Starchivore

Dr. John McDougall has coined the term "starchivore" to describe his diet regime which is based on the observation that populations that eat little animal products and refined oils rarely suffer from heart disease, diabetes, cancer or auto-immune disease. Many excellent epidemiological studies have confirmed this. McDougall advocates a low protein, low fat diet which includes some fruit and vegetables but is mainly "comfort foods": potatoes, yams, rice, pasta, whole grains and other starches. Small amounts of salt and sugar are okay to increase palatability. Initially he taught that a few lower fat animal products were acceptable but in recent years he advocates staying vegan.

McDougall designed his medical practice around this diet which he created based on work of Pritikin, Kempner and Burkitt. He has successfully treated many thousands over the last 40+ years, first in private practice in Honolulu and later through clinics; 10, 5 and 3 day programs in Santa Rosa, CA; many books and an active free internet site which has access to many talks given at his "Advanced Study Weekends" plus patient interviews describing dietary success treating various chronic diseases and obesity. Deb and I  attended his 10 day program and found it a powerful, instructive and pleasant experience. We've also attended many of his weekend and travel programs, befriending many "McDougallers." The seed for many of my blogs was from his programs.

McDougall just announced his retirement from active practice; his Advanced Study Weekends and travel programs ended last year, but 3, 5 and 10 day treatment programs under the supervision of his colleague, Dr. Anthony Lim, continue as does his excellent educational website( link is on right side of this blog's home page.)