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Praise for the 10-Day McDougall Live-in Program
Edited Short Comments:
As an internal medicine physician, I can honestly say that your
program is, by far, the most effective way for any patient to regain
their lost health, cure their chronic diseases, and eliminate the
majority, if not all of their medications. The time you make available,
as well as the depth to which you get to know each and every patient
demonstrates your sincere care and investment in those lucky enough to
have you as their doctor. I believe that most physicians could only hope
to get just a fraction of the results you are able to obtain, let alone
achieve them in a mere 10 days (as personally witnessed during both
programs I attended).
Matthew Lederman, MD. June 2007 and January 2008
Before we made the commitment to attend, we had all the usual excuses
– it was far from home, we were both busy at work, it was a major
expense, etc. I finally realized we had to "just do it." Our decision to
attend the program saved our health and, no doubt, our lives. It was
literally the best thing we ever did—a priceless opportunity to learn
and benefit from the McDougall staff’s knowledge, wisdom, humor, and
compassion.
Susan Super, January 2005
If I ever have a concern or a question, all I have to do is email Dr.
John and I usually have a response within the hour. I never received
that kind of service from any of my other doctors and I live within one
mile of their offices.
Mary Duffield, June 2004
It has been more than twelve years since Marcia and I attended our
first of two 10-day programs. Previously each of us had been involved
with one of the nation’s most prestigious clinics for physicals. There
we felt we had received good information, yet our experience with you,
Mary and your qualified staff took us to another level of understanding
how our food choices are, without doubt, the single most important
decision we make for better health.
Bob and Marcia Bailey, July 2002
The greatest benefit of the program was to hear and learn the
SPECIFIC STEPS to improve my health and live a more fulfilling life.
Since these "vacations", I feel better (no chest pains), am more active,
and have obtained the added potential for fewer doctor visits and
hospital stays.
Ron Ashworth, June 2007
We have attended the program twice and are looking forward to coming
out there again. The benefits from the program are unlimited. That is
why we are coming back to see you and all of the wonderful people there.
Dana Stearn, July 2003
I attended the McDougall 10-day live-in program 11 months ago and no
longer take any medication and have lost 40 pounds! I'm sure I've saved
close to the cost of the program in my food bills and co-pays for doctor
visits and drugs.
Tim Tango, June 2007
I have been prescription-free since completing the 10-day program - I
have changed how I eat and how I think about medicine and the medical
community. I am losing weight and feeling great. I can't recommend the
McDougall 10-Day Program enough - it has truly changed my life.
Karen Casella, April 2006
One of the most meaningful experiences for me at the program was
realizing that I really could eat to complete satisfaction on a
starch-based diet and still maintain my weight. (I had lost 100 pounds
prior to attending.) Also kind of amazing to me was the drop in lipids
in just 10 days (20 points), when I had already been doing the program
previously. I guess that just highlights the difference between doing it
100% at the program, and doing it 90%+ at home.
Karen Barron, October 2007
Truly, our lives have changed because of Dr McDougall. We no longer
follow medical advice blindly. We are educated consumers and take an
active part in the decisions that need to be made. We have discontinued
almost all our medications, finding they are no longer necessary.
Preparing McDougall food is inexpensive and is as easy or "gourmet" as
you care to make it, and we no longer feel the guilt associated with
factory farming.
Betty and Rob Bryant, March 2005
The program is very well thought out and I can't think of anyway to
improve on it. You are taught how to prepare the food, how to read
ingredient labels, how to shop for nutritious food, what to order when
dining out, I could go on and on—they didn't leave anything out. The
best part is," IT WORKS." Denny is off all his prescription medication
for heart disease and is feeling fine, I have a normal cholesterol
reading and my psoriatic arthritis is greatly improved.
Denny and Lona Kiser, April 2006
Since he's spending lots of time with the 10-day participants, Dr.
McDougall can sometimes notice things that other doctors might if they
spent more time with patients! Without immersion in a residential
program, a gradual transition to the low-fat plant-based diet is hard,
to say the least. In the grand scheme of things, the time and money
invested were inconsequential.
Dave Camp, March 2007
I came reluctantly to the 10-day program; I was supporting my wife,
Jill. My cholesterol is down, my blood pressure is down to 110/65 mmHg,
I have not had a cluster headache in the 3 years since the 10-day
program and periodontal disease is gone. I have lost 10 pounds, feel
better, can concentrate much better, and I feel I am in control of my
health. I highly recommend the 10-day program to anyone.
Doug Princehouse, February 2005
Your program is really the gold standard for me, and the benefits
have flowed on to not only myself, and my family, but to every patient I
see. So comprehensive is your material, and your programs, that I lament
frequently that I don't live in the US. I would be a regular visitor to
Santa Rosa for the 10-day program, and the Advanced Study weekends, if I
did. Thank you John for being my 2nd opinion about all things medical.
Andrew Morris, MD, November 2004
Unedited Letters:
I have attended two of your 10-day, live-in programs and look forward
to attending another one! Not only did I reap the benefits of the
evidenced-based information that you presented on proper nutrition and
current medical treatments, but being in your health-promoting
environment reinforced and enhanced all that I have learned from you in
the past, both practical and academic. As an internal medicine
physician, I can honestly say that your program is, by far, the most
effective way for any patient to regain their lost health, cure their
chronic diseases, and eliminate the majority, if not all of their
medications. The time you make available, as well as the depth to which
you get to know each and every patient demonstrates your sincere care
and investment in those lucky enough to have you as their doctor. I
believe that most physicians could only hope to get just a fraction of
the results you are able to obtain, let alone achieve them in a mere 10
days (as personally witnessed during both programs I attended). What's
more impressive is that those results are maintained by your patients
long-term, a true marker of success. In most internal medicine
practices, confident, happy, healthy patients are at best a rarity,
however, in your practice they are the norm. It is interesting that I
not only highly recommend your 10-day program to patients, but I also
highly recommend your program to colleagues; in an effort to help them
both learn how to actually treat patients effectively, as well as regain
their own lost health. It is clear that your 10-day program is worth its
weight in gold...for everyone! I just hope that those who are truly
serious about making lasting, positive, invaluable changes in their
health will jump on the next opportunity to experience this for
themselves, as this is a decision no one will ever regret!
Sincerely, Matthew Lederman, MD
We have attended the program twice and are looking forward to coming
out there again. The reason we signed up was for our health issues and
to educate ourselves on our health. And of course we received so much
information from your lectures and other speakers that were there. Mary
is the best. We learned so many more new recipes and they were all
delicious. The benefits from the program are unlimited. That is why we
are coming back to see you and all of the wonderful people there.
