Note: A diet high in carbohydrates (source does not matter) does not work for Evelyn Parham. I no longer follow a vegan diet. I thrive on a good balance of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. I keep tabs on carbohydrate consumption, but other than that, eating clean, whole foods is what I stick with. I highly encourage you to do your own research and pay close attention to how your body feels eating higher amounts of carbohydrates. (10/13/2014)
I have tried different ways of eating a vegan diet and I never stick with one way for too long. I decided to get Dr. McDougall’s book and read it and I am glad I did.
I put off buying The Starch Solution, written by Dr. McDougall, because I was turned off by the title of the book. Curiosity finally got the best of me and I bought the book.
I learned that I should never be biased towards a book because of the title, because it just might be the book that I need that helps me make changes that stick.
You should read The Starch Solution if you want to eat the foods you love, regain your health and lose the weight for good.
About The Starch Solution
The Starch Solution: Eat the Foods You Love, Regain Your Health, and Lose the Weight for Good!
Price: $26.99 US / $31.00 CAN – Hardback
Pages: 348
The Starch Solution is based on a simple swap: By fueling your body primarily with carbohydrates rather than proteins and fats, you’ll feel satisfied, boost energy, and look and feel your best.
The Starch Solution is based on the latest scientific research. Dr. McDougall, lays out an easy-to-follow plant that teaches you what to eat and what to avoid, how to make healthy swaps for your favorite foods, and smart choices when dining out. You will also find a helpful weekly menu planner and recipes.
The Starch Solution will help you shed pounds, improve your health, save money, and change your life.
About the Author of The Starch Solution
John A. McDougal, MD, has coauthored many bestselling books with his wife, Mary and is featured in the documentary and book Forks Over Knives. He runs the McDougall Live-In Program in Santa Rosa California, he cares for patients and teaches medical doctors and students to avoid drugs and surgery by using food to cure common diseases.
Topics in The Starch Solution
Part I: Healing with Starch
Chapter 1. Starch: The Traditional Diet of the People – You learn the importance of starch and how every group of people throughout history has eaten starch (potatoes, rice, corn legumes, sweet potatoes, millet, sogrghum, barley, oats, wheat, and rye), as the center of their diet and it dates back to 13,000 years ago.
Chapter 2. People Passionate about Starches are Healthy and Beautiful – You learn that people who eat a diet revolved around starches are not overweight and have very low incidences of health problems. You also learn that eating starch does not turn to body fat and that it satisfies the appetite.
Chapter 3. Five Major Poisons Found in Animal Foods – You learn the poisons that you should avoid that are found in animal foods.
Chapter 4. Spontaneous Healing on a Starch-Based Diet – You learn about people who are healed from heart disease, inflammatory arthritis, and from cancer.
Chapter 5. The USDA and the Politics of Starch – You learn that the USDA has two policies that limit the nation’s consumption of starchy vegetables and grains. You also learn that the USDA is promoting vegetables at the core of a healthy diet, but it took the USDA time for acknowledgment.
Chapter 6. We are Eating the Planet to Death – You learn how raising animals for food have an impact the environment.
Part II: The FAQs about Food
Chapter 7. What Friends Ask: Where Do You Get Your Protein? – You learn that experts agree that 40 to 60 grams of protein is plenty and that plant proteins easily meet the need.
Chapter 8. When Friends Ask: Where Do You Get Your Calcium? – You learn calcium is good, but you don’t need so much. You also learn that dairy products cause other serious health hazards.
Chapter 9. Confessions of a Fish Killer – You learn fish is not as healthy as others claim. You also learn plants make all omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. There is no reason why you need fish oils.
Chapter 10. The Fat Vegan – You learn that a vegan can be fat, especially if he/she eats a diet based on the wrong foods.
Chapter 11. Just to Be on the Safe Side: Stay Away from Supplements – You learn that supplements can cause imbalances. The only supplement that Dr. McDougall recommends is Vitamin B-12.
Chapter 12. Salt and Sugar: The Scapegoats of the Western Diet – You learn that humans have taste buds for salt and sugar. You also learn that some foods that have a low glycemic index, are not healthy.
Part III: Living the Solution
Chapter 13. Practicing the Starch Solution – You learn about the foods you can eat and the foods you should avoid. You also learn how to set up your kitchen and pantry.
Chapter 14. The 7-Day Sure Start Plan – You learn the rules and have a 7-day menu plan to get you started. You also learn how you can achieve maximum weight loss.
Chapter 15. Our Favorite Recipes – You get recipes for starting the day, salads, dressings, burgers and wraps, soups and stews, main dishes, sides and desserts.
Final Thoughts
I have eaten meals following Dr. McDougall’s recommendations and I was amazed how long a meal carried me. When I realize that 3-4 hours have passed and I am not hungry, then it must be something to this diet.
The Starch Solution is an excellent book. I appreciate Dr. McDougall including the research and studies, which helped me understand things better.
I also appreciate Dr. McDougall including the testimonies of others who have had success following the starch-based diet.
If you are having a hard time following a vegan diet, this book will help lay the foundation for you.
Forget about what you hear others say about carbs making you fat, because how will you know if something works or does not if you do not try it.
The Starch Solution will help you understand how you can eat a healthy vegan diet, without giving up the foods that you enjoy. I encourage you to read this book because I am confident that you will find it beneficial.
Image courtesy of Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Hey Evelyn!!!
It’s been a looong while I know. 🙂 For some reason i dropped off your email list and I’ve been trying for what seems like ages to get over here to re-subscribe. But you know how it goes when other things take over. lol
I’m glad to know about carbs. To me that’s why nature offers such a wide array of foods since everyone can’t eat the same way.
Hey Msfullroller!
Yes, it has been a while and I’m glad you stopped by. Sorry about the email list deal, I made some changes to that and switched over to a different carrier. I have not completely set it up as of yet. Yes, I totally understand. I’m just glad that you re-subbed. 🙂
Nature does know best. Love that you shared that, because it makes a lot of sense.
Good too see you!
Thank you for sharing your book review. I’m still trying to understand how carbs work. There seems to be so much controversy. Aqiyl at Natural Life Energy did a good job explaining good carbs versus bad carbs. I know several diabetics who must strictly count their carbs, and the information that doctors give them seems to contradict what I am learning from research. Also, an athletic trainer recently shared with several members of our congregation a low carb diet for losing weight. I know that every meal plan and diet does not work for everyone, but I just want to understand the basics. I do plan to get this book, and I hope that it will dispel facts from myths. Thanks Evelyn!
Hi Trinity!
Yes, it is much controversy buzzing. I used to shy away from eating the plant-based carbs (potatoes, rice, etc), but since trying it, a few meals, I could definitely feel the difference in my appetite (satisfied, didn’t feel like I needed 30 minutes to an hour later).
I think the key is balance. If one is eating healthy carbs (plant-based) and a strictly a plant-based diet, then it can possibly be a diet that works. I think it doesn’t work when people continue eating high percentages of fat and other unhealthy foods. That’s just my little hypothesis.
It is always best to do your own research and select a diet that resonates best with you and not let anyone sway you from what you know works.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!
Evelyn