had this feeling that this man truly wants to help people. He speaks the truth, revealing the truth behind the industry and their aim to make as much profit as possible, regardless of the health problems these products can cause. Dr. McDougall gives answers to the questions vegans probably hear daily like "But where do you get your protein from?", "What about the calcium if you don't consume any milk?", and what's getting more interesting more lately "there is no way to consume vitamin B12 if you're not eating meat!!". That was very heplfull. In one of the chapters he also talks about how supplements are dangerous and why it's not good to replace vitamins coming from fruits and veggies with high concentrated, isolated vitamin pills.
All in all, this book is great because Dr. McDougall EXPLAINS why he thinks this diet works (in contrast to Freelee who just makes statements, a lot of blablabla...), makes it simple to understand, but also gives scientific backgrounds to his findings.
I had problems, like I said above, with general statements, like "meat causes this/that disease"
now to the book:
What Dr. McDougall suggests here is a High Carb, Low Fat vegan diet consisting mainly of starches, veggies and fruits. Everything he says makes perfectly sense and while I was reading this book, I just had this feeling that this man truly wants to help people. He speaks the truth, revealing the truth behind the industry and their aim to make as much profit as possible, regardless of the health problems these products can cause. Dr. McDougall gives answers to the questions vegans probably hear daily like "But where do you get your protein from?", "What about the calcium if you don't consume any milk?", and what's getting more interesting more lately "there is no way to consume vitamin B12 if you're not eating meat!!". That was very heplfull. In one of the chapters he also talks about how supplements are dangerous and why it's not good to replace vitamins coming from fruits and veggies with high concentrated, isolated vitamin pills.
All in all, this book is great because Dr. McDougall EXPLAINS why he thinks this diet works (in contrast to Freelee who just makes statements, a lot of blablabla...), makes it simple to understand, but also gives scientific backgrounds to his findings.
I had problems, like I said above, with general statements, like "meat causes this/that disease"
December 9, 2017
This is an easy to read and understand book that challenges many long held ideas in the field of diet and nutrition. This is a lifestyle-change book rather than a diet book and I think the most compelling aspect of it is that Dr Mcdougall 'eats his own words' as it were. If ever there was a case of 'Physician heal thyself' this is it - because he did and may do the same for others seeking to "Eat the Foods You Love, Regain Your Health, and Lose the Weight for Good!"
August 17, 2012
I am a strong believer in Dr. McDougall's message that eating a plant-strong, vegan diet will save your life. I highly recommend this book for not only the science behind it, but also for the great recipes. I have made many of them and my family has enjoyed them all.
February 23, 2017
I have several of Dr. McDougall's books, but this is probably my least favorite because it is the most political. I roll my eyes every time he dumps on the "rich Western diet"-- how dare you Westerners flaunt your rich meats and dairy products while those in less developed countries starve on rice and beans! Only, rice and beans and other starches are exactly what McDougall and other WFPB (whole foods plant-based) proponents say is best for the human body.
Now, before the lefties dump on me, let me state outright that I agree with the WFPB diet. I think it most closely aligns with the LDS Word of Wisdom. I'm living it and have had miraculous results (I've effortlessly lost 37 pounds in four months; I've lost 7 inches off my hips and 5 inches off my waist-- with almost no exercise. And I did it without starving myself or feeling deprived. I strongly believe the closer we align ourselves to truth, including in our diet, the more quickly our bodies will respond in delightfully miraculous ways, to the point of utter astonishment.) Other health benefits I've experienced is clearer skin (little to no rosacea any more), and colds that have been shorter in duration, that haven't devolved into bronchitis (which they'd done consistently in the past 3 years before I went WFPB). I've only had 1 migraine since I started eating this way (I was getting 3 a week just before I went WFPB). My GERD symptoms rarely trouble me any more unless I eat too close to bedtime. My menopausal symptoms have been negligible (no more night sweats, though I do still get occasional insomnia). So you can say I'm a believer in the nutritional aspects of this book and others like it, such as The China Study. I have absolutely no intention of going back to my old way of eating, which only did me harm.
