by Burgess » Fri Aug 31, 2007 12:08 pm
Bill, I have been a McDougaller for a long time, but I don't recall talking to anyone who followed a 12-Day program. Could you describe a little what you are doing?
For example, are you following the menus Dr. McDougall suggests on pp. 60-64 of The McDougall Program book?
That sounds like a good approach especially for anyone new to the McDougall plan. Even if one is still learning the principles for selecting foods, he can simply follow the suggested menus as a starting point and then try other things later.
My only concern would be that if the person isn't accustomed to cooking, following that many new recipes might be a major challenge.
I would like to suggest an alternative that might work for some individuals: Keep it really simple, especially at first. I think of food in just three categories: fruits, vegs, starches. Basically, it's that simple (to start out with).
So, when I go to the grocery store for next week's food, I start with fruit and buy a variety of them: melon, berries, "tree fruit" (apples, oranges, and so forth), and others. Six or seven different kinds is plenty for the coming week. And I remind myself that I can buy them fresh in the produce section, I can buy them frozen, and I can even buy a few of them in canned form (to keep on the shelf, for emergencies).
I do the same thing for vegs: roots (like carrots) stalks (like celery), and leaves (like purple cabbage or "red" lettuce).
I do the same thing for starches -- although these don't typically come frozen or in cans (except beans and peas), but might come in bags (like rice) or boxes (noodles), I suppose.
Except for flavorings (spices), that is about all that is required to get started if one is taking the simplest possible approach.
Here is how simple a McDougall meal can be:
- Orange(s)
- Broccoli, chopped simmered or steamed.
- Big baked potato(es) with some healthy topping (like a healthy ketchup or a healthy bottled salsa).
No serious recipe-following or "cooking," except the simplest kinds!
Last edited by Burgess on Sat Sep 01, 2007 7:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
