didi wrote:One thing that I didn't like about the Starch Solution was Dr. M's statement that you add some green and yellow vegetables for a little color, flavor and some other very non nutrient reasons. I eat them because I think they are packed with nutrients and that although millions have lived and reproduced on starches, the other vegetables and fruits enhance health and immunity. And I eat starches not just because they are satiating but because they too possess nutrients conducive to good health.
Didi
Didi, I think you've misunderstood what Dr McDougall says about vegetables in
The Starch Solution.
Green, yellow, and orange nonstarchy perishable vegetables contain only small quantities of starch. Their most important role is to contribute flavor, texture, color, and aroma to your starch-based meals. They offer a bonus in the additional nutrients (such as vitamin A and C) that come along for the ride. (page 4)
(Emphasis mine)
On page 5 there is a chart indicating
the makeup of
the Starch Solution diet: 70% starch, 10% fruits and 20% vegetables.
On page 7 is a table entitled "McDougall's Classification of Common Foods". Under starches is
the sub-category "starchy vegetables" which includes carrots, Jerusalem artichokes, parsnips, potatoes, salsify, sweet potatoes, winter squashes and yams.
Under "Green, Yellow and Orange (Nonstarchy) Vegetables are listed bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower...(and many others).
I think Dr McDougall makes it clear that
the non-starchy vegetables contain valuable nutrients (see quote above). But
the starchy vegetables contain valuable nutrients too; carrots and sweet potatoes are both high in vitamin A, for example, and potatoes contain all
the nutrients we need apart from B12.
If someone were to eat a diet of 90% vegetables and 10% fruit, it would still be possible to adhere to
the ratios suggested for
the Starch Solution diet - 70% starchy vegetables, 20% non-starchy vegetables, and 10% fruit.
So I don't think Dr McDougall overlooks or minimizes
the importance of vegetables.