Discussion Board

I was feeling like I was over eating till I read a thing about McDougall's 10 day program and him encouraging them to go for seconds and thirds. Don't stress over the amounts as long as your falling the plan.

Hi Jan- I am similar to you in that I never cared for meat or dairy. I liked the sugar/fat laden junk food! The best part (in my opinion) of the McDougall plan is there is no "portion control"!! It is not the amount of food you eat, it is the kind of food you eat. You can throw all the dieting "rules" you know out the window, and replace them with these simple "rules": eat a starch-based diet with vegetables and fruits. If you are hungry, eat. That about covers it!

You might eat a lot during the first few weeks- think of it as your body being so happy to finally be getting the starches it has been craving. Eat as much as you want (of the starches and veggies). Once your body adjusts, you might eat less, but do not worry about it. Enjoy!

Hello all, I didn't do an entry yesterday (Aussie Monday) as I am unwell and am not at work. I'm currently on my neighbour's computer in order to do an update. Well, I have lost a pound (was hoping for 2 pounds, however my philosophy is don't look a gift horse in the mouth). So am at the start of the scales going anticlockwise. It has been raining (very heavy rain) and the winds have been just bl**dy awlful so both Cuz Nicki and myself have only done short walks. I am pleased to say that Cuz Nicki is feeling somewhat lighter due to portion control. I agree with you, Zoeyfour, in that what is brilliant about this lifestyle is that there is no portion control. And, secondly that you find a computer family (since we come from all over the world) that realises that meat and dairy are just not good for our bodies and in my belief cause a lot of the illnesses we see today (ie rise in cancers etc). It is also good to not have someone harp at you about not getting calcium if you don't eat dairy. That part I am really enjoying. Anyway, am going back to bed, and will hopefully be at work tommorrow with another update. I can't wait another week before getting on the scales and so may actually have a brief peek. Am feeling better in the sense that my sinus' are not playing up ( a first for me given that it is winter here in Sydney). Cuz Nicki and I are looking forward to having days without rain so we can go for walks, however, the rain does mean I don't have to water the garden and play 'kill the hose' with Cuz Nicki. He is under the belief that his job is to attack the hose and he feels mighty proud when the hose suddenly dies (when I turn off the tap). Hope you all are doing well. I do look forward to going through the entries of you guys and seeing how things are going. Will have to do that tommorrow as I don't want to overstay my welcome at my neighbours home. Anyway Cuz Nicki and I are on our way to becoming Angelina Joli and the six pack dog.

Hi Jan,

Big welcome to another Aussie! There are a few of us on here now. McDougall will transform your life . Which part of Oz are you in?

