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Home 
Diets
Books
BACKGROUND
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PRO
CON
DIET and NUTRITION
EXERCISE
CONCLUSION
Common Misspellings
Whats better than
The Starch Solution?
Diets
Books
The Starch Solution
Eat a plant based diet that includes starch to change your health.
Top Rated Diets of 2024BACKGROUND
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The Starch Solution is a new book written by Dr. John A. McDougall and Mary McDougall that sheds some light on the varying information available involving carbohydrates and dieting. Dr. McDougall is a bestselling author with over 44 years’ experience in the nutrition and disease industry. He was featured in the movie and book titled Forks Over Knives. Various diets have instilled fear in people when it comes to carbs over the past couple decades, but this book sets out to clear that up. Dr. McDougall and his wife Mary run the McDougall Live-In program which is located in Santa Rosa, California.
The premise of The Starch Solution is to switch out the protein and fat in your diet for carbohydrates through eating a plant-based diet. This book has a similar message to the documentary titled Got the Facts on Milk in which Dr. McDougall is featured and questions the validity of consuming milk and dairy products. Through The Starch Solution, Dr. McDougall has helped patients lose over 125 pounds in a matter of months and helped people conquer life threatening illnesses like heart disease, arthritis and type 2 diabetes. This book offers readers a guide for the needed changes they can make in their lifestyle to gain health. The book includes a 7-Day Sure Start plan and 100 different recipes that can be prepared at home.
Do You Know the Best Diets of 2024?
PRO
- Program has been proven to improve health
- Can result in dramatic weight loss
- Allows you to heal several weight related ailments
- Encourages eating starches to keep your body satisfied
- Save money on your grocery bill
- Great for those that are morbidly obese
CON
- Requires giving up all animal protein and dairy
- May be difficult to adjust to
- Suggests this is the only way to be healthy
DIET and NUTRITION
The Starch Solution offers a diet that is plant-based along with various starches to keep you satisfied and healthy. Some of the things you will be eating on this diet include various vegetables along with starches that include potatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, lentils and brown rice. This book offers a step by step program that you can follow to eliminate the dairy and animal protein that may be causing your health and weight issues. The program is based on the research of the popular China Study that was highly publicized in the documentary Forks Over Knives. The Starch Solution covers all of the research information that you need to know along with the five major poisons that are found in animal foods.
The program is laid out so that you can start with the 7-Day Sure Start Plan. There are tasty recipes laid out in the book so that you can meet the needs of your body and appetite. The categories for recipes include salads, burgers and wraps, main dishes, sweet endings and others. The makeup of the diet you will adopt through The Starch Solution consists of 70 percent starch, no meat or dairy, 10 percent fruits and 20 percent vegetables. Starches identified in this book are barley, buckwheat, corn, millet, oats, rice, rye, sorghum, wheat, wild rice, beans, lentils, peas, fruits and vegetables. Some of the featured recipes offered in the book are outlined below.
- Tunisian Sweet Potato Stew
- Tex-Mex Potatoes
- Red Lentil Sweet Potato Curry
- Tofu Tacos
EXERCISE
The main focus of The Starch Solution is on the research around changing the way you eat to improve your health. Many reviewers have stated that the results are achieved mainly through the nutrition but adding some exercise like walking will allow you to reach your goals faster. There is no specific exercise program outlined in the book though.
CONCLUSION
The Starch Solution does offer a solution that will help you lose weight. For some, the measures of eliminating fat, dairy and meat may be too extreme to stick with long term though. This book does offer a lot of research and success stories so it may help you reach your weight loss and health goals. There are other ways of eating that can offer exceptional health benefits that aren’t so extreme. It really depends on the person and their preference. If you can follow this way of eating then you will likely see some great results.