Dana Stearn
The reason I attended the 10-Day Program was to have Dr. John
McDougall be my doctor. I have never taken any medication; been a vegan
for five years; attended four Advanced Study Weekends; read most of Dr.
Mcdougall's books and purchased and watched all of Dr. McDougall's DVDs.
I did not expect to learn much more during my 10 day's experience, but I
was so wrong. I learned from Dr. Lyle about "A to D" vegan foods. From
Jeff Novak, I learned about good and bad fats and label reading
(laughing while learning). I learned how to prepare great food from Mary
McDougall. I learned so much about how the food can improve your health
that it would take a book to explain it all from Dr. McDougall. Thank
you Tiffany for always being there to help us when we needed it. The
10-Day Program is money well spent because the long term benefits will
save you many times more; will give you the best health you can have;
and you will also meet some of the most wonderful people. Dr. McDougall
says he is the luckiest doctor in the world because his patients get
well. I would add that his patients are the luckiest people in the world
because we have a doctor who truly cares about our good health. You can
be sure that Mary and I will be attending more McDougall events in the
future.
Sincerely, Terry Duffield
I decided to attend the 10-Day Program for the specific reason of
acquiring Dr. John McDougall as my personal physician. I had been on the
McDougall Program for the last 18 months prior to attending, but I was
having health issues that needed his expertise. I had been emailing back
and forth with him and Dr. John was giving me suggestions only as to
what I should be checking with my Dr. here in Hollister. These
suggestions were agreed upon by my Dr. They mainly consisted of when to
begin getting off the three blood pressure medications. I was still
having issues with high blood pressure, actually hypertension. I was
discouraged and felt I needed the support that only Dr. McDougall could
give me by being my doctor. I learned so much during my 10-days. All of
the staff were fantastic and the food was out of this world. Where else
could you go and be able to eat all you wanted and become healthier by
doing so? The support I received from Dr. John and Mary was incredible.
That support continues still today by emails and seeing them in person
at the many Advanced Study Weekends and the 5-Day Program (which I
brought one of my daughters to). If I ever have a concern or a question,
all I have to do is email Dr. John and I usually have a response within
the hour. I never received that kind of service from any of my other
doctors and I live within one mile of their offices. The money you spend
to attend the 10-Day Program is money invested in your health and the
wonderful support of a truly caring personal doctor. You cannot put a
price tag that!
Sincerely, Mary Duffield
Star McDougaller -- "Prayers Do Get Answered,"
I had been aware of Dr. McDougall's philosophy and principles of diet
and life style for about 15 years, and followed the plan off and on,
about 75 %. I had attended many seminars and went on wonderful adventure
trips with them, to Costa Rica, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon. (Those
were my best vacations ever.) I had read all the books, listened to his
radio program, and watched the TV shows. Over those years, I always
wanted to go to the 10 day live in program, but kept putting it off,
mostly because I thought I already knew everything. What else could I
possibly learn? If I was non-compliant, it was only a matter of my frame
of mind. I thought it would be an expensive indulgence since I already
had all the information. But then in late 2005 I was treated for breast
cancer. That is when I decided I must attend the live-in clinic so I
could do the absolute best job I could of taking care of myself, and my
immune system. I attended the January 2007 session. Not only did I learn
so many new things, but I learned about the science which influences all
John McDougall's recommendations. The food was really wonderful. The
accommodations were great. The other participants were all equally
motivated and receptive to learning how to take care of themselves. The
speakers and presenters were all experts in their fields and wonderfully
warm and caring people, as are John and Mary McDougall. The exercise and
yoga classes were also great. Physical activity was an important part of
every day. The days were jam-packed and I was never bored or
disinterested. Every presentation offered something new for me. What I
gained from attending the live-in clinic was much more than I ever
thought possible. I left there being totally committed to living my life
following the principles I learned at the clinic. My husband and I now
continue to follow a low-fat plant based diet and exercise everyday. Am
I a big fan? You bet I am. There is no intelligent reason not to be.
Ola and Jim
I was overweight and taking medication for high blood pressure and
high cholesterol. I attended the McDougall 10-day live-in program 11
months ago (6/1/07). As you know, I no longer take any medication and
have lost 40 pounds! It really was one of the best experiences of my
life. I learned how to eat the right foods and stop poisoning myself.
Anyone who is serious about reversing damage that they may have done
themselves over the years should attend your program. I'm sure I've
saved close to the cost of the program in my food bills and co-pays for
doctor visits and drugs. Plus I made new life long friends! Attached is
a "before" picture of me when I was on a field trip during the program.
Also attached, is an "after" picture of me visiting my local doctors,
Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine & Dr. Howard.
Best Regards, Tim Tango
I recently came to believe that food is the biggest environmental
variable that affects my short- and long-term health. Only I can control
what I eat and how I exercise. But making a food/diet change is a huge
cultural challenge requiring commitment, knowledge, and support so I
decided to attend the 10-day program in hopes of finding what I needed
to be successful. The intellectual education convinced me that a vegan
diet is essential for my health, supporting my commitment. The cooking
demonstrations, recipes, and field trips as well as four books I
acquired provided the knowledge base I've drawn on in the last four
months to maintain my commitment. The outstanding staff and fellow
participants provided the necessary support. By the end of the 10 days I
felt physically better than I had for years, and still do. My joints
quit aching, I sleep far better, and I began to lose some weight. When I
"stand down" for a meal or two to go with the flow of what I'm being
served by others, or when I have a glass or two of wine, I feel the
difference by sleeping more fitfully or feeling less energetic or
upbeat. All it takes to return to feeling better is to go back to my
diet. Many people do not know what vegan means and my small goal in
educating them will be to label my potluck contributions "Vegan
Alternative" so that when they taste them they can know that this food
is yummy, healthful, and filling. If they choose to ask, I can tell them
more.
