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The McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss
You never have to be fat or hungry again Your Health Lose weight eat as much as you want feel healthy and look great This may sound like an impossible dream but with The McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss it is a dream come true for thousands of people In this groundbreaking book Dr John A McDougall draws on the latest scientific and medical information about nutrition metabolism and hunger to provide a simple weight loss plan Feature more than 100 healthy and delicious recipes by Mary McDougall packed with all the information and encouragement you need this total weight loss program also brings you Studies and documentation on the McDougall approach The secrets of carbohydrates your metabolism and weight loss The truth about fat in your diet and on your body Complete McDougall menu plans and cooking methods Supermarket shopping guides How to deal with eating disorders Dining out information and more Its rewards include not just a slimmer figure but enhanced physical vitality mental clarity and self esteem Bookpage Bestselling author of The Starch Solution and The Healthiest Diet on the Planet You never have to be fat or hungry again Your Health Lose weight eat as much as you want feel healthy and look great This may sound like an impossible dream but with The McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss it is a dream come true for thousands of people In this groundbreaking book Dr John A McDougall draws on the latest scientific and medical information about nutrition metabolism and hunger to provide a simple weight loss plan Feature more than 100 healthy and delicious recipes by Mary McDougall packed with all the information and encouragement you need this total weight loss program also brings you Studies and documentation on the McDougall approach The secrets of carbohydrates your metabolism and weight loss The truth about fat in your diet and on your body Complete McDougall menu plans and cooki
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
665 people are currently reading
570 people want to read
About the author
John A. McDougall
35books198followersJohn A. McDougall is an American Irish physician and author whose philosophy is that degenerative disease can be prevented and treated with a low-fat, whole foods, plant-based/vegan diet � especially one based on starches such as potatoes, rice, and corn � which excludes all animal foods and added vegetable oils.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 27, 2012
Great Book for healthy weight loss. EASY to do and truly INEXPENSIVE !!! I did this on food stamps. I lost 92 pounds so far.
April 6, 2016
Thank God I found this book. I was having a hard time losing just one pound in a month, despite having over 100 pounds to lose. Over the past 2 months, I have lost 16 by eating mostly potatoes, some air-popped popcorn, a bit of brown rice, a bit of fruit, a bit of nonstarchy vegetables, and fat-free condiments (like ketchup, mustards, bbq sauce)! While the Starch Solution is great for health and weight maintenance and weight loss for some, others of us (especially older women and those with insulin-resistance, like me) have an extremely hard time losing weight. In this book, Dr. McDougall explains why and presents a very simple, very cheap, and completely satisfying plan for losing weight. The good thing is that this is a temporary plan and when you want to maintain you can go on the far more allowing Starch Solution, which includes things like whole grain flours, pasta, and occasionally small amounts of fat like avocados and nuts. I've started following Maximum Weight Loss strictly 4 days a week, and then for 3 days (the weekend), I eat whatever I want (all vegan) without going too crazy, and I'm still able to lose weight! It's truly a miracle! I also aim to get at least 8000 steps a day, since Dr. McDougall recommends exercise to tame the appetite. Exercise definitely tames mine (well, basic movement like walking does). I eat WAY less on days when I get a lot of walking in. It's also been crucial for me to eat only when I'm hungry. If that means not eating breakfast or not eating lunch until 2:30 PM, then so be it. And of course, I eat enough to satisfy my appetite. You know you've found the correct diet when you don't have to count calories OR go hungry EVER.
I also have to say this way of eating gave me my life back. I've felt dead from chronic fatigue and major depression for a long time now, despite working on healthy habits more diligently than ever in my life for over a year. I got super strict for 10 days - just potatoes (with salt and fat-free condiments), a couple pieces of fruit, and a bit of vegetables for breakfast (oil-free hash browns), lunch, and dinner. All of the sudden I had energy again, and I could BREATHE and SLEEP well again. My nails also got super strong (they were weak and breaking a lot recently, which was not a good sign, since I've always had nice, long nails), and my digestion was perfect (which is a feat for someone with a slow metabolism/hypothyroidism). I wholeheartedly jumped into Dr. McDougall's exact instructions. Without all the fat in my bloodstream, my blood was able to get into the tiniest capillaries (too much fat in the blood gums it up and makes it hard for it to get everywhere in the body) and wake me back up again. I'm sure the fat globules started clearing out of my mitochondria (a characteristic of insulin resistance/Type 2 diabetes - see for an amazing discussion about this) as well.