Where I have a problem is in statements like this:
This same idea is found in Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Lappe as well as other WFPB books. I agree that more pounds of plant-based food can be grown in less space and with fewer resources (and more cleanly) than can meat and dairy. What I don't agree with is that there is a shortage of food in the world, or that we're just supposed to hand over the bounty for free to the less privileged-- this thinking opens the door to socialism, or worse, communism (a corrupt and self-serving parasitical entity if there ever was one). If there are starving people in the third world (and I don't deny that there are), it is in large measure because their governments are corrupt and controlling their economies in self-serving ways. The more fingers that are controlling commerce, the more it hurts everyone, especially the poor. And don't forget, even in the West, there are starving people, despite our abundance. But these books lay the blame at the feet of greedy corporate interests rather than corrupt government where it mostly belongs (I do not deny that corruption and greed in business exists and, worse, collusion between corporate interests and government), but books like these tend to have more of an anti-capitalism, anti-West slant to them. With this logic, I guess corporations are supposed to work for free and distribute all food equally among the masses (social justice is not outright stated in these books, but it is implied). So I see some serious logic flaws in this kind of political thinking, which I call "dietary Marxism." I would have given this book 5 stars if not for the political slant. For all the talk of saving the planet and holding China up as a dietary model, let's not forget their pollution is far worse than ours and they have no intention of changing things!
Back to the best parts of the book. I like McDougall's term "starchivore." The nutritional info is sound (hey, the potato is celebrated and encouraged!). This is a high carb diet (whole carbs, not processed). There is a generous amount of recipes in the back of the book. The recipes are fast and easy with minimal ingredients (though I still prefer Chef AJ's recipes on YouTube and from her book Unprocessed.) Overall, I prefer McDougall's older books over this newest one. If you have more than 30 pounds to lose, I'd recommend The McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss. If you have less than 30 pounds to lose, I'd go with The McDougall Program: 12 Days to Dynamic Health. Both books have recipes, too. All of his books, if followed, will reverse heart disease, clogged arteries, colon polyps, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, high cholesterol, and many other health problems. Try eating this way for just 12 days and see how great you feel (though allow for a withdrawal headache during the first 1-3 days... you will feel a little crummy for the first few days as your body adjusts. Just hang in there until you get past that hump, then it's clear sailing.)
I must give Dr. McDougall one serious compliment: he is generous. Though he has written many books, he makes his dietary information available for free on his website. I love that he uses diet to reverse health problems, rather than relying on the old prescription pad (or, worse, surgery). He also has a free monthly newsletter that addresses the latest nutritional studies. Each newsletter has several free recipes. He regularly features "Star McDougallers"-- people just like you and me who have reversed very serious health problems through diet. His articles are archived so if you have a specific health concern, you can probably find an informative and helpful article by him on the subject (I searched his articles about GERD and found them very helpful and practical). Also in his archives are hundreds, maybe thousands, of free WFPB recipes, and most of them are fast and easy to make. There is an online forum there as well where you can find support and ask questions. Go to drmcdougall.com for more info. Success is achievable and easier than you think!
I can't wait to shock my doctor with my weight loss the next time I go in. For once, I'm looking forward to seeing what my cholesterol is! I'm sure it has plummeted to normal healthy levels now! So for all that, I do thank Dr. McDougall, even if I don't agree with him politically.
Now, before the lefties dump on me, let me state outright that I agree with the WFPB diet. I think it most closely aligns with the LDS Word of Wisdom. I'm living it and have had miraculous results (I've effortlessly lost 37 pounds in four months; I've lost 7 inches off my hips and 5 inches off my waist-- with almost no exercise. And I did it without starving myself or feeling deprived. I strongly believe the closer we align ourselves to truth, including in our diet, the more quickly our bodies will respond in delightfully miraculous ways, to the point of utter astonishment.) Other health benefits I've experienced is clearer skin (little to no rosacea any more), and colds that have been shorter in duration, that haven't devolved into bronchitis (which they'd done consistently in the past 3 years before I went WFPB). I've only had 1 migraine since I started eating this way (I was getting 3 a week just before I went WFPB). My GERD symptoms rarely trouble me any more unless I eat too close to bedtime. My menopausal symptoms have been negligible (no more night sweats, though I do still get occasional insomnia). So you can say I'm a believer in the nutritional aspects of this book and others like it, such as The China Study. I have absolutely no intention of going back to my old way of eating, which only did me harm.
Where I have a problem is in statements like this:
There is something seriously wrong with a world in which half of the population is severely underfed while the other half overfeeds itself into a state of illness and even death. You might think the most sensible thing for people to do would be for those with excess resources to share their bounty with those who are starving. If those enjoying the excess were to make the change to a starch-based diet, this would free up sufficient rice, corn, wheat, and potatoes (now going to animal feed) to allow the entire world population adequate or even bountiful food supplies.
