Sunday, February 13, 2011

Only one card on the table

Wow, it's been a long time since I posted anything.  In part, I have been busy enjoying life, and in part it often feels like I might not be helping anybody.

The only people (I think) viewing this blog already know about Dr. McDougall, and I have seen few questions here.  When it comes down to it, this is really simple.

Dr. McDougall often says that, concerning his program, that there is only one card on the table.  And that card is whether a person is going to follow his advice.  Everybody who does follow his advice gets better - usually markedly and quickly.

So many people are interested in esoteric nutritional or psychological questions about diet.  But for those who give the program a real try, success in inevitable, and anybody who does try it (with real adherence) does not question that Dr. McDougall is correct because the results are so dramatic and rapid.

What about people who don't experience good results?  Simply, they are, usually knowingly, but sometimes unknowingly, failing to adhere to the recommendations.  Dr. McDougall cites the case of smoking.  When smokers quit, they all get better.  When alcoholics quit, they all get better.  And when those who eat our Western diet follow Dr. M's recommendations faithfully, they all get better.

There truly is only one card on the table.  Are you going to do it?  If you are going to do it, there is plenty of help available, including here, and all you have to do is ask.  For those who don't want to do it, or who want to do their own version of the program, I wish you success but expect failure  I could cite many cases of people who try partial adherence and remain fat and sick.  There is no known benefit to knowing about what Dr. McDougall teaches, or talking to others about it.  You have to play the card.

You might want to view my friend Laura' blog.  http://www.mrsdoodlepunkslaststand.blogspot.com/

Laura thought that she was an obese McDougaller (there is no such thing).  I challenged her to eat nothing but unprocessed whole plant food of low calorie density for a month.  You can see the results in her blog.  She played the McDougall card and won big time.

So there is only one card on the table.  It takes some effort at first to play that card, but it makes all the difference in the world.

12 comments:

  1. I had gotten you blog off the McDougall site and was happy to see you post again. I have been on McDougall three years but have not had stellar results. Thanks for posting Mrs. D's blog I went back to December to start reading it.

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  2. If you haven't had stellar results, it is because of what you are including in your diet. If you understand what you need to do, and do it, you can't avoid stellar results. You probably know why, but if you aren't sure, you are welcome to ask away.

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  3. It's about time you posted again! Of course, you are right on the money with your analysis of success on the program. We see it almost everyday on the McDougall forum, struggle and frustration, a recommitting to following the program in detail, then suddenly success. Keep posting and be well.
    f1jim

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  4. Nice hearing from you, Jim.
    What do you think? I think it is time for another trip to Millennium with our lovely wives.

    I'm on my fourth year on this lifestyle now, and it just keeps getting better. I feel so good that I just want to spend time living life, which doesn't leave a lot of time for the computer.

    I do want people to know that I am available here for help if they think I could provide it. I am really not missing at all the debate aspect of the old board, or some of the anger that seemed always present and IMO was only a reflection of the anger people felt towards themselves by failing to adopt Dr. M's recommendations.

    I'm ready for another trip to SF. Let's do it.

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  5. It is about TIME you posted something again!

    Every word you wrote is right on the money.

    It is so simple and easy but if a person is still including treats it won't work, and I'm a living example of it. A fat McDougaller. Well, not as fat as I was before, and becoming less so every week.

    Thanks again for the wake-up call and challenge!

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  6. Hey, didn't you say something about a new rice cooker? How about a review of it?

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  7. what a fantastic way of putting all this together. Bravo!!!!

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  8. Thanks for these forthright and honest words!

    For me it has been a year as of Feb 1st and, although I am not absolutely strict in adhering to the plan (like including walnuts and maple syrup and the occasional less-than-whole-grain breads), the pounds just rolled off - 40 of them. And that's with no exercise.

    Esselstyn's book convicted me and McDougal keeps me going. I bought the video package from this current Acvanced Study Weekend (would LOVE to go to one!) and the amazing speakers with a wealth of information keeps me from drifting away. This kind of education is great for renewing vigor and reminding me of the importance of my choice. This is quite useful for a person who did not begin with a serious health issue to reverse and can really benefit from such refreshers!

    One unrelated comment: did you ever hear about an air date for the TV spot you taped with Dr. McD ?

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  9. Oh! I forgot that I wanted to share one tidbit. At my regular check-up with our internist, the doctor responded to my changed eating plan positively (thank goodness!) and told me that such a change is like a person who has been rescued from a cult. The person has to be de-programmed. That de-programming takes time and for a while, the person must focus on what s/he does. But one day, s/he realizes that this way of life is not what s/he does; it is who s/he is.

    I liked that story and thought I'd pass it along!

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  10. Cyndy -
    I'm so glad to hear of your progress. It just keeps getting better, too. As for my appearance on Lifestyle Magazine (TNT network), I don't know. I do watch, but they are still airing programs on marriage for the most part. I know that they have a number of health related shows with Dr. McDougall on the shelf and ready to go. After they are aired, they are also available online.

    BTW, congrats on the ASW program. Do you have Dr. McDougall's DVD on Money Saving Medical Advice. You need it.

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  11. Ooooo! No, I do not have that DVD. Thanks for the "heads up"!

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  12. Here is the two dvd package you need from the McDougall store:
    Dr. McDougall’s Money-Saving Medical Advice & Dr. McDougall's Common Sense Nutrition, The Truth About Protein, Soy, and Fish

    The two dvd set is 40 per cent off and is absolutely essential and will pay for itself virtually immediately with the vitamins and supplements and ineffective drugs that you will no longer take.

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