Common Misspellings
The starchy solution, the starch sollution, starch sollutions, the starch diet, the starch weight loss program
How Does The Starch Solution Compare?- Product Name
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- Cheap Price
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User Feedback
(Page 1 of 2, 30 total comments)Alan Comfort
I'm not fat. 178cm and 68cm. I agree with the concept and honestly would recommend this diet. However, when I got on a diet like this with beans, rice, potatoes, vegetables I end up going to the toilet like 6 times a day. Maybe that's why I didn't gain any weight with regular crappy foods. Has anyone else experienced this? Wayyyy too much fibre in these diets for me. Will my gut flora hopefully change soon so that I don't have to empty my bowels every few hours.
posted Mar 1st, 2017 3:56 amSteve
I not sure if im doing this right , all I eat is plane bake potatoes, and spinach or broccoli and gained 2 lbs. 314 now 316..
posted Dec 7th, 2016 10:53 amKathryn
+vegan diets are not extreme and this one is by far the easiest. It's so satisfying. You never feel like you are depriving yourself. I already ate mostly vegan and this diet has helped me to completely eliminate dairy from my diet. Anyone who doesn't scold me for eating rice is my diet hero!
posted Sep 30th, 2015 3:32 amDarlene
+This is my chosen eating style. I have no problems going out or at friends. I always, without asking, bring a small cooler of delicious foods prepared with me, and if needed, I have them. Very seldom do I need any. The weight loss with this lifestyle is amazing. I eat a LOT of food and NEVER care about portion size and simply enjoy eating.
posted Jun 1st, 2015 6:19 pmalex urena
+Have been on this diet for 23 days, have lost 13 pounds so far, and I’m never hungry.
posted Feb 3rd, 2015 4:31 amBonnie
+Best program ever. Saved my hubby's life.
posted Nov 20th, 2014 11:57 pmJudy Carreon
I happened onto The McDougall plan last year. It has been life changing for me and my husband. I am 59, was overweight, suffering from swollen joints and on my way to needing medication for high blood pressure. Since following this plan I have lost 25 lbs, still losing. My blood pressure and blood work are good. I recently passed a physical for life insurance and was given a preferred rate due to my health. My husband who suffered a severe stroke 2 years ago has improved and this plan has helped him to get off of all his Rx meds except one (with his Dr's guidance) and we are hoping that he will eventually be off of that! It has improved his health DRAMATICALLY! Our quality of life is better and our future is brighter because of the work done by Dr. McDougall and his collegues. Is it easy? No, there is definitely a mental shift that needs to take place. But being in control of the direction of our health and feeling good is definitely worth it!
posted Jul 24th, 2012 12:25 amAndrea
Our family was already vegan when my 3 year old son was diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) with a spinal tumor. I myself was slightly overweight regardless of eating what I though was healthy, spending 5 days a week in the gym and restricting calories. We were "junk food vegans" without knowing it though. After his diagnosis, we watched forks over knives, and started reading up on Dr. McDougall and Dr. Esselstyn's work. We switched to a whole foods plant based diet and opted out of Chemo to a "wait and see" approach. Almost 1 year later my son is in remission and I lost losts of weight effortlessly. This is not a diet for us, this is just plain good health. You want health-this is what it looks like. Telling your 4 year old he is done with the hospital is what it looks like.
posted Jul 23rd, 2012 4:32 pmMichelle
+Everywhere we turn in our family, someone is affected with diabetes. My grandmother died at 56 from diabetes and at the young age of 53, I found my mother in a diabetic coma from which she never recovered. My 39 year old sister is severely inflicted with the disease and thus is on a waiting list for a liver transplant. This family history was enough of a wake up call for me. I am 44 years young and in the best shape ever thanks to the work of Dr. McDougall and his colleagues. We first became aware of Dr. McDougall's work after viewing FOK. Both send a very strong message regarding the importance of eating a plant based diet. We love all of the resources and recipes from both programs, however, we are somewhat confused: Should the salad be the center of the meal or should the complex carbohydrates be the center of the meal. We decided to not make it so difficult by basing our menu for the day on what we feel like eating. Some days we are more veggie heavy and some days more starch. It seems to be working very well.
posted Jul 23rd, 2012 3:30 pmEllen Jaffe Jones
+Down 25 pounds, saved myself from being on meds the rest of my life from a colon blockage and an ER-ordered hysterectomy. All my numbers on your Star McDougaller page. Wrote my book from your inspiration and as a little thanks to you, Dr. Barnard and other veg docs who have saved so many lives! I continue to place in 5K races and enjoy great health. So very grateful!
posted Jul 23rd, 2012 3:04 pmBen
+Definitely the best diet I have ever known; I have been following this diet for years. If it wasn't for Dr. McDougall, I would be dead by now, or very close to it. But thanks to a diet of plants, I am in better health now than I have ever been before; I can run, bike, hike, and thoroughly enjoy using my body, and look forward to the next 70 years of life.
posted Jul 22nd, 2012 11:33 pmLinda A.
