The McDougall Program: 12 Days to Dynamic Health (Plume) [Paperback]

John A. McDougall (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 1, 1991 | Series: Plume

In this ground-breaking book, Dr. John McDougall, bestselling author and creator of the nationally renowned diet and exercise program at the St. Helena Hospital in Deer Park, California, introduces his remarkable twelve-day plan. Building on the idea that the traditional meat-rich American diet is hazardous to our health, Dr. McDougall has developed a medically sound, low-fat, starch-based diet that not only facilitates weight loss but also reverses serious illness, without drugs, and provides a broad range of dramatic and lasting health benefits. Step-by-step, he takes you through his revolutionary new program, providing:

• Over 130 easy-to-prepare recipes
• Delicious day-by-day menus
• Suggestions for healthful dining out

Plus a comprehensive listing of health problems from arthritis to ulcer disease, comparing the traditional, often drastic medical approach and The McDougall Program's nutritionally based alternative.  As featured in the book and movie Forks and Knives, John A McDougall delivers a powerful and effective food regiment. 

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Dr. John McDougall is a true pioneer in using low-fat vegetarian diets to treat and help prevent a variety of diseases."
—Dr. Dean Ornish, author of Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease

"This book is not just another diet book. It is, perhaps, the best practical guide to nutritional well-beig ever written."
—T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., director of the China Health Project, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University

"It's a wonderful book!"
—William c. Roberts, M.D., editor in chief of The American Journal of Cardiology

"Excellent guidance … Recent studies have shown the value of radical dietary changes in potentially reversing heart disease."
—Robert E. Kowalski, bestselling author of The 8-Week Cholesterol Cure

"A bountiful supply of nutritional self-help information … For people who are just now being initiated into taking charge of their own lives, overcoming disease, and maximizing wellness, this is the essential first step. … Dr. McDougall will be taking his place along with Carlton Fredericks, Linus Pauling, and Adelle Davis."
—Gary Null Ph.D., author of A Complete Guide to Health and Nutrition

About the Author

John McDougall, M.D., is the author of many previous books, including The McDougall Program, The McDougall Program for Maximum Weight Loss, and The New McDougall Cookbook. He is the founder and director of the McDougall Program at St. Helena Hospital in Napa Valley, California, and has a nationally syndicated television show as well as a weekly radio program. He lives in Santa Rosa, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Plume (August 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452266394
• ISBN-13: 978-0452266391
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,066 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Diets & Weight Loss > Vegetarian
  • #50 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Special Diet > Low Fat
  • #54 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Diets & Weight Loss > Low Carb

More About the Author

John McDougall, MD, is a medical maverick who challenges medical and pharmaceutical businesses when they prioritize profits over patients. For the past 30 years he has countered mainstream misinformation with the fad-free truth and nutrition and your health.

Dr. McDougall, along with his wife Mary, offers his life-changing approach through national-bestselling books, DVDs, semniars, and the McDougall Live-In Programs in Santa Rosa, CA.

Other books include The McDougall Program for a Healthy Heart, The McDougall Plan: 12 Days to Dynamic Health, and The McDougall Program for Women.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

222 of 228 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One-Stop Shopping for Would-Be Vegans January 11, 2000

By John Bordeaux

Format:Paperback

This will be a short review. Simply put, this book laid the foundation seven years ago for my vegetarianism. I have found few if any sources in academic libraries to dispute McDougall's views on diet and health. I was 23 when I began using this book as the basis for my diet and recipes. Today, in 2000, I enjoy these recipes regularly (I do add some salt back, and take a cue from Andrew Weil's "Spontaneous Healing" with regard to olive oil) and review this information from time to time to gauge my progress. While so many of my contemporaries are swelling like ticks from their childhood diets, my one adult decision to become vegetarian has resulted in a slim body, constant comments from my friends about my youthful appearance, and a cleaner planet due to all the cows and pigs and chickens I did not consume. I cannot say that this book changed my life; my decision to change gave the consequence of searching for such a book. I believe anyone with the will to become a new person will find much inspiration and practical advice in "The McDougall Program." I'm ordering it for my mom today.

112 of 114 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is life changing August 13, 2005

By Kathryn Grimm

Format:Paperback

Last year I met Dr. Ruth Heidrich, an extraordinary athlete, author and breast cancer survivor on a week long cruise I went on to the Caribbean. She was a speaker for this special "vegetarian cruise" and was part of the reason I signed on. Long before the cruise I had read about her battle with the disease and had even corresponded with her about some health issues that she was very helpful with. Meeting her in the flesh was life changing. She is 70 years old, a pillar of health with a magnetic presence. Her words changed everything for me and introduced me to the world of Dr. John McDougall, the person she gives credit to for saving her life over twenty years ago from the cancer. After the cruise I bought this book, a set of pots and pans and began cooking the recipes from the book (much to the delight of my fiance!) A few short weeks later my cholesteral was down to 144 from 236. Ever since I have enthusiastically passed out several copies to friends and acquaintances with various health issues and have witnessed dramatic, life-altering results. Huge weight losses, drops in cholesteral, meds being discontinued (blood pressure, etc.). McDougall has taught me to take charge of my own health. My personal physician told me not to worry about my previous high cholesteral - something I found ironic with the long history of health problems on both sides of my family. With this book I was able to help myself and I continue to help others everytime I pass it on. This is a must read! Buy several copies to have on hand for your loved ones.

64 of 64 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, easy to read guideline for improving your health May 27, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This is an excellent book, well-written, concise and with humor for anyone who wants to improve their health through diet. It provides a brief history of the "hows and whys" of Dr. McDougall's journey towards a vegan diet. The history is followed by a "how to get started plan", a 12 day suggested meal plan, easy to make and tasty recipes and lists of products by name brands that fit the diet. Finally, Dr. McDougall has included a general index as well as a recipe index which makes it easy to look up specific problems or recipes for favorite foods. This book is written in plain and simple English, but is thoroughly documented with pages and pages of scientific references. All in all, I would highly recommend this book, with the caveat that once you get on this diet, you will feel so great, you will not be able to (nor want to) go back to your old eating habits.