The McDougall Diet Plan

The McDougall diet plan is a vegan program developed by medical doctor and nutrition expert John A. McDougall. Website Diets in Review describe the program as a 10-day plan that eliminates processed food, meat and dairy products. Dr. McDougall promotes his diet through Internet marketing, newsletters and books. The plan promises to keep participants on a plant-based diet that will reduce risk of disease as well as improve overall fitness and health.

About

McDougall's website states this program provides education to change your diet and lifestyle. Dr. McDougall's developed the plan over 30 years ago and has run a residential clinic for over 20 years. McDougall is the author of seven books that outline various benefits and plan features. Included in the media offerings from John McDougall are 'Digestive Tune-up,' 'The McDougall Quick & Easy Cookbook,' and 'The McDougall Plan for Maximum Weight Loss.' Also available from the website store are DVDs, eBooks and eLectures that cover different aspects of vegan lifestyle. The residential clinic provides a 10-day, 5-day or weekend programs.

Plan

The program focuses on living a life without any animal products and advertises to be completely vegan. Meal plans on the McDougall Diet include only plant-based selections. Dr. McDougall describes the meals as full of starchy vegetables, fresh or frozen fruits and other varieties of vegetables, such as greens. This diet concentrates on low-fat foods that have healing effects and provide full nutrition. Protein comes primarily from tofu, seeds and nuts. Diets in Review report that the McDougall Diet Plan teaches you how to shop and dine out while sticking to a vegan lifestyle. McDougall also promotes exercise while on his plan. Recommended activities include tennis, swimming, dancing and workout routines.

Clinic

The McDougall Health and Medical Center resides in Santa Rosa California. Clinic owners, John and Mary McDougall, promise to provide all residential patients with personal care to help them take the step into the vegan life. The clinic design mirrors that of a luxury resort. On property, guests will find a full spa, tennis courts, modern athletic club, fine dining and a large pool. The clinic also offers a laboratory and medical care. The medical staff at the McDougall Health Center review patient's histories and work to get them off prescriptions medications. The clinic website claims 90 percent of their patients stop taking medication. This includes those diagnosed with hypertension, type-2 diabetes, arthritis, indigestion and constipation. They provide education and training regarding illnesses so plan participants can understand the nature of their health problems.

Benefits

The McDougall Diet Plan promises to promote weight loss, provide education and improve the overall fitness of those who participant. According to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. at MayoClinic.com, a vegetarian diet does encourage lower calorie consumption and less fat. These two factors will probably lead to weight loss. By monitoring your diet, Dr. McDougall helps avoid some nutritional problems associated with a vegan life, such as lack of protein. The clinic offers several programs for those who cannot commit to a 10-day plan. The website also provides a free program for those who want to learn more about vegan diets but cannot afford a stay at the McDougall Health and Medical Center.

Considerations

Pricing is definitely a consideration for the McDougall Diet plan. As of October 2010, the 10-day residential program costs over 4,000 dollars. Even though Dr. McDougall offers a free plan, it includes a lot of advertisements for his commercial products, such as food, books and DVDs. If you choose to stay on the McDougall Diet Plan for over three years, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, the doctor warns you may need supplemental B12 daily to maintain health.