Regards, Jan Hawkins January 4-14, 2008
I know that this might sound like a cliche, but attending the
McDougall 10-Day Program was truly a life-changing event for me. I had
been very overweight for more than 10 years and had recently received a
bit of a scare with lab results - my cholesterol and triglycerides where
through the roof! I was given a prescription for some pills and referred
to a "lipid clinic" where I was taught how to manage my cholesterol
through medicine and a "low fat" animal food-based diet! I was lucky
enough to have a partner who had been faithfully following a plant-based
diet for more than 20 years and she gave me one of Dr. McDougall's books
and encouraged me to go to Santa Rosa. I signed up immediately and have
never regretted it. During that 10-day program, I was able to absorb a
lifetime of learning about the effects of what we put in our mouths on
our body and health. I have been prescription-free since completing the
10-day program - I have changed how I eat and how I think about medicine
and the medical community. I am losing weight and feeling great - I
still have a ways to go, but am happy with my progress and thrilled
about how I feel. I also met some wonderful people, with whom I have
regular contact more than two years later. I can't recommend the
McDougall 10-Day Program enough - it has truly changed my life.
Karen Casella, Attended: April 2006
Since I had already been McDougalling for over two years when I went
to the program, I had a pretty good grasp of the program already. But a
certain amount of "diet mentality" was still following me around after
having lost 100 pounds. One of the most meaningful experiences for me at
the program was realizing that I really could eat to complete
satisfaction on a starch-based diet and still maintain my weight. At
home I was always slightly undercutting it out of fear of regaining. At
the program, where I knew all the food was safe and approved, I just
relaxed and let my body lead the way. And I left there at the same
(appropriate) weight I was when I arrived. Also kind of amazing to me
was the drop in lipids in just 10 days (20 points), when I had already
been doing the program previously. I guess that just highlights the
difference between doing it 100% at the program, and doing it 90%+ at
home. It was all fun - the informative lectures, entertaining outings,
relaxing yoga classes, and of course the ample, delicious meals! I had a
great time. But my overriding reason for coming was to enlist Dr
McDougall as my physician. I expect that relationship to save me endless
grief over the next decades of my life, as I now have a lifeline direct
to the kind of conservative medical advice I desire to live my life
according to. Money and time well-spent, absolutely!
Karen Barron October 2007
My husband Rob and I first attended a 10-day program in 1989, when it
was a "12-day program" at St Helena Hospital in St Helena. Rob had just
had a quadruple bypass and we knew we needed to do something. We were
immediately convinced of the value of Dr McDougall's research and
experiences, but, being human and weak, we occasionally backslid.
Although we never disagreed with the dietary principles, we were not as
faithful as we knew we should be, and we welcomed the opportunities to
get re-motivated. Opportunities such as additional 12-day programs, and
alumni weekends. We attended two cruises as well. We didn't regret the
money nor the time. We always learned something new and the time spent
was like a mini-vacation, only a lot less expensive! Delicious food,
congenial people (some of whom are still friends), enjoyable exercise,
beautiful surroundings, a pleasant and knowledgeable staff, fascinating
lectures and excursions, combined for a "value for money spent"
experience. We followed Dr McDougall when he moved the operation to the
Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa. I had had my doubts about the move, so you
can imagine my surprise and delight to discover the program was even
better! The complete exercise facility and the world-famous Spa, right
across the street, were only part of the improvements. The lectures,
cooking classes, the opportunities to learn and share, were all
wonderful. And of course, the amenities of the Flamingo, a first-class
resort, made every day a pleasure. Truly, our lives have changed because
of Dr McDougall. We no longer follow medical advice blindly. We are
educated consumers and take an active part in the decisions that need to
be made. We have discontinued almost all our medications, finding they
are no longer necessary. Preparing McDougall food is inexpensive and is
as easy or "gourmet" as you care to make it, and we no longer feel the
guilt associated with factory farming. We have just returned from the
latest - a 5 day weekend - and feel renewed once again. Dr McDougall has
that effect on people. It was, the first time, and continues to be, a
source of great satisfaction.
Betty and Rob Bryant
I went to your 12-day program 9 years ago. It was a fabulous
experience that saved my life. Then four years later to your new 10-day
program in Santa Rosa. I lost 100 pounds that I never put back on. I met
people who are still friends all these years later. Your guidance and
friendship has been the high point of my adult life. When we met I was a
dying man very inactive. Due to you I am a scuba diver, diving the
world, with my wife who also follows your program. We have been on
several wonderful trips with you, including 4 times to Costa Rica and
the Amazon. I am now 68 still a diabetic but in good health. Being
evolved with you and yours has been the joy of my life. This was the
best investment of time and money of my life. Those out there hooked on
the great American health scam and diet, should run, not walk, to you to
live longer, happier, more fulfilled in their lives.
With great fondness, Ron Dion
I attended Dr. McDougall's 10 day program in December of 2007. I
enrolled in the 10 day program because I didn't have the mental
discipline to commit to this wonderful way of life without a little help
from Dr. McD and Mary. And I trust Dr. McDougall implicitly and wanted
him to be my personal doctor. Before I make any major medical decisions,
I wanted the ability to consult Dr. McDougall. My fondest memories of
the program were manifold, but mainly were about the people, the
students and Dr. McDougall and his staff. John and Mary are wonderful,
caring people with huge hearts. Their staff are always great to deal
with and have the same caring, loving attitude as Dr. McD has. Doug
Lisle is a hoot and so knowledgeable and intelligent. I became friends
with the other students very quickly. We were all there to get healthy
and get as far away from the medical profession as we reasonably can.
There are so many diseases caused by our American lifestyles, and Dr.
McD, among others, have convinced me that the only way to avoid disease
is to eat very low on the food chain and with no added fats. I have lost
over 40 lbs in less than 5 months. My blood pressure and cholesterol are
normal for the first time in many years and I am taking no meds for
these conditions. I feel great and have TONS of energy. Not bad for a 54
year old couch potato! The 10 day program was the best possible
investment I could make in myself and very cheap compared to long term
medical care for a chronic condition or the short and long term costs of
a coronary bypass or diabetes management or any number of debilitating
diseases curable or preventable by Dr. McDougall's simple and effective
program. Everyone on this planet should make the investment in their
personal health that the 10 day McDougall program affords us. In my
opinion, there is no faster or easier way to reverse the ravages of
living an American lifestyle. Kiss the meds and your doctor visits
goodbye. As Dr. McD says, "your doctor should not be your best friend"
Amen. And Dr. McDougall lives what he preaches. Mary and John McDougall
are not out to sell you supplements or generate recurring revenues from
you, they simply care about people and can back up the huge benefits of
their program with studies and facts. I firmly believe there is no
better way to improve your short and long term quality of life and
longevity than Dr. McD's 10 day program. I promise if you follow the
program, you will see immense positive changes in your health almost
immediately. And you can stuff yourself silly with good food while you
are doing it. No portion control or "dieting"!