This same idea is found in Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Lappe as well as other WFPB books. I agree that more pounds of plant-based food can be grown in less space and with fewer resources (and more cleanly) than can meat and dairy. What I don't agree with is that there is a shortage of food in the world, or that we're just supposed to hand over the bounty for free to the less privileged-- this thinking opens the door to socialism, or worse, communism (a corrupt and self-serving parasitical entity if there ever was one). If there are starving people in the third world (and I don't deny that there are), it is in large measure because their governments are corrupt and controlling their economies in self-serving ways. The more fingers that are controlling commerce, the more it hurts everyone, especially the poor. And don't forget, even in the West, there are starving people, despite our abundance. But these books lay the blame at the feet of greedy corporate interests rather than corrupt government where it mostly belongs (I do not deny that corruption and greed in business exists and, worse, collusion between corporate interests and government), but books like these tend to have more of an anti-capitalism, anti-West slant to them. With this logic, I guess corporations are supposed to work for free and distribute all food equally among the masses (social justice is not outright stated in these books, but it is implied). So I see some serious logic flaws in this kind of political thinking, which I call "dietary Marxism." I would have given this book 5 stars if not for the political slant. For all the talk of saving the planet and holding China up as a dietary model, let's not forget their pollution is far worse than ours and they have no intention of changing things!
Back to the best parts of the book. I like McDougall's term "starchivore." The nutritional info is sound (hey, the potato is celebrated and encouraged!). This is a high carb diet (whole carbs, not processed). There is a generous amount of recipes in the back of the book. The recipes are fast and easy with minimal ingredients (though I still prefer Chef AJ's recipes on YouTube and from her book Unprocessed.) Overall, I prefer McDougall's older books over this newest one. If you have more than 30 pounds to lose, I'd recommend The McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss. If you have less than 30 pounds to lose, I'd go with The McDougall Program: 12 Days to Dynamic Health. Both books have recipes, too. All of his books, if followed, will reverse heart disease, clogged arteries, colon polyps, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, high cholesterol, and many other health problems. Try eating this way for just 12 days and see how great you feel (though allow for a withdrawal headache during the first 1-3 days... you will feel a little crummy for the first few days as your body adjusts. Just hang in there until you get past that hump, then it's clear sailing.)
I must give Dr. McDougall one serious compliment: he is generous. Though he has written many books, he makes his dietary information available for free on his website. I love that he uses diet to reverse health problems, rather than relying on the old prescription pad (or, worse, surgery). He also has a free monthly newsletter that addresses the latest nutritional studies. Each newsletter has several free recipes. He regularly features "Star McDougallers"-- people just like you and me who have reversed very serious health problems through diet. His articles are archived so if you have a specific health concern, you can probably find an informative and helpful article by him on the subject (I searched his articles about GERD and found them very helpful and practical). Also in his archives are hundreds, maybe thousands, of free WFPB recipes, and most of them are fast and easy to make. There is an online forum there as well where you can find support and ask questions. Go to drmcdougall.com for more info. Success is achievable and easier than you think!
I can't wait to shock my doctor with my weight loss the next time I go in. For once, I'm looking forward to seeing what my cholesterol is! I'm sure it has plummeted to normal healthy levels now! So for all that, I do thank Dr. McDougall, even if I don't agree with him politically.
May 8, 2017
His research was shaking at best. I read through much of his work and by reducing sugar you will lose weight but his assumptions are inaccurate. He cherry picks the data he wants to use to support his position and conveniently leaves out anything that might contradict his message. I'm not saying some people won't benefit from this book but clearly it's not based in plausible science. I was hopeful but after looking into his numerous references and seeing glaring contrivance I can not stomach the utter hypocrisy and blatant misleading information he used. I truly hope anyone who follows this plan is helped, I just wanted more honesty. Good luck and God bless to those who use, believe and swear by this plan.
July 9, 2020
This just made so much sense!!
June 29, 2022
The Starch Solution~~~
John McDougall MD suffered a massive stroke at the tender age of 18, fifty pounds overweight, on a fat-laden diet since babyhood. The experience inspired him to study medicine and become a medical doctor, but it wasn't for many, many years that he understood that it was his diet and those of his patients that caused the deadly health problems.
