Discussion Board

Hi!

Just over a week ago, I decided, for health reasons primarily, to adopt an animal free diet. My mother in law has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and now they've found othe cancer-and I'm starting to see my own children's family medical history start to take shape- and it occured to me, as an ex-smoker who has now been obese for the entire 3 years since the birth of my son (plus probably while I was pregnant, and on all kids of awful medication for two of those years following emergency back surgeryover 2.5 years ago my own contribution to that 'hsitory' was bound to be very interesting reading!

So. Here I am, or rather, there I was, after a few days, feeling just 1000% better, and a little lighter, I thought I may be losing weight. Not satisfied to leave it at that, I tried to research what further weight loss I could expect, and how I could accelerate the process. I was excited, as this year I had tried high protien/low carb diet,to no avail (put ON weight,and felt like crap)which made me desperate enough to try a prescription weight loss medication- also to no avail. So to see weight finally coming off AFTER I had decided to just eat for health and wellbeing was awesome. After a bit of noodling around, it does appear that the way I've been eating very closely resembles this McDougall model!!!

Although, I have been avoiding rice and pasta etc, and have yet to brave a potato, I have been primarily eating lentils, chickpeas and beans, quinoa and (primarily green) vegetables. No fats, no bread, no sauces or condiments.

SO, I'm wondering, am I overdoing the beans/legumes side of things from a MWL point of view,do you think? I've been making them I'd say 50% of my 'meal' and how does an old carb-phobe like myself work in a bit of potato (I CAN'T dring myself to do pasta, not yet!! not YET!!!! but I will add anything unprocessed- that is any vegetable, and I'm open to rice)

I'm very grateful for any help getting a clue here!

I believe that the MWL guidelines say to limit beans/legumes to one cup per day. The STARCH is what fills you up, satisfies the hunger - don't be afraid - eat some starches!

Brown rice! Grains! Potatoes! ENJOY!

Yes!

Welcome aboard, Newvegel! If weight management is your priority, you probably would be very happy with the MWL program.

See

http://www.drmcdougall.com/free.html

http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/pdf/pdfmc050100nl.pdf

I eat only veggies and starches (including occasional bowls of noodle soup to prevent excessive thinness) and I have been very happy with the MWL program. You can see my story here:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=26307

Since you seem to be reluctant to enjoy potatoes--as many of us here enjoy them--you may also benefit from reading The Starch Solution!

Use the great resources here and keep us posted on your journey!

thanks for your replies cjj and pinkrose- pinkrose your story is amazing!

I had read through some of the free guide bits and pieces, but I guess years of programming won't just sit back and allow me to start knocking back the 'baddies'!!!!

I have potatoes in the oven right now though, and although I AM really feeling anxious about it, I suppose I can't exactly live on chick peas and asparagus either! I love, love, LOVE brown rice and would have ZERO problems eating it 3 meals a day, day in day out... I will explode with joy if that turns out to be RREALLY possible.

I guess I'm scared of spoiling the little gains I've made in the last week or so-my jeans are feeling nice and loose, and I'm loath to mess with that! I would never have thought I was SO hung up about avoiding rice, potatoes and pasta. Don't get me wrong, I've had plenty of all 3 over the past 3 months, but always during a 'bad' week, or whatever, you know? BEVER when I was being carefull about what I was eating. It's hard to get past it. I'd find it eqivalently mind-changing as having to work, say, Ice-cream into every meal!

Take the time to watch the following video on The Starch Solution:

http://www.drmcdougall.com/video/starch_solution.html

Kate

and remember potatoes are natural and high in potassium/vitamin C. God made a good food to keep us full.