Lew Lepley
My husband and I attended your August 2007, 10 day program in Santa
Rosa, CA. It was a life changing event. The food was delicious, the
cooking classes were outstanding, and the health seminars made sense.
When we came home we knew that the decision we made prior to attending
to "try it for six months" made sense. We have been faithfully on the
program of eating vegetarian/vegan ever since. Except for an occasional
piece of fish or family gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas we
haven't strayed. Who would want to when our health has improved, blood
pressure is low/normal, we have lost weight and feel great! I enjoy
cooking for my husband, family and friends and even the skeptics admit
the food is wonderful. We have kept in touch with two other couples that
attended from San Diego and we have enjoyed their friendship, sharing
recipes, getting together at each others homes for dinner and going out
to restaurants that feature McDougall style meals. We are grateful to
have discovered this new lifestyle that is blessing our lives.
Sincerely, Barbara Teemsma
Two years ago my husband Denny and I attended the 10 day program. I
had psoriatic arthritis and a high cholesterol problem and Denny was
recovering from a major heart attack. The cardiologist told us that
Denny would be taking the handful of pills he was given for the rest of
his life. Needless to say we didn't think our future was looking good,
we were stuck watching the clock so we could take our next pill on time.
We started researching for help and Dr McDougall had the answers. We
decided to attend the 10 day program, we contacted Carol, who is so
helpful answering all our questions and giving us all the information on
traveling to Santa Rosa. The program is very well thought out and I
can't think of anyway to improve on it. You are taught how to prepare
the food, how to read ingredient labels, how to shop for nutritious
food, what to order when dining out, I could go on and on, they didn't
leave anything out. Dr. McDougall and Mary, Heather and all the staff
make you feel comfortable and welcome and by the time it's over you know
you have made some wonderful friends. We also have kept in touch with
other participants and monitored each others progress. The best part
is," IT WORKS" Denny is off all his prescription medication and is
feeling fine, I have a normal cholesterol reading and the arthritis is
greatly improved. We love our new way of eating, never go hungry and
have plenty of energy. We walk four miles every day and our future is
now looking bright. We will forever be grateful to the McDougalls. The
money spent was the wisest investment we have ever made, how much is
your health worth?
Denny and Lona Kiser
I had been eating reasonably well for most of my life, because I had
the good fortune for having an amazing mother who lived to 108, without
one day in a hospital. She cooked everything from scratch, so I knew a
lot about nutrition early in my life. Of course our diet consisted of
copious amounts of vegetables, as we always had a garden, and small
portions of meat, chicken and fish. As I moved away from home, I never
ate that well again. Like most busy people I got into some occasional
bad habits, and one day I decided I needed some discipline on how I was
going to eat. I decided to check out what the vegan way had to offer. I
attended the McDougall 10 day program in December, 2006. It was one of
the best gifts I ever gave myself. The three-a-day buffets were a
cornucopia of the most delicious prepared foods imaginable. We had
delicious soups at lunch and dinner. We also learned the rational of
eating the bulky and low calorie laden foods as the first courses, and
then move to the more dense foods later in the meal. This way one eats
less calories, but in no way does one deny oneself sufficient food. The
food was incredible. Brilliant and delicious! The final pieces of the
puzzle came together with the brilliant and easy to understand lectures
by John McDougall, and guest lecturers. Over the 10 days the group
coalesced, and all of us encouraged each other to new heights. It was a
perfect week, as we also did walks and exercised daily. It was wonderful
to see how everyone blossomed over the 10 days. I knew at the end of the
program, that I would live as a vegan. Not as a fanatic, but one that
would stick to the program, with an occasional piece of fish, and a
great dessert. But I would never go back to meat, chicken and fatty
foods. The vegan way would be my way. I am still on the program as of
May, 2008, and I am vital, healthy, and no can guess I am 75....not
close to it. I have enormous energy, my weight is excellent, and I feel
fabulous. I shine! If you want to get control of your health and self
respect about who you are or who you want to be, check out the McDougall
10 day program. YOUR LIFE WILL CHANGE IN WAYS YOU CAN'T IMAGINE.
Henry Timnick, December 2006
After wanting to attend the McDougall 10-day Program for more than a
year, I decided to attend from March 28 to April 6, 2008. My wife
decided to attend with me! It was an excellent learning experience with
talks, discussions, cooking demonstrations, a variety of exercise
classes and opportunities with personal trainers, restaurant visits,
tours of the sights, and the three wonderful buffet meals each day. The
facilities couldn't be better. The Flamingo Resort and Spa with our
rooms close to our private dining room and separate dedicated meeting
room, Dr McDougall's office, the Health Club, two 25 meter pools,
shopping & running or walking routes. I attended to learn about the
McDougall lifestyle with the goal of giving up my medications and
supplements. I did even better and am putting only healthy food in my
mouth. Learning how one's body functions was a revelation and allowed me
to accomplish more than I anticipated. In addition to John and Mary
McDougall, there was a large supporting cast of outstanding
contributors--too many to name and all dedicated to user-friendly
excellence. I would like to comment on John McDougall, MD, Doug Lisle,
Clinical Psychologist and Jeff Novick, Nutritionist & Dietician. John's
straightforward presentations based on scientific data laid the
foundation, explained the problem and gave us the solution. Doug and
Jeff gave us information and insights into why we have problems and what
to do about them. Doug's book, The Pleasure Trap, is excellent and
reinforces and expands upon what we learned. Jeff's web site is a wealth
of knowledge. All in all the 10-day McDougall Program is a great
investment in my health and happiness. I am recommending it to my family
and friends.
James Stewart
Looking back to the long years of your teaching and successfully
helping me, I still consider the Kailua years the ones that had the
greatest success: your practice, and in the evening, the nutritional
enlightenment by you and Mary. I am still most grateful to you for
preventing my mastectomy per Straub Clinic over 25 years ago. I attended
you Santa Rosa Program in 2002 and am still doing well at 94.
Anneliese W. Moore
My health problems included obesity, arthritis, and developing
diabetes. For several years previously I had been trying to follow a
low-fat plant-based diet, but I didn't really gain traction on solutions
until I invested in the 10-day program. Dr. McDougall, Mary McDougall,
and the entire staff were incredibly caring and knowledgeable. As they
said at the beginning, "you will see plenty of us", and that was true.
