The Healthiest Diet on the Planet: Why the Foods You Love-Pizza, Pancakes, Potatoes, Pasta, and More-Are the Solution to Preventing Disease and Looking and Feeling Your Best

MEGA SOLUTION => to FAT & SICK!
.As an intro, here’s my own take on this …Without question, our H-E-A-L-T-H is our most precious asset. Nothing is more important. Nothing.All the expensive toys / all the money / riches / net worth / wealth on the planet is of no use – if we lose our health.Although by profession, I am a Business & Financial Consultant, I am also a passionate Natural Health & Wellness Advocate – and it is no secret that our populations in North America are getting fatter, sicker, and more miserable! This, despite our (supposedly) having the best “health care” systems in the world!Sadly, what we have in North America are “sickness management” systems — owned by Big Pharma / Big Medicine / Big Agriculture — through which SYMPTOMS are treated, by Drugs / Radiation / Surgery — instead diagnosing the CAUSES, and treating patients “naturally”, via proper NUTRITION and LIFESTYLE changes. It is a tragedy that there is almost “zero” education available in (allopathic) medical schools, on Nutrition, as a powerful part of today’s more enlightened practices, that focus on holistic FUNCTIONAL Medicine.EXPERTS – My own health education began a few years ago when I came across two magnificant books by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, PhD … “The China Study” -and- “Whole: Rethinking The Science of Nutrition”. These two books started a lengthy “educational health journey” for me that led me to many other wonderful books, websites, videos, webinars, etc.These were all masterpieces, from health & nutritional experts like … Dr. Joel Fuhrman, MD / Dr. Neal Barnard, MD / Dr. Dean Ornish, MD / Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, MD / Dr. Michael Klapper, MD / Dr. Richard Oppenlander, DDS / J. Morris Hicks, MBA / Dr. Michael Greger, MD / Dr. Pam Popper, ND / Dr. Garth Davis, MD / John Robbins … and many others .. who were ALL prescribing the exact same recipe for the “natural” prevention / treatment / reversal of today’s epidemic of CHRONIC ILLNESSES (obesity / heart disease / cancer / arthritis / MS / on & on). Additionally, I learned from the teachings of a great many holistic Naturopaths / Osteopaths / Homeopaths / Acupuncturists / Chiropractors / Dentists / Nutritionists / Dietitians / Nurses, etc.IMMUNE SYSTEM – They are telling us (among other things) that we need a healthy, strong IMMUNE system, as it is our first line of defense against health invaders. But, because our immune system is “80%” centered in our GUT – the very F-O-O-D we eat is critical – that is, our D-I-E-T becomes our major force for WELLNESS – as it gives our bodies the proper fuel (nutrition) to function well, and to “heal itself” naturally, in case of sickness. So what IS their overwhelming recommendation? – – -EATING A DIET OF: PLANT-BASED GREENS / FRUITS / VEGETABLES / GRAINS ….and…. AVOIDING: ‘ALL’ ANIMAL FOODS (red meat, chicken, pork, fish, eggs, etc) / DAIRY (cow’s milk, cheese, butter, etc) / VEGETABLE OILS.Yes, some (many) will immediately “cringe” when they comprehend they can no longer have their “favorite JUNK foods” (chocolate bars / pop / cakes / pies / chips / fries / hotdogs, etc) — or their primary meal, always centered around MEAT & Gravy — or the foods they (we) have always “craved” — because they are (on purpose!) loaded with FAT / SUGAR / SALT — the very “poisons” purposely designed to ADDICT us to wanting more & more — basically, the SAM (Standard American Diet), which gives us an “overload” of cholesterol, fat, protein and calcium — all of which is “killing” us.===============ENTER, Dr. John McDougall, MD – I have a deep respect for all the medical & nutritional experts I mention above – but for me, Dr. McDougall, and his wife, Mary McDougall, RN, present a vital “clarity” to the above remedy, by making this Plant-Based Whole Food Diet … “STARCH Centered” … with “healthy” starches [like rice / corn / potatoes / pizza / pasta / millet / sweet potatoes / pancakes / bread / peas / oatmeal / quinoa / beans / whole grains / barley / lentils / noodles / etc] – which are all “nutritionally complete”, by themselves. As he consistently reminds us … “we are STARCH eaters – we need Complex Carbohydrates to power our rocket-building brains, and to sustain muscles that can run for days, without stopping.