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Costa Rica McDougall Adventure February, 2013
  
The following are testimonies for our February 2013 Costa Rica Adventure
I truly enjoyed the February
2013 Costa Rica Adventure Trip. The daily schedule was perfect, with a
combination of structured activity and free time. I felt that I had time
to be stimulated by new information in lectures and gain by reflection
in conversations over meals, and in the pool, with a good measure of
relaxation for a true vacation. I appreciated the nimble customization
and adjustment to the audience of the trip that John made, to best
address issues of interest in his lectures. Your intensity, integrity,
idealism and total commitment to the patient has made fans of the
physicians who participated in the trip. I particularly appreciated that
you took time to spend a lunch with us, as physicians, to talk with us
about strategies for promoting nutritional therapy in medicine to our
patients and students. Last, but not least, the Costa Rican guides were
amazing. They were not only knowledgeable but also passionate about
sharing their stories of the human and natural history of Costa Rica.
Their daily tours and nightly lectures were definitely a highlight of
the trip for me. Thank you both for your work in putting together this
wonderful experience and for providing inspiration as role models for
healthy living.
Ann
Thanks so much for an exciting and informative trip to Costa Rica last
week.
We especially appreciated Tiffany's special treatment of my mother. She
had a blast.
We all agreed that the trip cost was reasonable, considering all that
was included.
Bill got some great pictures of wildlife. We may frame a set up of the
scarlet macaw pictures. The food, people and activities were excellent
and my husband is renewed in his resolve to be a starchivore. That is
saying something! My mother has even vowed to give up ice cream and
switch to sorbet. For me, the lectures were a great reminder of all the
reasons that my decision to change my eating lifestyle was a good one.
The new recipes renewed my excitement about the McDougall plan. But I
agree with your sentiment that settling into a simple plan is a good
strategy. Well, thanks again and great success to you and your family.
Donna and Bill
Linda and I were amazed that when we returned from Costa Rico that what
we were discussing primarily was the June McDougall Adventure. After
seven trips we don't seem to lose our great enthusiasm for the adventure
and our involvement with you, Mary, and all the people associated with
the trip. This summer we will bring between 8-10 of us as we did last
summer. We feel that with what your plan has done for our lives, there
is no greater legacy that we can leave for our family than the health
they will enjoy when they adopt a starch based, low fat, plant based
diet. We love the structure of the trip, the food, the AM activities,
the free afternoons, the 5:00 pm lectures, the resort, the wonderful
guides, the memories for our kids and grand kids, and the long term
friends we have met and look forward to seeing next time. The value you
two place on family is the same values we strive for with our family.
The teenagers were thrilled with your openness with them. They talk
about it often. We all look forward to our next trip. Thank you so much
for sponsoring these trips.
George and Linda
Enjoyed our trip and vacation. Very well organized and supervised by the
"McDougall" personnel.
Wonderful hotel and pool with lovely, friendly service and staff. The
tours were interesting and again well organized. We enjoyed our first
vegan experience and were surprised at how readily we adopted to it -
some obvious benefits whether we do it long term or not.
Chaim and
Margaret
This was my first Dr. McDougall Adventure. Costa Rica Los Suenas is
exhilarating and life changing.
We were cared for in style from the very second we stepped out of the
San Jose airport. Meals are low fat vegan feasts for the eyes and taste
buds, too plentiful to even sample each. It's wonderful to enjoy without
concerns. The lectures and tours were terrific. What a wonderful group
of people. The adventure continues as we reminisce and share interests.
I hardly have words to express my gratitude.
I look forward to another McDougall adventure. With much appreciation,
Zelda
We enjoyed the February 2013 Costa Rica Vacation with the McDougall
Group very much this year, and would like to make it our annual health
vacation destination. We find that we are better attuned to the
McDougall Program if we attend at least 1, but preferably 2 McDougall
events per year as we seem to need the refresher on the McDougall health
information and it is helpful to have the reinforcement and support of
the McDougall group and the other guests. We hear so many individual
voluntary testimonies during the healthy sit-down meals that are
included, and it is always a treat to see and meet the whole McDougall
Family & group who so efficiently make everything run smoothly.