Dr. McDougall is the real deal. He's been helping thousands of people reverse most chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, MS, arthritis, heart disease, chronic pain, etc. for almost forty years now. Nothing has changed about his program in all those years; it's because it is not a fad but the natural human diet, as we are what he calls starchivores. Definitely read for more information, as it is a life-changing and eye-opening book.
I have at least another 100 pounds to go, and I plan to get there eating pounds and pounds of horror of horrors, the white potato!! CARBS, OMG!
I have to mention this way of eating has liberated me from the drudgery of cooking and grocery shopping. Grocery shopping is a breeze now. I just throw a ton of potatoes and other produce in the cart, pick up some condiments, and visit the freezer aisle - shopping for the week done. Meal planning unnecessary. AND my grocery bill has been cut in half, something I've never been able to do before. I'm still not sick of potatoes after two months. I had faith that I wouldn't since there was a study done a long time ago where they fed a man and a woman nothing but potatoes and a bit of oil so they didn't lose too much weight for six straight months. At the end of the study, they still weren't sick of potatoes. Also, the Irish in the past and some Peruvians have lived almost exclusively off potatoes. Most people love white potatoes, but if you don't, you can certainly eat sweet potatoes, corn, brown rice, other whole grains, or winter squashes as your primary calorie source. You can mix them up too; I just go with one for the simplicity and because potatoes are the one and only food I both enjoy and fills me up completely.
I also have to say this way of eating gave me my life back. I've felt dead from chronic fatigue and major depression for a long time now, despite working on healthy habits more diligently than ever in my life for over a year. I got super strict for 10 days - just potatoes (with salt and fat-free condiments), a couple pieces of fruit, and a bit of vegetables for breakfast (oil-free hash browns), lunch, and dinner. All of the sudden I had energy again, and I could BREATHE and SLEEP well again. My nails also got super strong (they were weak and breaking a lot recently, which was not a good sign, since I've always had nice, long nails), and my digestion was perfect (which is a feat for someone with a slow metabolism/hypothyroidism). I wholeheartedly jumped into Dr. McDougall's exact instructions. Without all the fat in my bloodstream, my blood was able to get into the tiniest capillaries (too much fat in the blood gums it up and makes it hard for it to get everywhere in the body) and wake me back up again. I'm sure the fat globules started clearing out of my mitochondria (a characteristic of insulin resistance/Type 2 diabetes - see for an amazing discussion about this) as well.
Dr. McDougall is the real deal. He's been helping thousands of people reverse most chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, MS, arthritis, heart disease, chronic pain, etc. for almost forty years now. Nothing has changed about his program in all those years; it's because it is not a fad but the natural human diet, as we are what he calls starchivores. Definitely read for more information, as it is a life-changing and eye-opening book.
I have at least another 100 pounds to go, and I plan to get there eating pounds and pounds of horror of horrors, the white potato!! CARBS, OMG!
I have to mention this way of eating has liberated me from the drudgery of cooking and grocery shopping. Grocery shopping is a breeze now. I just throw a ton of potatoes and other produce in the cart, pick up some condiments, and visit the freezer aisle - shopping for the week done. Meal planning unnecessary. AND my grocery bill has been cut in half, something I've never been able to do before. I'm still not sick of potatoes after two months. I had faith that I wouldn't since there was a study done a long time ago where they fed a man and a woman nothing but potatoes and a bit of oil so they didn't lose too much weight for six straight months. At the end of the study, they still weren't sick of potatoes. Also, the Irish in the past and some Peruvians have lived almost exclusively off potatoes. Most people love white potatoes, but if you don't, you can certainly eat sweet potatoes, corn, brown rice, other whole grains, or winter squashes as your primary calorie source. You can mix them up too; I just go with one for the simplicity and because potatoes are the one and only food I both enjoy and fills me up completely.
Read
August 5, 2011Yummy and effective. But watch out for all the criticism you will get from everyone you know if you let it be known that you are following this food plan. Our culture is centered and revolving in a downward spiral around crappy food.
