by SactoBob » Mon May 11, 2009 8:36 am
Some people above have asked for more details on how I managed to get such good results, and the answer is simple - I just eat all I want of the recommended foods. I do take a B12 supplement.
When I first got the diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease, I did a lot of research. Two programs had documented arrest and reversal of the disease, those of Drs.. Esselstyn and Ornish.
I was particularly attracted to Dr. Esselstyn's program since it was a long term study and the results appeared more dramatic I also came here and saw Dr. McDougall's recommendations - which were practically identical, and I saw some of the Star McDougaller's. I also checked Neal Pinkney's web site (he is from Sacramento). The way to go seemed pretty clear, and I resolved that I would do this program 100%.
My wife decided to join me on the program so that we would be in it together. I had a few questions about some of the foods - mostly reading the labeles to make sure I was eating the correct foods. Even though I thought I understood the program well, I hired Jeff Novick as person coach. He was very helpful. Although I didn't need to use him very often, he was really key on understanding the labels and what was optimal for me.
I bought a number of Dr. McDougall's dvds. Probably the most important were Doug Lisle's (and his book, the Pleasure Trap also). Dr. Lisle's materials promised that the transition pains I experienced would go away soon, and they did.
I resolved that any off plan food were simply forbidden in any amounts, and that i would eat cardboard before I touched any SAD food. I found that there was no problem eating a healthy diet by simply eating from allowed foods and letting my appetite be my guide.
Some of the foods that I personally used a lot were oatmeal, brown rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peppers, lentils, beans, mixed greens, blueberries, strawberries, banana, melons, etc. I resolved not to eat at restaurants since I made a couple attempts and got food with oil or animal products. I have been in the program for 16 months and have not had 16 restaurant meals. That is something I need to change for my wife, but we have not yet found a restaurant that serves what I need and is tasty.
Since I needed to lose weight, I avoided flour products, dried foods, tofu, junk vegan food, etc.
There was really no secret. I just ate the recommended foods, and it is on autopilot now - I don't even think about it. And I enjoy my diet as much as I did before - more since I feel better.