No question went unanswered, no concern ignored. The other attendees
were fun and interesting, and the time flew by quickly. My primary
physician had me on 3 drugs and a multivitamin. John stopped all these
on day 1 and my blood pressure fell to a more healthy level with the
program. Besides private sessions with Dr. McDougall, you're interacting
with him often at lectures and meals, with a benefit that didn't occur
to me until later. Since he's spending lots of time with the 10-day
participants, he can sometimes notice things that other doctors might if
they spent more time with patients! This is a surprise twist, that the
doctor who's basically "hands off" -- "follow the diet and exercise
program" -- might actually have a better idea of your condition than the
team of frazzled specialists you see at home -- "take these drugs and
get ready for surgery". The McDougall Program is a radical change from
what most people are eating. I don't think I realized how challenging
until I returned to the "real world" and tried to follow the program.
Without immersion in a residential program, a gradual transition to the
low-fat plant-based diet is hard, to say the least. The McDougalls know
this and have designed the 10-day to build skills that will transition
after you leave. I think about something I learned in the program almost
every day. In the grand scheme of things, the time and money invested
were inconsequential. I would not have achieved the success I've enjoyed
without the 10-day experience: a 50-pound weight loss I've been able to
keep off, no prescription medications, better mobility, and just
generally feeling better. Creating a healthy life is a journey, and it
isn't easy. I highly recommend the McDougall Program.
Dave Camp, March 2007
I have only wonderful things to say about my 10-day live-in
experience. I had read your books and had tried to follow the program at
home but felt I needed to come and learn more. And I certainly did!
Every lecture was filled with inspiration and the information I was
looking for. The cooking classes also helped me know how to better
prepare healthy and tasty meals. I also had the opportunity to try
different types of exercise so I could learn what would best fit into my
lifestyle after I returned home. The 10 days gave my taste buds a chance
to enjoy healthy foods without the added fats, sugars, additives and
preservatives. I also gained some wonderful friends. I've been back more
than once and look forward to coming again! Thanks for all you have done
for me and for others.
Kaydee
I came reluctantly to the February 2005 10 day program. I was
supporting my wife, Jill who was, and is, much more informed and
diligent about eating healthily. I came to the program with the
following health issues: Cholesterol too high Cluster headaches
Periodontal problems the had my dentist threatening to send me for
corrective surgery Psoriasis totaling 20 sq. inches over my body Weight
too high I left the program with an intellectual understanding of why I
should eat a low fat Vegan diet. Also, I now understand what to eat so
that I am never hungry. Before the 10-day program I tried to restrict my
diet but I was always hungry so I sacked on unhealthy foods. The 10-day
program taught me what I can snack on and still be eating healthily. My
cholesterol is still to high at 175 but down from before the 10 day
program. My blood pressure is down to 65 over 110. I have not had a
cluster headache in the 3 years since the 10day program.
My periodontal disease is gone. I have lost 10 pounds and my BMI is
24.5. I feel better, I can concentrate much better and I feel I am in
control of my health. I highly recommend the 10-day program to anyone.
Doug Princehouse
I can honestly tell you that the 10 days I spent at your seminar in
Santa Rosa in June, 2006, were 10 of the most beneficial days I've spent
anywhere. I originally was told about it by a good friend here in
Honolulu who attended a lecture you gave in early 2006. When I followed
up and inquired about your upcoming seminars I was pleased at the
informative response I received from your office, and the next thing I
knew I was checking in at the Flamingo. I had doubts initially about my
own ability to adhere to the vegetarian diet that was an integral part
of your program, mainly because I enjoy cooking, particularly using
meat, fish, chicken, dairy, and oils, which don't figure in your
program. I thought that without those items, prepping meals would be too
limiting and much less fun. That was my only main concern, and I doubted
that I would be able to accept such a dramatic change in diet. I was
also around 236 pounds, over-medicated, not very fit, and tired easily.
My energy level was low, my diabetes and other health issues had been
troubling me for some time, and that's really why I wanted to see you
and learn more about your program. The very first day I showed you all
the prescription medication I was on, including several oral diabetic
meds, as well as my daily insulin injection protocol. You immediately
took me off all that stuff, and said that if I revised my eating habits
I wouldn't need them. As each day went by I realized that there was more
to preparing meals without using meats, fish, fowl or, as you say,
anything that had a mother or a face. Mary's lessons were incredible,
and I made copious notes in addition to referring to all the info in the
briefcase you provided. By the 10th day I knew I was going to be able to
accept the challenge with greater ease than I had at first anticipated,
had dropped six pounds, and was feeling better already. When I returned
home I followed the McDougall Program quite religiously, and in months I
was down to 210 pounds. At this writing I am holding at 200 pounds,
continue to manage very acceptable glucose levels (I continue to monitor
daily) and I eat a pretty hearty meal and never feel hungry. And my
energy level is better than it has been in years. I turned 75 recently,
and am in better shape ands condition than I have been in 15 years or
more, and attribute all these marvelous things to my 10-day encounter
with you and your people at the McDougall Clinic. I received more than
just value for money by going to Santa Rosa, I discovered a new (for
me), healthier way to live and enjoy life. It was a fabulous learning
experience, and a vital part of it was the group dynamic, as my fellow
classmates were an important part of the process. Did I get my money's
worth? You bet. I have a better outlook on staying "out of the medical
business" and observing all the attendant philosophy that you offered.
At one time I had been 260 pounds ands certainly have no intention of
returning to that statistic. As for any other medical problems I
currently have, just the peripheral diabetic neuropathy in both feet and
ankles that I've had for many years, inhibiting to some degree my
ability to walk with exact balance. I should add that this condition has
not worsened, and am told that it likely won't improve, and will likely
get worse. However, I was also told by the same experts that I couldn't
get along without insulin injections and daily pills. But this was
before I visited with Dr. McDougall ands his staff. So there's hope in
that area as well. I think you have the most credible medical practice
there is; am happy that I heard about it, and happier still that I did
something about it. And the fact that you regard all the people who
attend as your patients, and actually want to hear from them, is an
added value that can't be beaten. I hope that you and your staff
continue this work for many years, and that the program that you have
set continues to help others over the years to come.
Mahalo nui loa, Pat
I decided to attend Dr. John McDougall's 10-day Program after being
impressed with his books on nutrition and his personal TV appearances.
