Posts: 2,923
5/20/08 3:52 P

Thank you Sandy. I guess I naturally follow Dr. Fuhrman's plan more. It is very hard for me to get enough whole grains. I feel better as well when I am eating mostly raw fruits and veggies. OH NO I am a raw veggie person. LOL

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Posts: 39
5/20/08 11:46 A

Sandy, I too am trying to follow both Dr. McDougall and Dr. Fuhrman's plans. I lean more towards the McDougall plan simply because it is easier for me to stick to, not necessarily because it's better. I'm really new to this, so choosing the easiest one for me to follow will help me stick with it. I figure either way I'm better off than my last plan which was eat whatever I want-and that was mostly junk I'm embarrassed to say. I started in January and have lost 16 pounds so far, plus have a lot more energy. Someone who I hadn't seen since before Christmas told me on Sunday that I look 10 years younger!!

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Posts: 749
5/20/08 8:42 A

Thanks everyone! The 3 doctors I mentioned Melinda have all done extensive research in heart disease prevention as well as health in general. Dr McDougall and Esselstyne both advocate a diet high in grains and starches with a secondary emphasis on veggies, they then round out their "prescribed" meal plans with beans and fruits. So in essence it is a high whole grain diet with no added fat. There research has shown that the best diet to keep your arteries free of plaque is one that contains only 10% fat.

Dr. Fuhrman on the other hand believes the best way to prevent/reverse heart disease is a diet heavy on veggies and fruits, beans, nuts and seeds, with a limited amount of grains. His prescription is to aim for 1 # cooked veggies, 1 # raw veggies, 1 c beans, 2-4 pieces of fruit, 1-2 oz of raw nuts or seeds and 1 serving whole grains.

Such a quandary! Does anyone have any experiences with either protocols?

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Posts: 5,111
5/19/08 11:37 P

Hi Sandy, welcome aboard. I'm not vegan, but try to eat as much whole foods as possible. I find that I've progressed to the point that I do find myself eating very little red meat.

Anyway... welcome aboard. I'm sure I can learn a lot from you.

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Posts: 2,923
5/19/08 8:01 P

Hi Sandy,
I am a real newbie to veggism. I feel really naive but I have no idea who any of the three doctors that you listed are. I guess I will have to check that out.

Welcome to Whole Foods. I hope you enjoy our little group.
Melinda

current weight: 322.0

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Posts: 464
5/19/08 7:51 P

well congrats and good for you in your new choices! Everyone is pretty friendly so ask questions!

Posts: 749
5/19/08 7:19 P

Hi everyone! Figured it was time to introduce myself

My name is Sandy and I have been a SAHM to my 2 babies for the past 19 years! PHEW! And now I find I have only 1 more year to discover what my next calling is. YIKES!

My passion for discovering the optimal diet has stemmed from a family history of heart disease (both sides) and some personal losses to both cardiac arrest and cancer. I have been a vegan for the last 6 months or so and am still learning! I think my largest hurdle right now is trying to figure out if I believe that Dr. McDougall's and Dr. Esselstyne's or Dr. Fuhrman's ideas and recommendations are the VERY best. I tend to vacillate between the 2 camps!

Ah well, that's my story and I look forward to exchanging ideas and learning from all of you!

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