How Do We Know We Got It Right?

energy_dad · **Joined:** Thu Sep 22, 2011 6:04 pm **Posts:** 109

If we follow the guidelines what should the result be? Do we go in for a physical and ask for a blood test? If so, what should the results look like? How do we know we are getting it right?

didi · **Joined:** Wed Jun 30, 2010 2:35 pm **Posts:** 2291

I don't know where Jeff is but you can tell by a blood test that your total cholesterol and LDL have lowered as well as lower triglycerides, and your blood sugar has lowered (if it was high) by either a blood test or a home monitor and if you are overweight you should gradually lose weight. Often people with skin problems and arthritis report great improvement. People with digestive problems report improvement including an elimination of GERD. Angina pain and pain from claudication disappear or decrease. If you click on the star Mcdougallers at the top of the page you will see videos of successful dieters and below that click on the listing of others who have adopted the diet and write about health improvement.

Didi

energy_dad · **Joined:** Thu Sep 22, 2011 6:04 pm **Posts:** 109

Thanks. I know this but I'm curious what Jeff would say. I didn't have any medical issues but was not eating healthy. I want to know what he considers a barometer of success.

Jeff, what should my vitals be i.e. what would tell me the diet is working properly on my body?

Thanks!

PurplePotato · **Posted:** Sat Sep 22, 2012 10:48 pm

JeffN wrote:

But what is more important and what I feel to be the most important test, is what I call the "plate test." Very few people know about it yet it is one of the most effective tests and simple and easy to do and very inexpensive. You can even do it at home.

Here is how you do it.

When you sit down to eat each meal, look at your "plate" and see if it passes this "test", the "Plate Test."

Are at least 95% of the calories on your plate coming from unrefined unprocessed fruits, vegetables, starchy vegetables, intact whole grains and/or legumes? Are there at least 12-15 grams of fiber coming from whole natural foods? Does it meet my guidelines for sodium? Are any "exceptions" being kept to less than 5% of calories?

If your meal passes this "Plate Test", then I think that is the most effective test you can ever have done and the best indicator of your future health and longevity.

In Health
Jeff Novick, MS, RD

Burgess · **Posted:** Sun Sep 23, 2012 4:37 am

energy_dad wrote:

If we follow the guidelines what should the result be? Do we go in for a physical and ask for a blood test? If so, what should the results look like? How do we know we are getting it right?

What sort of answer are you expecting? Are you looking for one marker, such as the Total Cholesterol count? A set of markers?

Do you understand that every measurement of health -- and there are many of them -- is meaningless without knowing the full context, that is, everything about the particular person's medical history and current condition?

Here is my one primary criterion for success: Do I feel good while pursuing all of my highest personal values with full functionality?

If the answer is yes, I have succeeded -- until disease and death overtake me no matter what I do.

If the answer is no, I have more work to do in perfecting my diet and exercise program -- until disease and death overtake me no matter what I do.

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