Discussion Board

Hi -- I'm gearing up to make the big switch to the McDougall Program.

I read The McDougall Program for Women first, and am now reading 12 Days to Dynamic Health, The McDougall Quick and Easy Cookbook, and The Engine 2 Diet. I am also watching the McDougall DVDs as I walk on the treadmill in the evenings.

It all makes so much sense, but the hardest parts for me will be giving up dairy and coffee. I do love tea (my family threatens to haul my supply of teas to Boston Harbor just to clean out our cupboards!), and I like Rooibos, Postum, etc. I am getting accustomed to rice milk on my cereal but will miss my yogurt and kefir.

My other challenge will be going it alone within my household, as my husband and son are meat and dairy devotees and, sadly, have no intention of changing. They, of course, think I'm wacko for even considering doing this.

I've always been what most people would consider a healthful eater, but now, with all I've learned recently, I see I haven't eaten so healthfully, after all.

Looking forward to learning lots here, and I hope to be able to provide support for others, as well.

Welcome aboard, Mag! You are getting quite an education! I am glad you found us.

Please check in here often; share what you know and keep us posted on your progress!

Thank you for the welcome, pinkrose!

In thinking further about it, I realize I have a few more challenges, too. One is the distance I have to go to find many of the good foods I need, as I live in a small town. And I strongly prefer organics (not much readily available here) whenever possible. That means I'll have to plan smartly to maximize my trips to the grocery resources in the closest larger cities.

Another challenge is to overcome my own ingrained notions based on many years of "popular wisdom." For example, I'd become so indoctrinated against white potatoes, that I rarely think of them when meal planning, so I'm working to change that.