Gene & Lowanna
We, Don, Sharron, Gloria and myself, are still talking about your
delicious and filling foods and inspiring talks…a great combination to
start “2013.” Although we live in Costa Rica many months out of the
year, we found the tours to be very informative with the some of the
best guides I have encountered in the 23 years I have enjoyed Costa
Rica. Truly, a fine example of Costa Rica natural resources ...loving "Ticos"
(Costa Ricans) and a world class diversified environment. A breath of
gratitude to you and Mary. PURA VIDA.
Tim
Thank you so much for an absolutely wonderful vacation. My husband
wasn't sure about the food when I expressed an interest in this "vegan
adventure camp". He was not vegan when we left. He loved the food and
never entered one of the many alternative restaurants. He went with me
to all the lectures, about the third one he whispered to me " how can
anyone hear this science and not make changes". We returned home on
Monday and had a dinner party on Tuesday night, preplanned, it was all
plant based with lots of starch and he cooked the main course. Thank you
McDougalls, now I feel my partner and myself will have many extra
quality years together. Happy trails,
Bonnie and Neal.
PS Neal approves
this message
My wife and I both feel our participation in the 2013 Adventure Tours
event at the Marriott Los Suenos, Costa Rica, provided the best
world-class bio-diversity and dietary educational vacation we've ever
undertaken. The incredibly healthy yet tasteful and abundant foods that
were included with inspirational yet scientifically-based and
well-researched daily lectures, the Costa Rica – specific presentations
provided in the late evenings, the organized and exceptionally well-run
daily tours totally spoiled us with excellence, while the time each day
for relaxation at either the many swimming pools or spa left us in
ecstasy by the time our flight departed for home. Now, we can't wait to
participate in our next McDougall event and come back in greater health!
Beryl and Bill
Many thanks for a very enjoyable week in Costa Rica. Every detail, from
airport pickup to departure was flawlessly executed; that takes strong
leadership and thorough supervision, and that is not a simple task. In
our travels, usually to France or Italy for the excellent food, we never
have been exposed to a low fat cuisine, even though we try. The food at
the Marriott restaurant measured up to any standard anyone would care to
establish any place. We did eat a little too much; those effects melted
away quickly. Your evening lectures were very candid, thorough,
persuasive and informative. Many thanks for your generous availability
and the time you devoted to personal questions. My wife, Sylvia, is
doing well in attempting to gain weight based on your recommendations.
We took only two of the scheduled trips - the alligator river sanctuary
and the national park about 1 and 1/2 hours away. Both were enjoyable.
We came to Costa Rica to learn and relax, so that's what we did. Please
express our appreciation to the tour guides and the hotel staff; they
were in top form. We hope to attend another adventure trip, perhaps in
early 2014.
Lee and Sylvia
I wanted to share with you my trip to Costa Rica last week was by far
the best vacation I have taken. It surpassed trips to Australia and
Europe. The hotel was spectacular along with the food. I looked forward
to every meal because I knew I was eating the healthiest I could. The
guides were wonderful and deserve the generous gratuities they received.
I'm looking forward to hearing about another future McDougall
trip...perhaps Hawaii or a cruise? That would be wonderful and I'd be
one of the first to sign up! Thank you again for you and your family's
time, which is spent caring enough for people to tell them the 'real'
truth about what they are eating and what they can do to live a long and
healthy life.
Cindy
Brian and I had such a wonderful time in Costa Rica. The Marriott Los
Suenos was a beautiful facility and the ocean view room with balcony was
everything we had hoped it would be. This vacation was relaxing,
exciting and educational. The tour guides were knowledgeable and
personable. We felt totally taken care of in everything we did. The food
was absolutely scrumptious and we felt that we were eating too much but
we wanted to sample everything including the amazing local fruits and
dessert creations. Despite it all we actually gained no weight from all
that eating! We had been planning this trip since we gave up cruising
due to the lack of suitable vegan food. What a great feeling not to
worry about the food! Also the excursions were so amazing, especially
the zip line which in the beginning I wasn't so sure about. It turned
out to be my favorite activity! We will never forget the sights and
sounds of the rain forest. It was great to have everything planned for
us including the great evening lectures from Dr. McDougall and local
guides. Thanks Dr. McDougall for all the great information, which would
have been reason enough to take this trip. We met so many in interesting
folks who were in various stages of the journey of seeking health. It
felt great to share this vacation with all of them including Dr.