April 14, 2017
At this point, I have read a fair amount of books on the whole foods plant-based diet, including John A. McDougall's most famous book, The Starch Solution. I've also read books written by T. Colin Campbell, Chef AJ, High Carb Hannah, Rip Esselstyn, and Douglas N. Graham. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to learn a whole lot of new information from The McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss, especially since The Starch Solution is typically heralded as McDougall's best book. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I was completely wrong—this book has a lot to offer, even for the most nutritionally-educated among us!
Starting out in the beginning of the book, McDougall makes it clear that this is not an all-or-nothing program. Obviously, the more strictly one adheres to the program's advice, the more weight will be lost. But since change is a process and takes a considerable amount of time, he advises that we pat ourselves on our backs for every healthy choice we make, and use our lapses as learning experiences. I especially liked his dedication at the beginning of the book: "To those who suffer needlessly in order to look great." I can definitely relate to that sentiment!
McDougall assures the reader that "The desire to appreciate your body and make it beautiful is one of the most natural and wonderful urges in life." However, "even more fundamental is the urge to eat, which, after all, keeps us alive." These natural instincts may seem to be at odds with one another, but McDougall asserts that they can work together to produce a beautiful-looking body at a healthy weight. In his opinion, the cultural view that they are in opposition with one another is simply a delusion that happens to also be self-destructive. Without the strong desire to eat, we might give up food for some other activity, which would result in malnourishment and possibly even death by starvation. The strength of our hunger drive is necessary for our survival as individuals as well as the survival of our species. Hunger has driven many people to perform great acts of courage as well as also ghastly acts of barbarism. In other words� the hungrier we become, the more likely we are to lose control of our actions. It's time to stop blaming overweight and obese people for their hunger drives, because hunger is completely normal and necessary for survival.
Contrary to popular belief, our bodies mainly crave carbohydrates, not fat or protein. In fact, the secret to satiation is carbohydrate consumption. And that doesn't apply just to full-grown adults—it includes children as well! McDougall states, "Even in childhood, the nutrient our bodies need more than any other is carbohydrate. Adults need approximately 35 times more carbohydrates for energy than we need protein for growth, and 800 times more carbohydrate than fat." McDougall goes into great detail in Chapter Three about the benefits of carbohydrates on our health. The rest of the book covers several various topics, including how the fat you eat is the fat you wear, the importance of fiber (which is only found in plants) in the diet, the role that insulin plays in promoting obesity, what constitutes the "Maximum Weight Loss Program", the physiological reasons that women lose weight slower than men, the (small) role that exercise plays in weight loss, the effects that alcohol and coffee have on weight (and overall health), how sleep deprivation can be beneficial, and shopping and food preparation. The book ends with a lot of tasty recipes for people who need some meal planning inspiration.
Overall, this is one of the best books on the whole foods plant-based diet that I have read, if not the absolute best. I would definitely recommend reading this over McDougall's The Starch Solution, even though I would recommend reading that one as well. The McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss goes into more detail and may be a better fit for people who are specifically looking for information to help them lose weight. I definitely recommend reading this one if you get a chance. It's relatively old (originally published in 1994), so it may even be available at your local library for free!
Starting out in the beginning of the book, McDougall makes it clear that this is not an all-or-nothing program. Obviously, the more strictly one adheres to the program's advice, the more weight will be lost. But since change is a process and takes a considerable amount of time, he advises that we pat ourselves on our backs for every healthy choice we make, and use our lapses as learning experiences. I especially liked his dedication at the beginning of the book: "To those who suffer needlessly in order to look great." I can definitely relate to that sentiment!
McDougall assures the reader that "The desire to appreciate your body and make it beautiful is one of the most natural and wonderful urges in life." However, "even more fundamental is the urge to eat, which, after all, keeps us alive." These natural instincts may seem to be at odds with one another, but McDougall asserts that they can work together to produce a beautiful-looking body at a healthy weight. In his opinion, the cultural view that they are in opposition with one another is simply a delusion that happens to also be self-destructive. Without the strong desire to eat, we might give up food for some other activity, which would result in malnourishment and possibly even death by starvation. The strength of our hunger drive is necessary for our survival as individuals as well as the survival of our species. Hunger has driven many people to perform great acts of courage as well as also ghastly acts of barbarism. In other words� the hungrier we become, the more likely we are to lose control of our actions. It's time to stop blaming overweight and obese people for their hunger drives, because hunger is completely normal and necessary for survival.