Ten years ago he was already a bestselling author, but The Starch Solution is the book he's probably most known for.
I've heard of it for a decade, but only just read it. Eating mostly starches is what I've eaten by choice since becoming a whole foods, plant-based eater almost two decades ago and I didn't feel the need to read his book. Not that I needed to read it now, but I was curious.
I wondered, first of all, if I'd learn more reasons to eat starches and also whether any of it could be considered outdated. I wondered how he came to his healthy vegan diet.
While he doesn't credit any books or documentaries for showing light on the subject, his scientific studies encompassed research that began centuries ago into how much protein we need for good health and was drowned out by more protein-heavy, misleading research. Starches will provide plenty of protein as well as calcium and all other nutrients except Vitamin B12, which is made by your gut bacteria and bacteria on unwashed produce. You may need a supplement after several years as a vegan, but it's the only supplement he recommends.
I get my B12 from fortified nutritional yeast and occasional Floradix liquid iron supplement, and agar agar helps to make it. McDougall says nori seaweed is a reliable source.
Most of his recommendations make sense to me, but not all. In one chapter he gives unlimited use of salt and sugar the go-ahead except in rare cases. I'm afraid his former diet of lots of salt and sugar keeps him from giving them up or reducing them. He cites scientific studies that prove how harmful eliminating salt is from our diets, but by his own admission we get more than enough salt from our starch diet of potatoes, legumes, peas, beans, whole grains, and veggies. Fruit is also recommended.
And sugar? It's certainly not natural to our bodies! His recipes call for different kinds of sugar, but none that I use.
I prefer brown rice syrup, pure stevia, vanilla powder with monkfruit, bananas, raisins, dates. I use coarse gray seasalt, but very little as I prefer many other spices. He uses spices, salt and sugar, no oil, in his recipes created by his wife, but there's nothing that grabs my attention. I create my own recipes.
I'm still not convinced that we need to keep enjoying junk we had flavored our animal-based diet with. Fresh, whole produce has so much more flavor and if it seems bland to you, it's either the way you prepare (overprepare) it or you need a few weeks to develop new taste buds and digestive enzymes. This is the beauty and simplicity of a starchy diet and you can eat as much as you want while losing fat and regaining your health.
So it's not a bad book, but not a great one, either.
John McDougall MD suffered a massive stroke at the tender age of 18, fifty pounds overweight, on a fat-laden diet since babyhood. The experience inspired him to study medicine and become a medical doctor, but it wasn't for many, many years that he understood that it was his diet and those of his patients that caused the deadly health problems.
Ten years ago he was already a bestselling author, but The Starch Solution is the book he's probably most known for.
I've heard of it for a decade, but only just read it. Eating mostly starches is what I've eaten by choice since becoming a whole foods, plant-based eater almost two decades ago and I didn't feel the need to read his book. Not that I needed to read it now, but I was curious.
I wondered, first of all, if I'd learn more reasons to eat starches and also whether any of it could be considered outdated. I wondered how he came to his healthy vegan diet.
While he doesn't credit any books or documentaries for showing light on the subject, his scientific studies encompassed research that began centuries ago into how much protein we need for good health and was drowned out by more protein-heavy, misleading research. Starches will provide plenty of protein as well as calcium and all other nutrients except Vitamin B12, which is made by your gut bacteria and bacteria on unwashed produce. You may need a supplement after several years as a vegan, but it's the only supplement he recommends.
I get my B12 from fortified nutritional yeast and occasional Floradix liquid iron supplement, and agar agar helps to make it. McDougall says nori seaweed is a reliable source.
Most of his recommendations make sense to me, but not all. In one chapter he gives unlimited use of salt and sugar the go-ahead except in rare cases. I'm afraid his former diet of lots of salt and sugar keeps him from giving them up or reducing them. He cites scientific studies that prove how harmful eliminating salt is from our diets, but by his own admission we get more than enough salt from our starch diet of potatoes, legumes, peas, beans, whole grains, and veggies. Fruit is also recommended.
And sugar? It's certainly not natural to our bodies! His recipes call for different kinds of sugar, but none that I use.
I prefer brown rice syrup, pure stevia, vanilla powder with monkfruit, bananas, raisins, dates. I use coarse gray seasalt, but very little as I prefer many other spices. He uses spices, salt and sugar, no oil, in his recipes created by his wife, but there's nothing that grabs my attention. I create my own recipes.