- we need that special fuel (SUGAR), which is stored as “long chains” in starchy plant parts – we do NOT need the “simple sugars”.For “me” – this was the answer, as I loved the idea behind it (as well as his reasoning / research / facts).COMFORT FOODS – I saw his way of eating as “comfort foods” – simple, delicious, filling, nutrient-rich foods (and recipes!) that would “give me the energy” to keep going during my busy days – because they contained all the VITAMINS / MINERALS / PHYTO-CHEMICALS / FIBER / PROTEIN / ANTIOXIDANTS we “need” for true health & longevity. In fact, I’m eating yummy “mashed potatoes” [with seasoning] as I write this! :>)===============Book – ‘THE HEALTHIEST DIET ON THE PLANET’ — I ‘devoured’ the book the day I bought it – I couldn’t put it down. In it (as in his earlier, great book … “The Starch Solution”), Dr. McDougall [so compellingly!] gives us his exhaustive research on W-H-Y we can all “thrive” on a healthy, starch-centered diet, with added fruits and vegetables — to lose weight, heal digestive agonies, prevent disease, reverse chronic illnesses, look & feel our very best, live longer ——- and, to help SAVE OUR PLANET – plus, massivly REDUCE HEALTH CARE COSTS — as two critical and positive by-products!. To me, his message is so important, so encouraging, life enhancing, and “simple” to understand (it’s not rocket science).His teaching in this [classic] masterpiece has attracted the usual criticism from the LOW CARB / HIGH PROTEIN / HIGH FAT (Atkins-Paleo) crowd, who prefer to consume animal flesh, cow’s milk, cheese, chickens, eggs, oil, etc. — but I have SO much admiration for his strength in standing up to such critics, as he pulls NO punches.Dr. McDougall has practiced his considerable God-given skill for over 35-years, with tens of thousands of grateful patients, globally (and he publishes their success stories) – I consider him to be a GIFT to us all.GLUTEN & IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s & Celiac Diseases) – He goes into deep reasons why anyone who has concerns about “gluten” risks common to sufferers of these diseases – or any other illnesses [including Type 2 Diabetes] – may have. He lists the [starch centered] foods that are completely safe and nurishing – other than “wheat / barley / rye”. He also discusses two popular books (“Wheat Belly” and “Grain Brain”), and the “Paleo” Diet – and dispells some “myths” many may have.COLOR PICTURE BOOK (Red / Yellow / Green Lights) – In his book (and on his comprehensive website), Dr. McDougall provides a simple ROADMAP to give us lifesaving education on the foods we should “not” eat – the foods to be “cautious” about – and the foods we “should” eat. It’s all clearly laid out with exceptional “colored images” to impress the vital messages on us.RECIPES – Also in this book, Mary McDougall, RN (Dr. McDougall’s wife, and co-author of “The McDOUGALL Quick & Easy Cookbook”) provides a “huge” and wonderful portfolio of healthful, delicious “recipes” – all based on this Starch-Centered diet. This part of the book alone, is a treasure.In my opinion, Dr. McDougall (as well as the other experts mentioned above) have ALL presented indisputable research, and FACTS, that “prove” their case. His (and their) mission – to touch lives, in a mega-way – worldwide – to give us hope for a better, healthier life – is exactly what millions of people everywhere have been praying for.As he has stated … “The diet that best prevents disease, best supports the body’s innate healing mechanisms, and best promotes sustained weight loss, is a low-fat diet based on starches, with added vegetables and fruits, and with no animal products, or free oils.”===============Three Quick (3) Personal Observations …(1) ‘TRAUMA’ ISSUES – Above, Dr. McDougall is (and the other experts referred to are) talking about “chronic illnesses & diseases” only – and how proper “nutrition” can best prevent / cure / reverse them. Unfortunately, the vast majority of (allopathically trained) MDs have still NOT “connected the dots” between our HEALTH and the power of NUTRITION to impact it. And it’s not their fault – they were not “trained” to do so — they did not get education on nutrition in their ((Big Pharma controlled)) medical schools — they were educated to prescribe DRUGS to treat “symptoms” only (not to seek the root “causes” first). And neither was Dr. McDougall, or any of the “other” experts I mention, trained in nutrition – they had to learn all about proper “nutrition” (and its impact on our health) on their own.However – when it comes to TRAUMA (heart attacks / strokes / accidents / emergencies / surgeries / [certain] infections, etc) — our North American trained MDs are among the best in the world – bar none! These dedicated Health Professionals are “trained” in the best medical schools for their specialties, and are greatly admired for their expertise.