Contrary to popular belief, our bodies mainly crave carbohydrates, not fat or protein. In fact, the secret to satiation is carbohydrate consumption. And that doesn't apply just to full-grown adults—it includes children as well! McDougall states, "Even in childhood, the nutrient our bodies need more than any other is carbohydrate. Adults need approximately 35 times more carbohydrates for energy than we need protein for growth, and 800 times more carbohydrate than fat." McDougall goes into great detail in Chapter Three about the benefits of carbohydrates on our health. The rest of the book covers several various topics, including how the fat you eat is the fat you wear, the importance of fiber (which is only found in plants) in the diet, the role that insulin plays in promoting obesity, what constitutes the "Maximum Weight Loss Program", the physiological reasons that women lose weight slower than men, the (small) role that exercise plays in weight loss, the effects that alcohol and coffee have on weight (and overall health), how sleep deprivation can be beneficial, and shopping and food preparation. The book ends with a lot of tasty recipes for people who need some meal planning inspiration.
Overall, this is one of the best books on the whole foods plant-based diet that I have read, if not the absolute best. I would definitely recommend reading this over McDougall's The Starch Solution, even though I would recommend reading that one as well. The McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss goes into more detail and may be a better fit for people who are specifically looking for information to help them lose weight. I definitely recommend reading this one if you get a chance. It's relatively old (originally published in 1994), so it may even be available at your local library for free!
January 5, 2009
when i told my doctor i was lookng for vegan receipes he suggested i read Dr. McDougall's books since his program is vegan based (and so much more!) I wasn't planning on reading the actual book, but figured I would, and i actually really liked it, though it's a bit outdated. i've decided to try his program (vegan, no oils, avocados, nuts, olives, processed foods, etc.) for two weeks and see how i like it. (so far, love it!!! i fell a ton better- since all i was eating was vegan crap) and i love his recipes. im so glad my doc told me about it and i've since ordered a few more of his books and cook books.
July 30, 2017
I finally got around reading this book because a lot of people said that it is a must after reading the starch solution, I liked the concept of it and being a vegan myself I agree with most of what he said, I was confused about the part of sleep deprivation and how is it actually good for your health ??
I still have to go through the recipes and the shopping list but I think I got the main idea about the program, I hope this small modification in my system will be the answer I was looking for, in these dark days all I have to do is try and hope :)
I still have to go through the recipes and the shopping list but I think I got the main idea about the program, I hope this small modification in my system will be the answer I was looking for, in these dark days all I have to do is try and hope :)
October 30, 2018
Well, it sounds good but the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Maybe I'll do an expanded review in a month or so.
April 24, 2015
I wish I had known about Dr. McDougall's plan many years ago. I would have lost weight and probably not had to have my gallbladder removed. It's a lot of work to prepare continually interesting meals but it is so worth it for the weight loss and general feeling of wellness. If you have not been able to lose weight and don't want to be hungry, this is the answer.
May 20, 2015
Fantastic!
A great book that answers many questions that I've had for years. If you're dieting and wondering why you can't keep the weight off, or you're on a plant based diet and can't seem to hit your goal weight, this is the book to read.
A great book that answers many questions that I've had for years. If you're dieting and wondering why you can't keep the weight off, or you're on a plant based diet and can't seem to hit your goal weight, this is the book to read.
August 23, 2019
Not only do I have more energy and stamina following this delicious and satisfying way of eating, I also have the satisfaction of watching the pounds glide off and the confidence that I am following the best possible prescription for avoiding the diseases that our western way of eating promotes.
November 11, 2018
I lost 10 kg when I first read this book over 2 years ago. Now I've slipped and put on 3 kg 😒, so I read it again yesterday to refresh my mind and my determination. 🙂👍
June 6, 2021
4 1/2 stars
In my heart of hearts, I believe this is the diet that is best for me. Historically I have had amazing results eating this way. I think this is best for the planet and best for my human body. I believe the science backs these results. I feel happier and healthier eating as Dr. McDougall prescribes.