McDougall's family. What a great support group!
Carolyn
Thank you for the wonderful time in Costa Rica. I met so many wonderful
people and all the tours were great, I look forward to going back and
doing them again. I've been vegan for a number of years, changing my
diet after reading Dr. McDougall's books but over the years, while
remaining a strict vegan, I forgot about some of the important things
like no oil and minimal amounts of tofu. The lectures by Dr. McDougall
were a good reminder for me to start eating correctly. Best of all was
the food. Another reminder of how delicious starch based, oil free
cooking is. I ate more than I've eaten in years. Didn't want to miss any
of the delicious dishes and desserts. I'm looking forward to February
2014 and your next adventure. I hope you go back to the same place it
was the perfect vacation.
Joan
We had a fabulous time on this trip. We did all the activities, and
thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them; the guides were
personable, and extremely well informed. The logistics were all
masterfully handled, and it was wonderful having delicious nutritious
food at every meal. The resort was gorgeous, and the service from the
resort staff was unbelievably attentive. An added bonus was the nightly
lectures; even though we had previously attended the 10-day program, we
still found these extremely informative & interesting. 4-thumbs up
between us.
Susan & Dane
My name is Mary, I am 18 years old and I have been vegetarian for 6
years and vegan for 3. The McDougall Adventure trip for me was not only
supposed to be an amazing vacation, but a chance for me to learn about
why I eat, the way I eat. I spent my beautiful vacation in Costa Rica
not only being able to eat amazing food for breakfast, lunch and dinner
without worrying if there's anything in it that I can't eat, but also
hearing from John the truth about my diet in an easy way that I could
understand. Now I have a better understanding of what harmful foods do
to your body, and I can explain it in a simple way to my friends and
relatives who don't follow the diet, and the people that ask me
questions about my diet. I ended up becoming great friends with all the
McDougalls, going on excursions with them, hanging out with them at the
pool and playing with their wonderful grandchildren every second I got!
I will truly never forget this McDougall Adventure and I can't wait to
go on my next one.
Mary
Hi Dr McDougall. Trying to get adjusted to not being in paradise. Thank
you all for the great time. Here's comments for the trip: After
attending a McDougall Costa Rica trip 2 years ago, we thought it could
not get any better. Well, guess what? It could and it did! We
experienced the same wonderful, professional McDougall family and staff,
who could run this trip in their sleep. (And Tiffany probably did,
knowing how little sleep she got!) The guides (Conrad, Carlos, Dennis,
Freddie and Sergio) and drivers were superb as usual--very informative
and funny. We either all ask the same questions or they know absolutely
everything about Costa Rica! The Marriott was simply outstanding in both
facilities (large, lovely rooms) and staff (energetic, friendly, and
approachable.) The food was both beautiful and delicious and we all ate
way too much (with no weight gain.) Dr. McDougall's lectures every day
were, as always, phenomenal and worth the trip alone. And, of course,
getting to meet fantastic new people, many of whom share our views and
values (Starchivore Soul mates) was priceless! Thank you all for such a
great vacation. We would not have changed a thing and we'll be coming
back!!!
Mitzi and John
The McDougall Costa Rica Adventure Trip was one of the best vacations I
have ever been on. The weather was perfect every day, and the view from
the hotel might have been the best I've ever seen. The all-inclusive
nature of the trip was a wonderful convenience, as I did have the
occasional drink or two. Not having to think at all about the food was
key; 3 delicious healthy meals a day with tremendous variety that I
never grew tired of. The daily adventures were all fantastic, and still
allowed for a relaxing half-day at the beach. Dr. McDougall's lectures
were captivating and powerful as always, and were a great motivator to
continue my healthy ways since going to the 5 day program in April of
2011. I can't wait for the next Costa Rica Trip!
Gabe
To all of you who made this wonderful week possible...THANK YOU, THANK
YOU. The location, education, fellowship, food and just total
organization of the event was beyond my expectation. My professional
world has been a little rocked, but you all have me thinking and
questioning like a new intern. Keep up the good work and, most of all,
the passion....I plan to spread as much of it as I can.
