Dr. John McDougall
says there is a specific diet that best supports the health of every
animal. And according to him the ideal diet for humans is based on
starches.
In The Starch Solution, he asserts that eating more rice, corn, potatoes
and beans is the secret to losing weight. Not only that – it will
improve your wellbeing – as well as helping to save the planet.
Starch Solution Basics
McDougall explains that scientific experts have long concluded that we
are designed to eat a diet consisting mostly of plant foods.
Recent research has shown that we produce up to eight times more starch-digesting enzymes in our saliva than other primates.
McDougall proposes this as evidence that the foods best suited to human physiology are starches.
The diet recommended by McDougall consists of 70 percent starch (rice
potatoes, beans etc.), 10 percent fruit and 20 percent vegetables. You
will center the food on your plate around starches with the addition of
nonstarchy vegetables and fruit to add color and flavor.
You can also add fat-free seasonings for variety and to make your meals more interesting.
Health Benefits of Starches
Foods containing starch – like rice, potatoes and beans – are very low in fat making them ideal for weight loss.
Starches promote
satisfaction and enjoyment of food by stimulating the sweet taste buds.
Most people enjoy eating them and refer to them as “comfort foods”.
They are a good
source of nutrients including proteins, essential fats, vitamins, and
minerals. Some starches such as potatoes and sweet potatoes can be
regarded as complete foods because they can meet all of our nutritional
needs.
Foods To Avoid
On this program you should avoid all meat, fish, dairy, eggs, animal
fats such as lard and butter, vegetable oils including olive oil,
processed and packaged foods (except those containing only permitted
ingredients).
McDougall advises avoiding these foods all the time for the rest of your
life. It is probably all right if you break the diet once or twice a
year. But indulging too often makes it hard to get back on track so it
is better to avoid these foods altogether.
Limited Foods
There are a few foods that are allowed but they may slow your progress.
This includes avocado, dried fruit, fruit juice, nuts, seeds, and simple
sugars such as maple syrup.
They are best consumed in small quantities as part of a starch-based
meal. If you want to accelerate weight loss or are recovering from a
chronic disease you are advised to avoid these foods altogether.
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