The personal attention given by Dr. McDougall, his wife Mary, and the
staff made me feel as if I was attending an exclusive seminar. I never
felt rushed or pushed by all of the wonderful classes, activities, or
tours. The food is of the highest quality obtainable, plentiful in
quantity, and yummy!! The greatest benefit of the program was to hear
and learn the SPECIFIC STEPS to improve my health and live a more
fulling life. Having attended two 10-day programs (March 2006 & June
2007) and the Costa Rica Adventure (Feb. 2008) I consider the cost of
going to be an investment; not an expense. Since these "vacations", I
feel better (no chest pains), am more active, and have obtained the
added potential for fewer doctor visits and hospital stays. Dr.
McDougall's perspective and approach are unique; if you are sick & tired
of being sick & tired, the John McDougall 10-day wellness program can be
a new start to a much better and more fulfilling life.
Sincerely, Ron Ashworth
It has been more than twelve years since Marcia and I attended our
first of two 10-day programs. With you, and for the first time, we
gained a fuller and necessary understanding of what health is all about
and how very critical our eating habits are in accomplishing that goal.
Previously each of us had been involved with one of the nations most
prestigious clinics for physicals. There we felt we had received good
information, yet our experience with you, Mary and your qualified staff
took us to another level of understanding how our food choices are,
without doubt, the single most important decision we make for better
health.
Bob and Marcia Bailey, Austin, Texas
The best news I have for you and everyone before coming to the
program I had been on blood pressure pills for about 6 or 7 years on the
first day there you told me you had looked over my reports and that they
looked good enough to challenge me to go off my pills. I said ok and
after 10 days of program my wife and I went home to the McDougall plan
and a change in our life style. Guess what John I have not taken one
blood pressure pill since that day in Santa Rosa and my pressure has
been very normal the whole time. Your help and our change in life style
has all worked out very well thanks so much.
David Safina
After our blood work was done on day one, both Dana and I had bad
cholesterol readings over 200. I was taking blood pressure medicine as
well. You took me off the blood pressure medicine and after 10 days Dana
and my cholesterol readings were in the 130's. My blood pressure has
been healthy ever since without the meds. We have maintained these
readings by staying on the plant- and starch-based McDougall diet. We
both enjoyed your 10-day program. It opened our eyes to the poisons of
the ultra rich western diet. You educated us on the myths and propaganda
on meat, dairy and high fat foods. The biggest lesson learned is that
you can take back control of your health by eating the McDougall diet.
Keeping you out of the medical system, off meds and surgery, which in a
lot of cases don't work. The facilities in Santa Rosa were very nice and
relaxing. The food was fantastic and Dana has cooked up many of Mary's
delicious meals. You are right when you say that your patients "Regain
Their Lost Health and Look Great". We would highly recommend your 10 day
program!
Best regards, Joe Mulvey, April 2006
The medical consultations, daily lectures and superb food made for a
truly memorable experience. I attended the class of June 2004 and
everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. Last year I also attended one of
your weekend programs and enjoyed it also. During the ten days I spent
with you I had forty two delicious meals and each was a delightful
surprise. As we were given recipes for everything I have since enjoyed a
number of the dishes at home. My favorite is Cuban Potatoes. Everyone I
have served this dish to has also enjoyed it (page 211 in your recipe
book). In my opinion everyone could greatly benefit by attending your
10-day live-program.
With best wishes, John A. Moss
I attended the program after coming to the McDougall diet via a long
and circuitous route, but ultimately because Dr. Neal Pinckney gave it
such glowing reviews. I had asked him for his opinion and he said that
you and your staff were absolutely top-notch. I asked Dr. Pinkney for
his input because I've been dealing with breast cancer and just more
recently discovered that I had rather advanced atheroslcerosis. I found
out about him from a friend of mine who's a retired physician, and she
told me that years ago, he was so ill that he was slated for bypass
surgery. Instead of the surgery, however, he did his own research and
decided instead to change his diet and lifestyle. In her words, "He
cured himself." I also heard that he followed your diet recommendations,
became a big supporter and friend of yours and was also on your radio
program here in Honolulu years ago. As I did more research, I discovered
how powerful food is---not only in making me sick, but in making me
well. As you might know, Dr. Terry Shintani is doing a program here in
Honolulu that is kind of similar, but it's not a live-in program and it
lacks a great deal of what your program includes. I chose your program,
even though it's significantly more expensive, because of the inclusion
of speakers like Dr. Lisle and Jeff Novick, as well as the cooking
demonstrations, all the catered food, the great facilities and the
excellent exercise program. The outings for food shopping were also very
helpful and important, and I knew from living in Santa Rosa from about
1996 to 2005 that the trips to the redwoods and the coast would be
spectacular. I wasn't disappointed. The program couldn't be better as
far as value vs. the time and money spent and I actually felt I could
have benefitted from even more time spent with both Dr. Lisle and Jeff
Novick. It was difficult enough to pack in all that information in just
ten days. The fact that all of this took place in just one location and
during one stay saved an enormous amount of both time and money. I
honestly don't know how I personally could have gotten all this
information from all these resources on my own. Well, I couldn't! The
long-term benefits are that I'm no longer taking the two high blood
pressure and one statin medications, I've discontinued taking Fosamax
and the myriad vitamins and minerals I bought every month, and my
thyroid dose has been lowered. I now have a much better understanding of
how to choose and cook healthy, delicious foods and how to find and
understand medical studies correctly. It's very easy to be fooled by the
abundance of slanted and deficient popular articles, opinions and
recipes in magazines and newspapers, and this program was extremely
helpful in learning how to decipher information, not only in labeling
but in reading scientific research. Happily, I have also made some
friends that I hope will be friends for the rest of my life. This kind
of support system can't be overrated, especially in a world where it's
possible to go into a restaurant and not find one, single, healthy item
on the menu. We've been giving each other encouragement via our online
support group, and it's becoming far more important and beneficial than
I ever would have guessed. I also learned about the importance of some
very specific exercises, due to the instruction from the outstanding
personal trainer that helped me there. I've started a new exercise
program and it's making me feel better and better all the time, not only
physically, but mentally as well. If there's anything I can do to help
someone make a positive decision to attend the program, I'd be more than
happy to do it. Just let me know! I also think additional attendance at
any of the other programs is a terrific way of keeping up enthusiasm and
motivation, as well as staying on top of all the latest information. I'm
looking forward to doing that myself. I can't recommend this program
highly enough. What I learned there will be of help to me for the rest
of my life. And that's the point, after all--the best way to live for
the rest of my life. Now, I'm planning on that lasting for a long and
happy time. Thank you all for everything, I'm deeply grateful.