I like his explanations of why eating whole foods and avoiding animal foods is best -- not only because I can't help but find it a little cruel to eat another living being but also because I think the evidence he presents is strong in its own right.
I disagree with him on sleep management because in recent years overwhelming evidence has come out in favor of sleep -- see Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker. I feel like sleep is anything but "depressive" and in fact should be used as a tool to fight depression.
But as for eating healthy, unprocessed food straight from the Earth - yes, yes I'm on board. Living clean and healthy and in tune with nature - yes, yes I'm very on board! It's good to have a refresher of why I want to eat this way.
In my heart of hearts, I believe this is the diet that is best for me. Historically I have had amazing results eating this way. I think this is best for the planet and best for my human body. I believe the science backs these results. I feel happier and healthier eating as Dr. McDougall prescribes.
I like his explanations of why eating whole foods and avoiding animal foods is best -- not only because I can't help but find it a little cruel to eat another living being but also because I think the evidence he presents is strong in its own right.
I disagree with him on sleep management because in recent years overwhelming evidence has come out in favor of sleep -- see Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker. I feel like sleep is anything but "depressive" and in fact should be used as a tool to fight depression.
But as for eating healthy, unprocessed food straight from the Earth - yes, yes I'm on board. Living clean and healthy and in tune with nature - yes, yes I'm very on board! It's good to have a refresher of why I want to eat this way.
May 19, 2022
After reading this book I watched John McDougall talk about this book and say that he wished he had never written this book. He said that the publisher pushed him to write a book about weight loss. But he said you don't have to do "the maximum" in this book, just the basics from The Starch Solution. It was good to hear that, though I was glad I read this book too.
Some things I learned:
I’ve always wondered why so many drug commercials focused on Erectile Dysfunction. Now I know. Erectile dysfunction is one of the only signs of heart disease. It makes sense since clogged arteries and veins are throughout the entire body. Hardening of the arteries is caused by a high fat, high cholesterol diet.
If you don’t consume enough of the carbohydrates that your body needs and wants, you will overeat the other foods.
One of the myths people believe—olive oil is healthy and sugar is bad. (he's talking about a little sugar on your oatmeal, or whatever. He says if you need to use salt and sugar on your macros in order to eat the good stuff, then do it).
Some things I learned:
I’ve always wondered why so many drug commercials focused on Erectile Dysfunction. Now I know. Erectile dysfunction is one of the only signs of heart disease. It makes sense since clogged arteries and veins are throughout the entire body. Hardening of the arteries is caused by a high fat, high cholesterol diet.
If you don’t consume enough of the carbohydrates that your body needs and wants, you will overeat the other foods.
One of the myths people believe—olive oil is healthy and sugar is bad. (he's talking about a little sugar on your oatmeal, or whatever. He says if you need to use salt and sugar on your macros in order to eat the good stuff, then do it).
May 12, 2016
Dr. McDougall has outlined a healthy diet that is guaranteed to make you slimmer. I have read several books by the various doctors who recommend a whole foods, plant-based diet. Each one has their separate quirks, but are largely recommending the same things. Dr. McDougall insists on calling his diet a Starch based diet, instead of plant based. Though, of course, starchy foods are all plant based, his word is an accurate representation of his diet. Like Dr. Esselstyn, he recommends that we avoid high fat foods like nuts and avocados. High fat foods not only keep us fat, but they contribute to heart disease and diabetes. Once you have slimmed down, and healed your endothelial tissue, then it will be time to add a handful of nuts per day back into your diet.
The diet works. I've lost seven pounds since I began a week ago. I'm never hungry, and the meals are satisfyingly tasty. The best part is that this is a diet you can live with for the rest of your life, and stay healthy.
The diet works. I've lost seven pounds since I began a week ago. I'm never hungry, and the meals are satisfyingly tasty. The best part is that this is a diet you can live with for the rest of your life, and stay healthy.
May 12, 2021
A bit outdated (this was written in the early 90s) but still good stuff and really motivating. I would recommend reading The Starch Solution too which was written by the same author more recently. Kinda crazy that low carb diets are all the craze when books like this have been out for over 30 years.