———-(2) DISCIPLINE – Yes, making a “change” to the kind of [starch-centered] diet this book recommends WILL require — an “awareness” to (awakening of) the real TRUTH about our health (or otherwise) — a desire for the right “education” — a willingness to “take more control” of our own health — a laser-focused “commitment” to getting healthy, and staying healthy — a strong “determination” — an unflinching “persistence” —– especially if we’ve been on the SAD (Standard American Diet) of “poisonous foods” for many years (or decades).Although I personally, pretty much went “cold turkey” on this — it is well recognized that “behavioral change” does not happen easily. On the other hand, Rome was not built in a day, so many (perhaps most) will prefer to go with the wisdom of a “one -simple-change-at-a-time” approach on this.SUPPORT – Two excellent books on this are … “Breaking The Food Seduction” (Dr. Neal Barnard, MD) and … “The Pleasure Trap” (Drs. Douglas Lisle and Alan Goldhamer)———-(3) SUPPLEMENTATION? – Personally, I see Dr. McDougall’s recommendation as rock-solid FOUNDATIONAL, on how we should “protect” and “preserve”our health, through proper “nutrition” [and “exercise”] – especially where we’re now supposed th have “7 to 13” servings of fruits & veggies every day, according to health experts.I see Dr. McDougall’s proven program as the supreme CAKE, if you will [a healthy, low fat one, of course]!But, the fact remains – LIFE does happen, and we sometimes find ourselves not being able to be 100% “compliant” with such a [starch centered] lifestyle (busy mornings, getting the kids off to school — being at a resturant ,with friends, that doesn’t cater to what we need, and want — getting strange looks from certain family members and friends, etc., perhaps initially causing some discomfort – you get the message.Because of this, I believe it is very wise to have access to a top quality (ideally, ‘patented’ and ‘portable’) WHOLE FOOD supplement, if possible ((not the SYNTHETIC kind, which are man-made, in a lab, often with toxic chemicals – which have “isolated” ingredients [fractionated] – and which are sadly, the primary ones sold by just about every pharmacy, health food store & supermarket out there)). No.I’m talking only plant-based “whole” food supplements – those that have all the necessary vitamins / minerals / phyto-chemicals / antioxidants – those that are composed of strictly healthy FRUITS / VEGGIES / GRAINS – those that would “complement” the CENTRAL diet [that Dr. McDougall recommends]. In this way, people “on-the-run” can at least [quickly & conveniently] “get” fruits / veggies / grains every day, regardless of events they might not be able to control.Such supplementation would be the FROSTING on that cake I mention above.===============CONCLUSION – Although we’ve never met, obviously, I’ve become a large and enthusiastic FAN of Dr. John McDougall, and his wife, Mary (as have millions of others). I see him as a true HERO among his peers — a strong Health Professional LEADER, on a MISSION to help humanity. I have studied his books relentlessly – have watched ‘hundreds’ of hours of his videos & webinars – listened to his lectures by audio – subscribed to his weekly e-newsletters – participated in his Online Discussion Board — and have become ‘committed’ to his simple, powerful STARCH CENTERED diet [food program] as a “lifestyle” decision – as much as I possibly can.For those who are suffering poor health – and even those who think they are “healthy” – I see the end-result of a complete transformation to a “starch centered” food choice, with fruits & vegetables — and complemented with a quality fruits / veggies / grains [whole food] “supplement” — as getting an INSURANCE POLICY they (we) can absolutely count on — to own a better, healthier, more productive, and longer, life.I highly recommend this great book – I would quickly give it a 10-STAR Rating, if it was available.Sincerely / Peter A.Peter Arnold, CLU, CFC / Canada

LOVE this book and his other one on maximum weight loss. I am living proof this lifestyle change WORKS.