I'm still not convinced that we need to keep enjoying junk we had flavored our animal-based diet with. Fresh, whole produce has so much more flavor and if it seems bland to you, it's either the way you prepare (overprepare) it or you need a few weeks to develop new taste buds and digestive enzymes. This is the beauty and simplicity of a starchy diet and you can eat as much as you want while losing fat and regaining your health.
So it's not a bad book, but not a great one, either.
May 14, 2014
Fascinating read, this book was very well written, flowed well. I did not read this book because I wanted to lose weight, but am interested in books on health and the many different perspectives that are out there. Whether you agree with this type of diet or not the author provides plenty of examples on why certain things are not good for you and why you should attempt to cut them out, not just for a healthier you, but for a healthier planet as well.
I really enjoyed reading how this doctor appears to have gone against the standard grain of medical thinking and practices what he preaches.He brings a humanitarian approach to dieting for those that think this is a diet book, I like the way he draws upon various experiences in his life, and incorporates them into his approach, examples including his time in Hawaii and the things that he experienced medically that impacted him, the times he spent fishing with his father, and now lamenting the loss that oceans face because of human disregard. He draws on all of these experiences to show how he and his wife have cultivated and maintained this lifestyle as well, coming from a Standard American Diet. Not only have the doctor and his wife swithced, but he also provided countless stories of what he called star McDougaller's who transformed themselves after trying this approach as a last resort, and how happy they are, even though, even in these cases, there have been setbacks. I especially enjoyed the chapter 'The fat vegan'as this showed that even cutting out dairy and meat, you can still be following a disastrous diet.Everything has to done in moderation if not part of the starch solution. It is so easy to say you are vegetarian then still be eating garbage, this is not the way to go or be.
This is not a diet, but truly a lifestyle and it is possible.
I really enjoyed reading how this doctor appears to have gone against the standard grain of medical thinking and practices what he preaches.He brings a humanitarian approach to dieting for those that think this is a diet book, I like the way he draws upon various experiences in his life, and incorporates them into his approach, examples including his time in Hawaii and the things that he experienced medically that impacted him, the times he spent fishing with his father, and now lamenting the loss that oceans face because of human disregard. He draws on all of these experiences to show how he and his wife have cultivated and maintained this lifestyle as well, coming from a Standard American Diet. Not only have the doctor and his wife swithced, but he also provided countless stories of what he called star McDougaller's who transformed themselves after trying this approach as a last resort, and how happy they are, even though, even in these cases, there have been setbacks. I especially enjoyed the chapter 'The fat vegan'as this showed that even cutting out dairy and meat, you can still be following a disastrous diet.Everything has to done in moderation if not part of the starch solution. It is so easy to say you are vegetarian then still be eating garbage, this is not the way to go or be.
This is not a diet, but truly a lifestyle and it is possible.
January 23, 2023
About 4 months ago I went digging to find information on how to heal our family’s terrible gut issues. It was then that I fell into the world of plant-based eating and began soaking up all the info I could. It made sense to me, so we gave it a 14 day go at first. It was pretty easy, we felt great and we could poop! 🤣
That’s how I found Dr McDougall. He’s a big voice in the plant based world and I like what he has to say. I didn’t read this as a “diet book” but as a way to soak up more information to keep us healthy.
It’s not really a fun read but it is full of info. I was so thankful to hear what he has to say about vitamins. Not necessary. 🙌🙌
Just as a note, Dr McDougall is very frank and has some “old” ideas about bodies. He’s like your 98 year old uncle who thinks he can say whatever he wants at the dinner table just because he’s the oldest one there, without taking any feelings into consideration. He says some things that totally didn’t need to be said. But I just shook my head and kept reading. Chew up the meat, spit out the ornery 98 year old. 😉
That’s how I found Dr McDougall. He’s a big voice in the plant based world and I like what he has to say. I didn’t read this as a “diet book” but as a way to soak up more information to keep us healthy.
It’s not really a fun read but it is full of info. I was so thankful to hear what he has to say about vitamins. Not necessary. 🙌🙌
Just as a note, Dr McDougall is very frank and has some “old” ideas about bodies. He’s like your 98 year old uncle who thinks he can say whatever he wants at the dinner table just because he’s the oldest one there, without taking any feelings into consideration. He says some things that totally didn’t need to be said. But I just shook my head and kept reading. Chew up the meat, spit out the ornery 98 year old. 😉
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