I read TSS at the end of 2019 and have been wanting to eat this way ever since. Not trying to lose a ton of weight, just 10-15 pounds or so. Started eating this way 12 days ago and lost 3.6 pounds so far, improvements in skin and energy. There are plenty of YouTubers now that follow this way of eating if you're looking for more real life stories and results. My favorites are Plantiful Kiki and The Mommy Vegan. I get my recipes from YouTubers and not from Dr. Mcdougall's books.
I read TSS at the end of 2019 and have been wanting to eat this way ever since. Not trying to lose a ton of weight, just 10-15 pounds or so. Started eating this way 12 days ago and lost 3.6 pounds so far, improvements in skin and energy. There are plenty of YouTubers now that follow this way of eating if you're looking for more real life stories and results. My favorites are Plantiful Kiki and The Mommy Vegan. I get my recipes from YouTubers and not from Dr. Mcdougall's books.
June 6, 2021
I read this book shortly after reading The Starch Solution. I found this book to be less informative about global issues and there were many points here that can also be found in the Starch Solution. That being said I preferred the Starch Solution as I felt it was simply more well-rounded . This book, however can stand on it's own and does offer insights of its own on weight loss. It's a good companion piece to The Starch Solution and I'm glad I read them in the way that I did. Would highly recommend both books referenced here. There's so much information that I'll probably reread them both. Dr. McDougall has committed his life to educating people and he knows his stuff.
August 4, 2021
While I do like the underlying principles of this book and think that Dr. McDougall did a wonderful job of compiling the available research at the time, this book unfortunately shows it’s date. Much of the information in this book appears to be a bit dated and has been debunked in further studies. One example that I know of is when Dr. McDougall mentioned that eating meat weakens bones. Further studies have show that (long story short) eating protein increases the amount of dietary calcium excreted. I recommend looking at Dr. Greger’s Nutrition Facts website article with some more updated information (Does Animal Protein Cause Osteoporosis?).
I also was a bit unsure of the “salesmanship� of this book. Dr. McDougall promises increased health, attractiveness, weight stabilization, and a host of other benefits from this diet. While it does seem like the diet would be beneficial, I would have preferred more studies and quantitative data supporting the benefits of this diet rather than something you might see in an overview or interview with the author. It seems as though a diet as health promoting as this one should be able to back the benefits with data.
Finally, I thought a lot of the testimonials and anecdotes read as filler to me. I care less about dramatic results and more about average results personally. One or two can be beneficial, but this book was filled with them.
I would still read more books by Dr. McDougall.
I also was a bit unsure of the “salesmanship� of this book. Dr. McDougall promises increased health, attractiveness, weight stabilization, and a host of other benefits from this diet. While it does seem like the diet would be beneficial, I would have preferred more studies and quantitative data supporting the benefits of this diet rather than something you might see in an overview or interview with the author. It seems as though a diet as health promoting as this one should be able to back the benefits with data.
Finally, I thought a lot of the testimonials and anecdotes read as filler to me. I care less about dramatic results and more about average results personally. One or two can be beneficial, but this book was filled with them.
I would still read more books by Dr. McDougall.
January 23, 2017
Author is authoritarian, which is not especially to my liking. While T. Colin Campbell is noted for humility, McDougall is 180 degrees different from Campbell and many other like-minded vegan authors. Given there's still so much we don't know yet about nutrition, I suspect humility is warranted. While plant-based, whole foods are perhaps now recognized as entailing the least risk, I'm not sold on the high starch diet recommended by McDougall. I suspect we require far more variety. While I personally prefer a vegan diet, I suspect this is a matter of preference. All I can attest to currently is that garlic, ginger, bay leaves, cumin (seeds & powder), corriander, cloves, cardomom, nutmeg, mustard seeds, curry leaves, fennel, anise, cinnamon, fenugreek, cayenne powder, etc, are amply available to season veggies and render them preferable to homogeneous, antibiotic-laced, hormone-laden meat. Crunchiness in semi cooked veggy dishes constitutes a total godsend.
June 1, 2009
Don't waste your time.