Hello there, I'm in Sydney. Where are you living. [color=#FF0040]Glad to hear that there are a few Aussie's around.[/color] Do love the program and got on the scales this morning however am still the same. Well it was only a day ago that I weighed myself. So when you first joined did you feel a burst of energy and did this happen quickly. Although I was hoping to be a size 10 within a week (oh and this didn't happen like I expected it to ) I didn't expect to feel so much better within myself so quickly. I feel this complete energized woman I think that the diet is fab, but what I think works in the face of current fads such as high protein diets and drink this to lose 15 kilos in 5 minutes diets (if you ever have a sleepless night and watch really bad TV - you actually do see such adds - similar to look 20 years younger using this cream) is not only eating healthy but the McDougall community. I think this is the place where you get support, where you can nut out ideas and where you get can advice (even from the big Kahoona himself) if requried. I have started to tell a number of people about Dr McDougall and his book and website, however there are those who just revert back to 'its not healthy - what about the lack of calcium and iron etc'. Well my thing in relation to the iron argument is that it is sooooooooooo healthy having rotting meat just lay there in your gut. I believe in God and I think he intended for us to eat mainly plant food and grains, and if in fact he did intend for us to have meat in our diets (and I'm not convinced of that) just look at what we have done to our environments - hormones in meat, ruining our oceans, etc. I think the thing that I find so amazing is the resistence I have come up against. And yet, when you look at the basics of McDougall philosophy it is a very healthy eating plan. It is amazing though the resistence. I didn't find it as much when I didn't eat meat and poultry. People seemed to just accept I didn't eat meat. But the moment I stopped having seafood and dairy thats when I got the constant nagging. I don't think it is done out of malice, however, it is this idea that grains, beans, veggies/fruit are not enough to sustain us. Yet when trying to chat to people about the increase in cancers - and the studies which have identified high protein diets for instance, being linked to certain cancers/heart disease - they just don't seem to want to know. I am particularly interested in the link to cancer as my cousin died of colon cancer. She ate very healthy according to western beliefs - had her meat, diary, fish, poultry, vegetables, fruit and with some grains and beans. My uncle has been diagnosed recently with the same cancer and is going to be operated on next Tuesday. He also has similar diet to my cuz who died (his daughter). I remember a couple of cases of people with cancer who beat the odds, no offence Dr McDougall but it didn't seem to be so much with conventional medicine although one did have chemo for a while, but it was them focusing on their diets. Both of the cases I remember in particular avoided all diary and meat. In one case the woman wrote a book and visited Australia (I just can't remember her name but I do remember the controversy) and was hounded by the diary industry. She had breast cancer and it was at one of those later stages However, although given a limited time to live, she researched other cultures in particular the Asian cultures and found that they (those who live a traditional life not the westernised versions) have one of the lowest rates of breast cancer. When she looked at their traditional diets she found - no diary in particular. Also they didn't go crazy as we do with soy products - they had tofu as a condament, not a main meal. She later had more tests done and guess what the cancer had reduced and more tests later showed that it reduced to basically nothing. She spoke about her Oncologist being amazed, however she was quite clear that the changes she made was basically her diet - she cut out all diary and stopped eating meat. She very much believed that diary has a strong link to cancer and talk about how we are the only species that drinks another species milk. She also spoke about the hidden diary in processed foods and warned that if you decide to cut out diary be aware of the processed foods. Read the labels carefully. My take on the matter is to limit such foods. Anyway, this is my rant for the week.
Sydney seems to be starting to have sunny patches after a number of days of really heavy rains. Cuz Nicki and I will be planning a few walks tommorrow. He loves porridge, veggies, fruit and of course his organic chicken. However, I'm going to see if he likes beans - my organic mate.
Cheers to all. Hope you all have a great weekend. Cheers - Jan (aka Angelina in the making and looking for Brad with her trusty pal Cuz - six pack - Nicki).

I am in country Victoria, near Echuca on the Murray River. I have been a vego since 8 years old and vegan since 12, so about 20 years of being vegan. The main change I had to make was cutting out oils, and have been strict MWL McDougalling for about 2 years now. My health is greatly improved and I notice I don't get sick as often. I notice on my Facebook, people are constantly whinging about colds and flus - healthy meat eaters . I hardly ever catch a cold now. I also lost 20kg last year and am now stable at a healthy BMI. My iron levels are optimal without supplements.

WoW - 20 kgs, congrats Samnangmeh - what an achievement. I must admit I am a babe compared to you in relation to veggo diet. However, do feel better. It is a struggle - the removal of fats from the diet, however am going to push forward. Did you tend to overeat on the starches for instance when you first joined McDougall, as I am finding that I am doing this. However, it is winter and I am as boring as batsh*t so tend to sit with Cuz Nicki on the lounge in the evening and watch TV - resulting in a snack looming at some point - sometimes just to walk away from the TV shaking my head at what crap I am forcing both me and Cuz Nicki to watch. It is interesting what you say about the health issue - I think our bodies do react to what I consider is a poor diet and the truth is in the fact of whether you constantly get sick or not. What I notice is the increased energy - and so quickly. I loved my veggies, but I think it is the added grains (for me - I tended to not really have wholegrains in my diet before this) with the veggies that has achieved this. I also apart from soup tend to have raw veggies - mainly due to only being allowed to scare Cuz Nicki once every six months. Given this rule cannot go near the stove more than that amount. Hmmm. interesting though on the cold/flu issue. I live in Birchgrove in Sydney - near the city. Its a dog loving community which suits me. Anyway, congrats on that weight loss - WOW - you are an inspiration.