Robin Piane, March 2008
Nearly 20 years ago, in our 50s we both attended the Pritikin program
in Santa Monica as individuals. We met, saw the value of the program,
followed it for several years, recovered our health, lost our
medication, married, and assumed we were now healthy forever. Little by
little, over the years we seduced ourselves with “exceptions”, resumed
the SAD, regained weight and illnesses and by 2006, Jeannette had a
bagful of illnesses with accompanying medication, including COPD,
Diabetes (2), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.
Then in Dec. of 2006 she was hospitalized with Congestive Heart Failure
at age 76. It really focused her mind and she went on the Pritikin food
program in hospital at her own insistence. Over the next few weeks she
read the China Study, read about John and Mary in it, and bought all the
DVDs and books that made sense to us both. Alan had also gained weight,
became Diabetic, had high BP and High CHO. We both went on the McDougall
Plan in January 2007. We were straight arrow, with the possible
exception of eating too well. Weight was lost if not enough, COPD was if
not gone, was no longer the problem it had been. She hasn’t had an
attack since the diet and therefore has not needed prednisone, even
though there is loss of lung capacity from the earlier abuse. We decided
to fine tune our progress by going to Santa Rosa for a 10 day health
boost in January of 2008. It was so pleasant to meet the founders of the
McDougall diet in the setting where like minded people could learn more
about the effects of food choices on health. Many people were there for
the second time to reinforce their commitment to health. They were a
remarkably congenial group and the food was delightful. We had the
opportunity of trying to give up some of the meds we were on with Dr.
McDougal’s support. It was worth every penny. Now that we’re home again,
we continue to improve. Jeannette is no longer on several heart and BP
meds and has reduced her metformin by half so far. She still is
protecting her lungs and future potential heart problems with reduced
amounts of meds and hopes to reduce it further as she loses more weight.
Alan is no longer on metformin and is reducing his BP drugs which have
been a long term med for him. Jeannette enjoyed the program so much that
she signed up for the February Costa Rica trip and brought her daughter
and granddaughter along. We all went on the Zip Ride…me at 77. A few
friends have been impressed with our progress and have McDougalled along
with us. Family is slowly recognizing the benefits for them and we
continue to support them. What a shame it is that for so many of us it
takes a medical emergency to wake up and smell the “Santa Roses.”
With great appreciation,
Jeannette and Alan Mittelsdorf
My wife and I attended your 10 day live in program in Nov.2005. I was
quite sick with my stomach and was down to 103 Lbs. and needed to heal
my stomach and gain some weight. Tami my wife was overweight and wanted
to lose some pounds. We found your program excellent. We got 3 meals of
healthy food each day and snacks were also available during the day. And
we learned through your lectures and demonstrations from your wife and
others cooking food, how to get well. Its nearly three years since we
were there at your wellness clinic and we, my wife and I are doing good
now. I have gained weight and weigh 135lbs now and my wife has lost some
weight. We are following your ideas on what to eat. We don't eat meat,
dairy, eggs or fish anymore and still feel good about it. Before we came
to your program in Santa Rosa at your wellness clinic I got chest pains
every time I ate meat. Now all my chest pains are gone and I feel fine.
Tami's fibromalgia is under control as long as she doesn't eat wheat
products, which she finds hard, as she loves her bread. I am trying to
get her to eat rice products instead of wheat. I think I am winning this
battle. Other than that she is feeling good and losing weight slow but
sure. We really enjoyed those trips out, and we liked the one best going
to the Redwood Forest and getting to eat out at different restaurants
incorporating your program. Your program help us to get well and that’s
certainly worth the time and money spent there. We don't have see our
family Doctor anymore for our health and we don't have to take any
medications anymore. We would recommend you 10 day live-in program to
anyone who wants to get well naturally without drugs and pills. I have
been a member of the National Health Association N.H.A. in Florida for
many years and these health experts, like Dr. Colin Campbell, Dr.
Goldhammer, Dr. Dean Ornish, John Robbins and many others agree with you
on how to get well. Dr. McDougall you are doing a good thing there in
Santa Rosa, keep up your good work. Your with great respect.
Andrew & Tami Weber
"I knew I needed to do something drastic and that I needed to do it
quickly before my busy life took me in another direction." The reason I
attended the ten-day program was because my poor eating habits and my
poor health were getting more and more out of control. I became very
concerned with my continual weight gain. I have a family history of
heart disease and I was concerned about my recent blood tests showing my
cholesterol, etc at unhealthy levels. I had a lot of fatigue,
depression, arthritis, elevated blood pressure and back problems. I
didn't like the way I felt and I didn't like the way I was beginning to
look (especially the shelf I had developed for the back of my shirts to
rest on top of). I was concerned about getting older because I knew with
it would come a lot of sickness due to lack of good nutritional care. I
needed to do something to break the negative cycle. I had to step out of
my unhealthy lifestyle and pursue something that I believed in and
something that would work for me. I had studied nutrition for years and
had just enough information to make me think I knew a lot. I would
attempt to follow healthy habits through the years, but never really had
any long-lasting results. I found the Dr. McDougall ten-day program
which was to begin in three days. I knew I needed to do something
drastic and that I needed to do it quickly before my busy life took me
in another direction. It was meant to be and I arrived at the center
three days later on March 28, 2008. I still chuckle when I think about
my first two days and how I didn't realize I had signed up for a
vegetarian program. I thought maybe there would be no beef (I had seen
Slaughterhouse) but I wasn't concerned because I usually ate eggs and
cheese instead of beef. I also thought we would have "healthy chicken"
instead of beef. I was very surprised to find out there would be no
dairy products and no meat. I received my confirmation that I had made
the right decision after the first two lectures. The teaching material,
the presentation and the scientific proof behind everything was
absolutely awesome. Dr. McDougall and the other instructors are full of
knowledge and experience. The food is excellent. The staff is great. All
the people that attended from all over the country were warm and unique.
I enjoyed every minute of the program. Not only did I enjoy the program,
but I have had great results. After ten days my blood pressure was
normal, my cholesterol had dropped almost 80 points, and I had lost 6
pounds. It has been a little over 5 weeks since I began the program and
my weight loss is now at 14 pounds. I don't ache from the arthritis
anymore, I have no depression, and my energy levels are beginning to
increase. The simple food structure keeps me from going into negative,
pleasure-seeking food habits. The cravings have finally stopped and I
don't miss the food I used to eat. It was difficult to spend the money
and time on the program, but I now see the value of the program is far
greater then the time and the money spent. I am convinced that this is
the healthiest eating plan out there and I highly recommend the 10-day
program to establish this beneficial lifestyle.
