The McDougall diet is a strictly vegan, high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet plan. The diet is designed to help with weight loss and treat a number of health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. Restrictive diets like the McDougall plan come with a number of risks that should be carefully considered by you and your health-care provider.
The Diet
On the McDougall diet, you'll limit your meals to whole grains, fresh fruits, legumes and vegetables. You will not consume meat, eggs, dairy products, oils or nuts. Breakfast might be a whole grain hot or cold cereal topped with soy milk and fresh fruit. A typical lunch or dinner meal consists of a starchy vegetable or whole grain paired with vegetables and legumes.
Protein
While you can get adequate protein on a vegan diet, it may require additional effort. Nuts and seeds provide valuable protein, but these foods are banned on the McDougall diet. Soy is another common vegan protein source. Soy foods are allowed, but are higher in fat than is considered ideal on the McDougall plan. You may find it difficult to get enough protein while sticking to this restrictive diet.
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
While a vegan diet can provide many of the nutrients you require, vegans may be at higher risk of inadequate calcium, zinc, iron and vitamin B-12. Dark leafy greens and calcium fortified soy milk or juices can provide calcium on the diet. Zinc is not easily absorbed from plant foods. Soy products, whole grains and legumes provide some zinc. Vegetarians have higher iron needs than meat eaters due to less effective absorption of plant-based iron. Include fortified cereal, leafy greens and dried fruit in your diet. Vitamin B-12 is not found in plant-based foods. Fortified cereals or supplements are essential, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Fats
Most vegetarians and vegans consume a variety of healthy fats, including nuts, seeds and oils. The McDougall diet eliminates these sources of added fats, as well as fatty plant foods like avocados and coconut. While the American Heart Association recommends 25 percent to 35 percent of your daily calories come from fat, on the McDougall diet, less than 10 percent of your daily caloric intake is fat. You should speak to your health-care provider about the benefits of monounsaturated fats and Omega-3 fatty acids before choosing the McDougall diet.
Member Comments