Oops add 5 more! Just weighed myself and lost 5kg in the past 3 weeks.

I never limit my starches, I just eat as much as I want. Don't restrict yourself.

P.S I'm usually the one getting compared with Angelina. Not by looks, but because my son is adopted from Cambodia

Jan, congratulations on your start. The woman you mention is Prof Jane Plant. As I've mentioned before here, her book "Your life in Your Hands" was the best cancer book I read (Until I found "The China Study). I gave up dairy literally immediately, poring away the remains of a cup of tea! People here will probably know most of her arguments, but for others, especially those diagnosed with cancer, it is a compelling, readable book. It led me, via "The China Study" here. And I am very glad to be here.

Hello samnangmeh and Gwenllian and the rest of the McDougall community. Firstly, Samnangmen, 5kg in such a short time, you are an inspiration.

In relation to whether I limit my starches or not, I don't limit them, however am thinking of not so much limiting but changing my starches (ie not having wholegrain bread roll with my soup and instead having sweet potato - yummy) only to see if this will result in better weight loss results. I do have, and I am admitting this, a very large breakfast - I have about just over a cup of rolled oats - uncooked - which when cooked makes a really large bowl. With this I have my two pieces of fruit with the oats. Over the last few days I have had homemade soup (yep, can't really f*ck up soup - which I have found which has made my self-esteem in relation to cooking increase greatly.) I've been making cawliflower and zucchini soup - sometimes with some kale included. I've also tried carrot and corriander soup (may I please now get my Award for Chef of the Year ). Have been having wholegrain bread with the soup, but am now thinking of substituting this (after reading some entries here about not having bread to increase weight loss) and instead substituting this with sweet potato. Its really the evenings, that I am finding diffiicult as it is cold here and thats when the hunger pains (well actually am not sure that they are hunger pains, I think it is boredom plus being cold that is the issue). Last night I craved for chocolate (periods due so hormones going crazy, but instead had some porridge and oat bran). Anyway, in relation to watching/limiting starches, I definetely don't especially in relation to breakfast. I do have to say that having the big breakfast (not to the extent of feeling like I'm going to explode or anything like that, however in saying that most 'normal size' people would explode, but my belly is quite stretched to take in the amount, however, having the big breakfast of oats makes me feel quite full and comfortable until lunch time. And, o.k.samnangmeh you have it over me in relation to Angelina, however, I intend to continue to bribe Cuz Nicki (by holding up chicken while asking the question - do I remind you of angelina Joli) as it makes me laugh oh and continues to allow me to live in delusional land.

And, Gwenllian, I'm going to get a copy of that book. I found her facinating when she was interviewed. I read Petrea King's books when Chris first got cancer as I was referred to the Patrea King organisation and put Chris onto her support group. Likewise, I am amazed at how diary is such a strong link to cancer, and yet the industry gets away with not telling to truth to the general public due to being a big and wealthy industry. I do feel heaps better without diary but equally I feel like I've taken control over my life as much as I can when it comes to preventative measures.