+Wonderful program. Not at all hard to follow and highly effective. I've been "McDougalling" for over 20 years. Started with fear and trembling! Never looked back from his then, 12 day program. I cannot understand why some folks won't even give it a try! Those who do often become instant believers. It's just making the decision to start that is needed. After a day or so, not even will power is required!
posted Jul 21st, 2012 9:06 amLori W
+I cannot thank Dr. McDougall enough for the work that he does to promote health. My husband and I started eating this way just over a year ago. Since that time, my husband has lost over 50 pounds and has gotten off his medications for high blood pressure, acid-reflux, anxiety and a heart arrythmia. But my favorite improvement is his breath! It no longer smells rotten. As for myself, I am still a work in progress. I have lost 95 pounds and have cleared up my skin, allergies and sinus issues. My female problems are totally gone and I no longer worry about a possible hysterectomy. I am no longer morbidly obese or pre-diabetic. I have never had this much energy. "The Starch Solution" lays out the plan for a lifestyle of delicious and satisfying eating while guiding our bodies to our ideal weight. I especially appreciate the references to facts and studies that effectively validate this way of eating. Dr. McDougall's website is also a valuable resource for learning, sharing and support.
posted Jul 20th, 2012 3:13 pmdan wells
+Everything Dr. McDougall says in this book is true. It works great. I used to have to weigh and record all my calorie counts everyday to keep my weight under control but since eating a starch based diet, I no longer have to watch my calories. I just eat whole plant foods until I'm full.
posted Jul 20th, 2012 12:02 pmElsdon Ward
+I have not read the book. But I have been on the website. I am following the diet i am 63, and started woth morbidly obese, with water in my ankles, skin problems and pains in my legs and joints.
posted Jul 20th, 2012 7:17 amAfter one month - my leg pains have gone - the skin has regenerated on my hands - lost 12 lbs already - better on my feet and full of confidence. I know that my blood is clean and my arteries are healing. This is for me a miracle - I have young children and need a second chance. This is real and it works - the food is delicious so anyone who needs advice on this in the UK send me a mail!!
Andrew Morris
Excellent diet. I have been eating this way for 8 years and my health has never been better. Ceasing dairy foods is easy and after 3 weeks you won't miss them. Highly recommended.
posted Jul 20th, 2012 5:33 amchristine
+This way of eating just plain makes sense. I am losing weight effortlessly and feeling full all the time. Best of all I feel healthy and energetic. There is an adjustment period as you change habits and learn about new foods, but my diet has so much more variety now than it ever did before. I will eat this way for the rest of my life! Dr. McDougall knows his stuff and backs everything up with solid research. He's not afraid to go against the status quo to spread his message of healthy eating.
posted Jul 20th, 2012 4:35 amMery
I have been following Dr. McDougall's plan for the last ten years. At 62, for the first time in my adult life my weight no longer yo-yo's. Now I have the figure I did in high school! And giving up dairy is the best thing I've ever done for my health. I used to be a cheese-aholic and would get a severe case of bronchitis at least once a year. But I have not had even one episode since I gave up dairy. AND my bone density is very good. Also I have endless energy. Wish I would have started the program so much sooner.
posted Jul 20th, 2012 4:23 amI love the variety in a plant-based diet. The food is so tasty. I never feel deprived.
I love that Dr. McDougall's message is tried and true. It is a beacon in this time of escalating health care costs.
Jill Fratianne
+The Starch Solution/diet has changed my life forever. After a year of following the program... all I can say is that it's all true. Thank you for giving me back my health, mental sanity, and general well being. We are what we eat... simple, but true concept.
posted Jul 20th, 2012 3:45 amClaudia
+I lost 80 pounds easily and also my fibromyalgia!--am now off all medications and feel great at 61 years old. (My son also lost 80 pounds on this easy diet--in just 3 months. We've both kept the weight off for over five years.) The McDougall way of eating is WEIGH to go!!!
posted Jul 20th, 2012 1:27 am