I love this book. I’m turning 49 in November and I’ve had a lot of issues with my weight after being skinny most of my life. I chalk it up to slower metabolism and being older but clearly it has a lot to do with what kinds of foods I’ve been eating. First I started with Dr. McDougall’s book for maximum weight loss. I went completely vegan and followed the books approved list of foods and I lost 12 pounds and 11 inches in the first month. I am still continuing with the diet plan and I have not had one single day of feeling hungry and I don’t have to count my calories. I’ve been exercising 3 days a week and try every day to take 10,000 steps but I fall short a couple thousand on the days I don’t work out. I only have been doing an aerobic walking dvd so nothing crazy strenuous. I will do a followup after I have my cholesterol checked next week because it was pretty high before I started this died and went vegan and my doctor wanted me to start medication. I am eager to see how the diet has affected my cholesterol levels. Once I get to the weight I’m happy with in a couple of months I plan to use the “Healthiest Diet on the Planet” book as a going forward life eating plan. The most difficult part of losing weight and keeping it off with this plan is having to avoid oils. I used to eat so much and cook with so much olive oil. I’ve done my research in addition to this book by listening to “The China Study” on audiobook and several other McDougall books and I am convinced that being vegan and eating right is the best medicine there is. I already have a condition where my body doesn’t absorb b12 so I take weekly shots so I don’t have to worry about loss of B12. If you are going vegan, don’t forget to take b12 supplements. It’s the only supplement you need. Everything else comes from your food. I highly recommend this book for those serious about being lean and staying healthy.

The title and subtitle of this book are completely accurate yet, to say the least, misleading. The book does advise you to have the popular foods mentioned, but without the accompaniiments usually desired with them, such as cheese, butter, etc. It is about diet – but not about a slimming diet. Rather, it is about a lifestyle. It is a powerful and persuasive argument for a vegan diet. Roughly half of it provides the scientific evidence, more than enough for me. The second part of the book provides recipes. They do look delicious. The index is at the end of the book and HAS NO HYPERLINKS. This is a bit of a disaster when it comes to recipes. You can’t find the one you want without looking through them all! There are page numbers, but a kindle book does not have numbered pages in the same way. Also, the recipes are mixed up with everything else in the index, rather than having a separate index of their own, so you have to know the exact name of the recipe you want and search through a detailed index for it. Not good. I can see that if I wanted to use some of these recipes regularly, I would have to copy them out.Having said that, the book is well worth reading. It gives scientific evidence that is often suppressed. Unlike another reviewer, I think there is plenty of science and plenty of information about further reading, too. The book turns on its head much currently accepted dietary advice. The more I read and realise the influence of big business and ‘big pharma’ on the advice we are given, the more I realise the corruption of government and so-called ‘independent’ agencies by those with money and power.There was a time, in my youth, when vegetarianism was regarded as a lifestyle followed by a few eccentric extremists. Now, it is realised that increasing our intake of vegetables and vegetarian foods is our best hope of feeding the population of the planet and preserving the ecology of the earth, as well as prolonging our own lives. This book suggests that vegetarianism is too much of a compromise with foods that are not healthy and that we should be following a vegan diet. Its arguments are convincing to a non-scientist like me, but the problem is that every book about diet and lifestyle (I read quite a few) is convincing while I am reading it. Then I read something else which gives a balancing argument. I was attracted by the fact that a week on this diet can bring down one’s weight and blood pressure significantly – I have high blood pressure. However, while it is true that people have eaten these foods for many generations with a minimum of meat, eggs and dairy, it is also true that they have also eaten the latter foods. Few traditional people groups have eaten an entirely vegan diet. Humans are omnivores and can process a wide variety of foods. The Bible, (my specialisation) three and a half thousand years ago, promised the Children of Israel ‘a land flowing with milk and honey’ and though the ancient Israelites ate a largely vegetarian diet, eating meat mostly at celebrations and feasts, they did eat a variety of foods from animal sources. They lived a long time, much longer than the pagan nations around them, and their diet had a lot to do with that.I intend to take this book seriously but I’ll do further research before I accept that food from animal sources should be entirely abandoned. At present, I will increase substantially our consumption of the foods recommended in this book. I suspect we’ll them be too full to eat much else, anyway!

Un très bon résumé, expliqué en images. De bonnes recettes. Je le recommande comme tous ses autres ouvrages

I really loved this book. It provided more evidence for the benefits of a whole food plant based diet. And the recipes are not too complex.I am inspired!