SO here comes the news - no weight loss this week. I'm thinking my periods are due and this could be the reason why. The only other thing is that I did have wholegrain bread roll with my homemade veggie soup, however I don't believe given the amount of exercise I've been doing that this would have done the trick, given that it was wholegrain. For instance on Sunday, my walking mate Rob and I walked from Balmain to Kirrabilli and back which is about 15 kilometres I'm so proud of us however our legs are still hurting from that walk. I'm thinking more that it is related to my periods which are going through stages of being early and late given that I'm in peri-menopause This is the time of life I have found when my emotions are playing havic and all I want to do is jump under the covers and doze I've been to Pilates every day (except wont be going tommorrow due to work committments). So the exercise part of my life is in order, it is most likely due to my periods being due that I have not lost any weight, however the weird thing is that two people (one last Friday and one this morning) both told me I look like I have lost weight - so maybe it is muscle as well, although everything still looks very very wobbly Am still aiming for Angelina Joli's body from Tombraider (without the tatt - really suits her but its just not me).

cuz Nicki update - seems slightly lighter, however am thinking of getting him a little tread mill that he can use in the lounge room while I lay on the lounge watching TV. Although I am laughing I am beside myself while I report he is not laughing at that suggestion Personally, I thought it is payback for not sweepting the floor, tidying up the place, sweeping the backyard and fluffing up the cushions for me while I'm at work. It appears that although I think we have an agreement when I leave for work, he obviously is laying on the lounge all day instead of doing these chores. I do remember seeing a program in which dog owners were sending their dogs to play school and 'work out centres' (the work out centres involved the dogs being on treadmills and swimming etc) while they (the owners) were at work.

Anyway, am venturing on. Am away tommorrow at a course and back Wednesday. Hope all are doing well and are heading towards goals.
cheers - Jan and soon to be six pack Cuz Nicki.

Hi there! I am a volume eater as well. I've always preferred large portions of food since I was a kid! I don't think that will change any time soon.

I've found that if I limit the fats, there is no problem with eating healthy starches.

I think we've been brainwashed into "portion control" by the media. When you eat whole, unprocessed, plant-based foods, you are giving your body what it needs, and the importance of "portion control" is diminished.

That said, I don't eat just to eat. I focus on eating when hungry and stopping when satisfied (not stuffed). I've also slowed down my eating considerably which helps.

Good luck at your course, I hope you come home to a clean house and a lovely dinner prepared by Cuz Nicki

The bread could be a factor. I don't eat bread, because I'm coeliac anyway, but might be worth a shot at seeing how you go without it. Tonight I baked 8 jacket potatoes and put them in the fridge to use in lunches etc over the next couple of days and to grate in the morning to make a hashbrown breakfast
Have you ever tried buckwheat groats/kasha as an alternative to oat porridge for breakfast? I've been having them lately and find them delicious. I cook them in chai tea and add rhubarb and mixed berries

Hello all,
Well, firstly got my periods yesterday which may be one factor as to why I haven't lost any weight. However, do agree that maybe staying away from the bread is the answer as well. Nice to know Ella that I am not the only one who is a big eater, however will also try your techniques about eating to feeling satisfied instead of exploding and eating slowly.
Hello my mate, samnangmeh - now this is where you get to see how blonde (no actually brown with grey) I am. What is buckwheat groats/kasha????????? And where would I find this????? I do have to say that since joining McDougall I am spending more time in the kitchen (which I am enjoying and it is not as scary as I first thought) as well as learning about new foods.
So although saying will stop bread to see if this assist from reading posts, do have confession to make - I feel like I should be Catholic and sitting in front of a priest while writing this. But yesterday was at a course and there was absolutely nothing to eat except what they provided, so had 3 sandwiches - brown and wholegrain bread with lettuce/tomato and beetroot. I was really hungry, but in the afternoon got my periods so it kind of explained to me why I was like Cuz Nicki and enhaling food (must be a family trait). Anyway, no more bread, got periods and so am crossing fingers that I lose about 2-3 pounds by next week.
And some sad news samnangmeh - I came home and the house was not cleaned. It appeasr that Cuz Nicki lays on the lounge all day while I am at work. I tried to have discussion with him regarding this, but he just laid on his back and looked cute. Most annoying.
Anyway, looking forward to finding out what buckwheat groats/kasha is and trying it. Cheers - Jan.