The Starch Solution by 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.
Dr. McDougall is also the author of The McDougall Diet
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.
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.
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.
Whole grain bread, pasta, brown rice, oats, corn tortillas, lentils, pinto beans, chickpeas, black beans, potato, sweet potato, butternut squash, pumpkin, green vegetables, fruit, tofu, soy milk, cashew milk, natural peanut butter, fat-free salad dressing, salsa, soy sauce, fat-free cocoa powder, herbs and spices, agave nectar.
Breakfast
French Toast sprinkled with cinnamon |
Lunch
Fresh Tomato Wraps |
Afternoon Snack
Bunch of grapes |
Dinner
Polenta with Black Beans and Mango Salsa |
Dessert
Banana Ice Cream |
The Starch Solution does not require you to follow a specific exercise plan. As long as you follow the diet guidelines you will lose weight and improve your health.
To achieve maximum weight loss you should exercise more frequently because it burns more calories and reduces your appetite.
The Starch Solution: Eat the Foods You Love, Regain Your Health, and Lose the Weight for Good! Retails at $26.99.
The Starch Solution outlines the scientific research in support of the health and weight loss benefits of a starch-based diet. It is a low-fat, high-fiber diet, which should enable most people to lose weight effectively.
Unlike some low-fat diets this program is centered on fresh and unprocessed foods, with strict avoidance of refined foods. This makes the diet suitable as a lifestyle approach to healthy eating with the potential to dramatically improve general health.
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