Micki, RD/LD
First off, let me tell you what a wonderful trip Costa Rica was. My
husband and I loved it. We found it the perfect mix of fun adventures,
delightful company, informative and stimulating lectures, and amazing,
worry-free food. Thanks for making such a fantastic experience
available.
Jean
We have taken 24 trips with McDougall Adventures and they are always fun
and educational. Our recent trip to the Marriott Los Suenos was
outstanding. The rooms were exceptional, the swimming pool a work of
art, the daily adventures lots of fun, and the food and service were
excellent. We met returning friends and made new friends and have signed
up for the next McDougall trip June 22nd to 29th at the Hilton Papagayo
Resort.
Larry & Ann
This was our first time on a McDougall Adventure to Costa Rica. It was
better than we imagined. Accommodations were exceptional, food
outstanding and Dr McDougall's lectures a treat. The adventures gave us
excitement and wonderful Costa Rica and information. Just enough pool
time to relax. All and all we had a fun filled and educational vacation.
Thank you McDougall family & staff for a great time.
Pam & Tom
It must be that only the most incredibly amazing people attend these
McDougall adventure trips because we just fell in love with everyone we
met. Everyone! We could have been in the middle of a snowstorm in some
remote area and I still contend we would have had a blast, but luckily
we were in Costa Rica, where everything was warm and sunny and tropical.
The plants, the wild life and the Costa Ricans all come together to make
this one of the most beautiful and welcoming places on the planet. The
McDougalls certainly know what they are doing when they plan these trips
and we were treated like royalty. Every detail was thought of in advance
and it was a trip of pure pleasure. The meals were fantastic endeavors
in culinary delights and it still seems impossible that we could eat
that much beautiful and delicious food and not gain a pound, but that is
exactly what happened! The lectures, the accessibility to the entire
McDougall family (plus Tiffany) and their tireless patience in educating
each and every one of us was one of the most inspirational and
motivational experiences we have ever had. We just want to say to
everyone that we were on this trip with that we miss you and it was our
greatest pleasure to get to know you all. Thank you McDougalls for the
trip of a lifetime. Your diet and lifestyle is now our diet and
lifestyle.
Larry and Laura Karns
The McDougall Costa Rica adventure vacation was an amazing experience. I
greatly enjoyed the adventure excursions, the wonderful and healthy
food, nature, birds and wildlife, friendly people, and the relaxation.
This trip really was an adventure of a lifetime and I am recommending it
to friends and family. This vacation was truly one of the most fun times
of my life!
Anna
The week in Costa Rica was transformative. My friend and
nurse-colleague, Rebecca, and I were weary and ready for the sun and
relaxation. Having read and viewed your online information as well as
F.O.K., we knew the message but were having trouble implementing, (and
sticking to), the recommendations. The opportunity to thrive on the diet
with tasty and appealing preparations was a big plus which continues to
give us inspiration in the kitchen. I have begun to integrate the wisdom
of the starch based diet into my health coaching practice. I am
surrounded by well-intentioned practitioners who advise that a high
protein diet is the way to lose weight. (I will be more credible when I
am no longer a 'fat vegan'!) All the Best in your work. Thank you,
again, for your generosity in sharing your Costa Rica time and your
wisdom with us.
Cathleen
It’s been a while since we returned from Costa Rica and this thank you
is long overdue. Mary and I had a great time at Los Suenos. The great
food, information and meeting new like-minded friends made it a “Best
Vacation.” We were lucky to be able to spend so much time with your
family. Mary and I had so much fun hanging with Heather and the boys and
with you and Mary.
Tom
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