Discussion Board

I have been using the term "plant-based" because I adopted this diet primarily for health reasons, and a growing number of people seem to know what you're talking about when you say you eat a plant-based diet. But after reading Dr McDougall's article in the latest newsletter, I definitely feel there are good arguments for using the term "starchivore"!

What do others think?

I struggle with finding a good label.

I do not use any of the ones posted. When people ask, I say I eat healthy. Then if they want more details I talk about plant based whole foods and having my meals over half starches. I throw in that I eat lots of potatoes.

I am also not a 100%er, so I do not want to say I never eat meat.

If I had to name myself, I would call myself a "McDougaller".

It IS hard to 'put a handle on it' because there are additions or deletions whichever way you look at it to what I call myself...vegan. Most people understand it the best that I know. I always add that it's starch based which makes most people question what I mean. Whole foods. Then there's the lowest fat intake issue. Everyone thinks its great but don't know how to prepare if I go to dinner. I usually eat first. Not always easy.

I am finally calling myself a "Starchavore." I also say I am a McDougaller. The reason I started saying I am a Starchavore is because I have to explain too much when someone asks me if I am a vegan. It's always, yeh, but...! Now when I am asked, I can say, "Well, actually...I call myself a starchavore!" They still ask, "What's that," but now I am not on defense. I can pull the book out (with relis) and/or just keep it simple and say that it's plant based, but focuses on starches, so I get all the goodness from potatoes, brown rice and other things like pasta and bread. They usually wrinkle their nose at potatoes and brown rice (especially women) and smile at pasta and bread. I'm still refining my response, but I want to encourage people to inquire if they are seriously interested. I think that people don't know what to eat any more. For a lot of people the only food they know is meat coated with breading and fried or something between bread or buns. I need to remember that when or if I tell them I don't eat animal products, all they can think of is what's left if they don't eat animal products. One sister in law said that vegetarians only eat side dishes. I need to see what they are thinking to understand why they are turned off. It's true that most people think that anything besides the steak or fried chicken is optional and is just a side dish. Starchavore gets the party started....if you want to get them started asking. If not, then avoid, I guess. Sometimes, I just say, I just don't eat animal products. I eat everything else. The truth for me is that it is true. I will eat what is served if no animal products, but I draw the line at that.