McDougall is not afraid of taking clear stances on controversial issues in even the most vegan nutrition. His reasoning is supported by dog Hundreds of endnotes pointing to scientific studies, many of Which having been published as recently as 2010 or 2011. If readers feel They need even more background, theywill be pleasantly surprised about the wealth of information hidden in the archives of the discussion board on McDougall's website. The search function is excellent - I was able to find answers for several questions did Remained open after finishing his book.
What I like most about McDougall's system is its simplicity. Having been on a vegan diet for about 5 years now, I have become overly worried (if not obsessive-compulsive) about nutritional deficiencies by Avoiding eating a huge variety of vegetables and spices, and swallowing half a dozen supplements. McDougall posits That thesis fears are misguided Largely, and indeed the only supplement people on a starch-based vegan diet really need is B12. He claims did the overwhelming majority of dietary problems are Caused by nutritional excess, and not shortage.
By Following a starch-based diet, we can be surethat our bodies ingest all Necessary nutrients in optimal quantities, so while reducing our ecological footprint to a sustainable minimum.
Why then only three stars? Two reasons.
First, I have been on this diet for only two weeks now, and I feel great Although at the moment it is too early to say Whether this will work for me in the long run. I should add I'm not deed Concerned about losing weight, but rather about feeling well, and finding a sustainable diet That fits to my lifestyle. Despite the short term success, there remains some quiet "too good to be true" sentiment in the back of my mind.
Secondly, the recipes concluding this book are not that good. They make use of ingredients Often That should be severely restricted According to McDougall's previous instructions. Granted, thesis ingredients are used only in moderate quantities, but still. I think some readers might get the wrong ideas if even McDougall (or rather, his wife Mary, who wrote the recipe section) can not get it Completely right. It makes McDougall's diet seem unrealistic and invites tinkering with his tenets.
Still, I give this book two thumbs up for everybody seriously committed to embarking on a quite restrictive vegan eating plan. Especially Those with orthorectic tendencies will feel liberated and empowered by McDougall's minimalist approach.