The McDougall Program: 12 Days to Dynamic Health

by John A. McDougall

In this ground-breaking book, Dr. John McDougall, bestselling author and creator of the nationally renowned diet and exercise program at the St. Helena Hospital in Deer Park, California, introduces his remarkable twelve-day plan. Building on the idea that the traditional meat-rich American diet is hazardous to our health, Dr. McDougall has developed a medically sound, low-fat, starch-based diet that not only facilitates weight loss but also reverses serious illness, without drugs, and provides a broad range of dramatic and lasting health benefits. Step-by-step, he takes you through his revolutionary new program, 130 easy-to-prepare recipesDelicious day-by-day menusSuggestions for healthful dining outPlus a comprehensive listing of health problems from arthritis to ulcer disease, comparing the traditional, often drastic medical approach and The McDougall Program's nutritionally based alternative.  As featured in the book and movie Forks and Knives, John A McDougall delivers a powerful and effective food regiment. 

Genres: Health, Nutrition, Vegan, Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Vegetarian

447 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 1990

About the author

John 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.

Reviews

[Sosanna Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could get my friends and family on board with this program

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely feels dated, but the dietary advice is still 100% solid. I recommend Dr. McDougall's latest book, The Starch Solution: Eat the Foods You Love, Regain Your Health, and Lose the Weight for Good!, if you've never read anything by him before. One thing that is helpful in this book that some of his others don't have is a whole section on how he treats all sorts of common chronic diseases. It is helpful to see his perspective on all these diseases, since Dr. McDougall is a special kind of doctor - a board-certified MD who still uses many standard medical practices but always does the maximum that can be done with diet and any other natural, non-invasive treatments first.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing information, given written in 1990. There are so many more recently published books on plant-based diets, it's interesting to see how forward-thinking McDougall was at the time. Anxious to check out a more current book by this author.

[Bookbrat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving My Life!

[Insanitylater · Rating 5 out of 5]

A step by step guide to the McDouguall program . Informative and helpful as well as entertaining .A must read for healthy living

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information - largely outdated info and studies - reference are 1989 and prior tov1989- need an updated version

[Sage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im well versed in nutritional studies, particularly the benefits of plant based eating, so much of the information in this book was not surprising to me. However, I think the scientific information, accompanied by the real world examples of several of McDougall's previous patients, shown alongside his 12 day dietary guidelines was an effective approach to really highlight the benefits to his plan. And, I must say, many of those recipes are downright tasty. While this book may not be beneficial to those already ingrained in the benefits of plant based eating, I thinking anyone curious about or considering such a lifestyle change could benefit greatly from this read.

(A note: the copy I read was published in 1990, and while much of the science still holds up well to more recent studies, there are some outdated terms and numbers used through the book which occassionaly confused me or caught me off guard.)

[Kaz. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr John McDougall is my hero, he give scientifically proven advice, and a lot of common sense advice too. Everything he tells you is free, he is never trying to sell you products and supplements, just like Dr McGregor doesn’t either, I never trust the doctors that are always trying to sell you something.
I am following his guidelines and have never felt better, I have recovered from numerous health ailments. I’m never hungry on this eating plan which is a big plus when you are wanting to lose some weight.
Highly recommend the McDougall plan.

[Dave Walls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book. Isn't is wonderful when there is a place a person or couple can go to to regain health? John McDougall set up such a place, in beautiful California, and lots of people have reversed diabetes and heart disease as a result. I tried to get my brother, who had diabetes, to read this. But it was too late, and he passed away. But it is with extreme fondness that I think of this book, and all the people that it has helped and will help. I wish I was rich, so I could give away lots of copies of this book; it's that good.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. McDougall was one of the early proponents of plant-based eating and this was one of his first books, published in 1990. In spite of being a little dated in some respects (kale and quinoa were lesser known foods then, for example), it’s very straightforward, complete, and way ahead of its time in terms of the benefits of eating plants. Essential reading for those new to the lifestyle or for those a little further along in the journey who are needing a good book to get back to the basics.

[Penny Tunnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An oldie but a goodie

There are dated details here and there, but this book is filled with classic wisdom and the truth doesn't change. Low fat, whole plant, clean starch, fiber filled foods still create trim healthy bodies that resist illness and disease while ageing well.

[George S · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite books on potentially helping people with heart disease, which I have.

Contains fairly fast, easy, and tasty recipes that fit my diet, which is based upon what Dr. McDougall, Dr. Esselstyn and Dr. Dean Ornish recommend.

[Pam Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love , love this book. I have been doing WFPB for almost a year but found some things to tweak.

[Shana]

Yep,to lower cholesterol eliminate animal products, boost fiber, reduce fat...

[Fifa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read 👍

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good partner to the original book and additional useful information to share with friends and family and my doctors.

[Anita Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is how I lost all my weight and have kept it off! 55kgs down and maintained it since then. It’s easy to follow, promoters healthy & big portions of whole foods, and loads of easy recipes. A+

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting prepped for post-baby weight loss, and trying to decide what kind of permanent changes I'd like to make to my life, as far as food and nutrition is concerned.