The McDougall Program: 12 Days to Dynamic Health

Glad I finally bought this book. I've heard a lot about it, and this program. I'm pumped to read it and learn more.

I've been looking for a recipe book that had regular food in it. This is it. Great tips. There are, if you need, affirmations on why you're eating this way. Or it makes for a great gift for someone you want to stay healthy.

Last year I met Dr. Ruth Heidrich, an extraordinary athlete, author and breast cancer survivor on a week long cruise I went on to the Caribbean. She was a speaker for this special "vegetarian cruise" and was part of the reason I signed on. Long before the cruise I had read about her battle with the disease and had even corresponded with her about some health issues that she was very helpful with. Meeting her in the flesh was life changing. She is 70 years old, a pillar of health with a magnetic presence. Her words changed everything for me and introduced me to the world of Dr. John McDougall, the person she gives credit to for saving her life over twenty years ago from the cancer. After the cruise I bought this book, a set of pots and pans and began cooking the recipes from the book (much to the delight of my fiance!) A few short weeks later my cholesteral was down to 144 from 236. Ever since I have enthusiastically passed out several copies to friends and acquaintances with various health issues and have witnessed dramatic, life-altering results. Huge weight losses, drops in cholesteral, meds being discontinued (blood pressure, etc.). McDougall has taught me to take charge of my own health. My personal physician told me not to worry about my previous high cholesteral - something I found ironic with the long history of health problems on both sides of my family. With this book I was able to help myself and I continue to help others everytime I pass it on. This is a must read! Buy several copies to have on hand for your loved ones.

I have to admit that I was unsure and a bit afraid to start this program. I did not think I would be able to follow it. I am so glad I gave it a try. I can't think of anything that has been BETTER for me. I feel SOOO much better I have lost 26 lbs so far and my energy is great. My husband even loves the food and his cholesterol has dropped considerably. Thank you Dr. Mcdougall !!! You are the BEST !!!UPDATE: I am down 36 lbs now and still going strong.

This will be a short review. Simply put, this book laid the foundation seven years ago for my vegetarianism. I have found few if any sources in academic libraries to dispute McDougall's views on diet and health. I was 23 when I began using this book as the basis for my diet and recipes. Today, in 2000, I enjoy these recipes regularly (I do add some salt back, and take a cue from Andrew Weil's "Spontaneous Healing" with regard to olive oil) and review this information from time to time to gauge my progress. While so many of my contemporaries are swelling like ticks from their childhood diets, my one adult decision to become vegetarian has resulted in a slim body, constant comments from my friends about my youthful appearance, and a cleaner planet due to all the cows and pigs and chickens I did not consume. I cannot say that this book changed my life; my decision to change gave the consequence of searching for such a book. I believe anyone with the will to become a new person will find much inspiration and practical advice in "The McDougall Program." I'm ordering it for my mom today.

Dr. McDougall and this book has changed our lives forever. His plan for a low-fat vegan lifestyle is explained thoroughly with Dr. McDougall's casual, easily understandable style and leaves the reader with little question about the benefits of the McDougall Program. Detailed explanation, case studies, menu plans and descriptions of common ailments combine to give the reader an in depth understanding of how diet effects our health, and how eating a low-fat, vegan diet can put an end to many ailments. We have lost weight, gained control over digestive problems and allergies by following the McDougall Program. If you want endless energy, good health, and to eat as much as you like and still lose weight (seriously!!) - join the thousands of people who have discovered that Dr. McDougall has found a way to break free from destructive eating habits and the illness that results.

This is an excellent book, well-written, concise and with humor for anyone who wants to improve their health through diet. It provides a brief history of the "hows and whys" of Dr. McDougall's journey towards a vegan diet. The history is followed by a "how to get started plan", a 12 day suggested meal plan, easy to make and tasty recipes and lists of products by name brands that fit the diet. Finally, Dr. McDougall has included a general index as well as a recipe index which makes it easy to look up specific problems or recipes for favorite foods. This book is written in plain and simple English, but is thoroughly documented with pages and pages of scientific references. All in all, I would highly recommend this book, with the caveat that once you get on this diet, you will feel so great, you will not be able to (nor want to) go back to your old eating habits.