This book is stupid. I read this book primarily because I heard it had low calorie recipes in a cookbook section in the back. When I read some of the recipes I was dumbfounded. The "Cold Cereal Breakfast" recipe: 1 c cold cereal, nonfat soy or rice milk, 1/4 c fruit optional. That's not a recipe! Furthermore, what kind of idiot doesn't already know that? They wouldn't be reading this book at all if they couldn't even figure out how to make cereal.
Before you think this is an aberration, let's look at another recipe, "Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes". Ingredients: 1 pkg frozen hash browns. That's it. Nothing else. Again - not a recipe!
This book is stupid. I read this book primarily because I heard it had low calorie recipes in a cookbook section in the back. When I read some of the recipes I was dumbfounded. The "Cold Cereal Breakfast" recipe: 1 c cold cereal, nonfat soy or rice milk, 1/4 c fruit optional. That's not a recipe! Furthermore, what kind of idiot doesn't already know that? They wouldn't be reading this book at all if they couldn't even figure out how to make cereal.
Before you think this is an aberration, let's look at another recipe, "Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes". Ingredients: 1 pkg frozen hash browns. That's it. Nothing else. Again - not a recipe!
May 26, 2019
Quite simply, the best diet book that I have ever read. That’s because it’s not really a diet book but more of a lifestyle primer for the way you should eat.
McDougall has been a pioneer for many years and his advice hasn’t changed in the nearly 30 years since this book has been released. If anything, it’s getting a new life as an audiobook though I have this title on my Kindle. His nutritional advice is sound and the responses are easily seen. If you’re ready to change your lifestyle, then read this book. If you’re looking for a quick fix, this is not your book and he will tell you so throughout its pages.
McDougall has been a pioneer for many years and his advice hasn’t changed in the nearly 30 years since this book has been released. If anything, it’s getting a new life as an audiobook though I have this title on my Kindle. His nutritional advice is sound and the responses are easily seen. If you’re ready to change your lifestyle, then read this book. If you’re looking for a quick fix, this is not your book and he will tell you so throughout its pages.
January 2, 2021
Very informative, albeit a little bit repetitive. Page numbers for recipes next to scheduled meals would be helpful. Some spices or ingredients on the shopping list don't get used, and one recipe I tried didnt pan (ehhh pun) out. It took twice as long to cook as suggested. But overall I think it's a great, friendly stepping stone for those on the road to losing weight and starting a healthier lifestyle.
November 27, 2021
I eat a vegan diet but I've been slipping. I greatly appreciate Dr. Greger for introducing me to this way of eating, but I needed some stricter guidelines to get me back on track. This definitely fits, and I like the approach.
Docked one star for some of the weirder claims, but mostly since the doesn't have sources or evidence in the text. But as for the "eat more veggies and starches", he's spot on.
Docked one star for some of the weirder claims, but mostly since the doesn't have sources or evidence in the text. But as for the "eat more veggies and starches", he's spot on.
October 15, 2020
Pretty damn outdated at this point, and insipidly self-promoting. Half of the content is useless testimonials and recommendations for products that are no longer available for purchase. The essentials for this are available in better McDougall books or online. Don't waste your money.
March 14, 2022
A truly fantastic book about a healthy way to look at food, backed by years of first-hand experience. It has changed the way I eat for the better (and the weight loss/boundless energy is also a huge bonus). HIGHLY recommend to anyone - everyone - period.
January 29, 2008
Another major contributor to the few or no animal products for better health mantra. Also a good program, not as strict as Fuhrman, but really anti-fat. Wonder how sustainable it might be?
February 11, 2014
His emphasis is a starch-based diet. The recipes are great!
April 10, 2009
Too complicated! I am doing Weight Watchers but making some of his veggie dishes, which aren't too hard when done once in awhile. Otherwise, I'd be chopping vegetables all day!
September 12, 2011
Hardcore, but totally makes sense. Would have to find other recipes. These are not working for me. But I've found ways to adapt it that work.
July 15, 2013
Excellent!
December 27, 2020
Happy lifestyle 2021
Easy to read and understand. Having the recepies to hand for a beginner... always a winner. This is a lifestyle that is sustainable. Recommend.
Easy to read and understand. Having the recepies to hand for a beginner... always a winner. This is a lifestyle that is sustainable. Recommend.
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