Rebecca Roberts
The 10-day program was easily the best decision I've made in the last
10 years. From dead-man-walking to high on life, I feel unimaginably
well. I've learned how to eat, what to eat, and what to avoid. I'm
walking every morning, have taken swim aerobics classes, watched cooking
demonstrations, listened to lectures on everything from the psychology
of food, nutrition, research, medicine, and the businesses behind all of
it. I know how to read labels, which I believed I knew before but was
doing it completely wrong. I've eaten some of the most amazing food,
most of which I wouldn't have touched with a ten foot pole just a week
ago. I've made 40 new friends, the most inspiring and amazing doctor, a
tremendous psychologist and THE funniest nutritionist. I've gotten time
with personal trainers, a little bit of sunburn, took a trip out to the
redwoods and the ocean, saw how to carve wood bowls, did a scavenger
hunt in Safeway and realized all the foods I had been eating that I
thought were good, aren't (damn!). And maybe more importantly, I have
watched so many people with serious issues regain so much health in just
a few days, and today is just the end of the first half of the program!
All this beneath the revolving pink neon "Flamingo" sign of this hotel.
A drastic life change like this shouldn't be so much fun!" Hope the wind
is up!
Phil Mason
I attended the June 2006 McDougall 10 day live-in program and could
easily write a book about my amazing experience there, how I got there,
and the positive affect it has had on my life and those around me,
however I’ve tried to shorten things for your convenience.
I never imagined that I would go to a 10 day program such as this, by
myself and never having flown before! But it was the best thing I have
ever done for myself and worth every cent! Now, two years later I’ll be
going on my first trip out of the country, on a McDougall Costa Rica
Adventure! I hope you find my following account helpful and not too long
winded!
1) A Five Star Program Rating: Every detail of the 10 day
program was attended to. As a present owner/operator of my own business,
I understand what must take place behind the scenes to ‘make it all
work’ so that it looks like there was no work behind it! (Wrong!) These
people are Pros! The whole staff are Pros., and the educators they have
coming in to do lectures/lessons are Pros! The resort is amazing, the
‘mile long’ buffets and family style round tables make every meal a true
pleasure. Everything is spot on and I would not miss a chance to attend
if you are thinking about it!
2) Correct Information: If you are searching for the truth
about health and wellness, all you have to do is dig long and deep and
keep digging and if you’re very lucky you might uncover something that
resembles the truth. Then you must keep digging, pray every day, and
then be incredibly blessed in order to find the McDougall Program! As a
former teacher, I used to tell my students that knowledge and
information was power, until I found myself a victim of so much
misinformation that it endangered my health in many ways (over five
years on an Atkins type diet). I believe it is no longer safe for people
to wander aimlessly into a bookstore and pick up any of the thousands of
‘health’ and diet books out there. The marketers and publishers of these
books are pandering to an audience they feel does not want to hear the
hard facts about wellness. So in turn we spend countless years and
dollars trying out all of the misinformation to gain back lost health,
and worse off than ever! The McDougall Program delivers research based,
peer reviewed, and patient evaluated information. To be able to know the
truth once and for all is worth every single minute and penny of the
program! Spend 10 minutes a day on yourself and visit the McDougall site
and read a few Star McDougallers for inspiration; invest in his
videos/books and read or watch these at least once, and better yet
occasionally to keep you focused or recharged when you’re not on track!
Read and try Mary’s Recipes (over 2000)! All of these steps are an
investment in you and that translates to all of the others who depend on
and love you. Shut the TV off and just do it!
3) Clarity and Focus: There’s nothing like ‘walkin’ the talk’
for 10 days. You learn from the brilliant psychologist Dr. Lisle’s
lectures that there are many fascinating reasons why it is difficult to
make major lifestyle changes, and how to become a powerful force against
these obstacles. But for these 10 days, you are in a controlled setting,
so that you can see what is really possible when you stick to the plan
and eat and move as nature intended! Amazing things happen- I witnessed
over 30 people change their health in a matter of days! Myself included,
(six lbs, 200 to 180 cholesterol, and normal 110/60 b.p and more- All
the while, having a wonderful time learning, relaxing, playing and
eating (all day long and as much as you want!)
4) Representing a rare and fortunate few: If you have made it
far enough to be considering the McDougall program, you deserve the 10
day program as your reward! Dr. McDougall talks about the learning curve
when it comes to making the McDougall change. Equating it to his
learning how to wind surf and to make turns. If it was an easy thing to
do, everyone would be doing it, because there’s no thrill like it, he
says! Just as there is no thrill like freedom from
guessing, thinking, wondering, worrying about your health, not to
mention, pain, pills, sickness and even death. When you learn and really
understand, and finally get the big picture of the McDougall Plan, your
life will be forever changed so that you can live your best life
possible!
5) Fond Memories: Out of all of the wonderful moments that I
had at the program, I have to share one that will be with me forever and
meant the most to me in so many ways. It is the memory of Dr.
McDougall’s two year old grandson Jayson sitting next to me at dinner
that first night. Dr. McDougall’s daughter Heather, who does so much of
the work with her parents, was five months pregnant and had Jayson
sitting on her lap. They both were gobbling up every morsel of the
wonderfully prepared, REAL food, and loving every minute of it! Jayson
was so precious, happy and healthy, and so was his adorable mother- you
instantly knew that how these people were living (diet and lifestyle)
was exactly what everyone should be doing! It gave me such hope for the
future that we will one day see happier healthier kids and adults, if
only we can start with ourselves, one day at time. As Gandhi says- you
must be the change you wish to see in the world! Don’t
delay, start your journey today!
Sharlene May
Dear Dr. McDougall,
The reason that I attended the 10-day program was two-fold, first and
foremost, I wanted Dr. McDougall to become my personal physician, since
I was having some serious medical issues. Second, I had followed the
McDougall plan on and off for over 10 years and was having trouble with
my motivation in order to get off the last lingering pounds.
The program is amazing, it is filled with interesting, fact-filled
lectures, fun and exciting exercise and lots and lots of good, healthful
food. There is no price one can put on their health and every penny
spent getting to the program was money well spent and I hope to attend
the program again in the coming years. Not only did I personally lose 35
total cholesterol points in just 7 days, but some of my peers lost
between 50-70 points in that same time frame. The results in just 7 days
are startling and eye-opening! Just by following a primarily starch
based diet and eating the proper foods, one may achieve a high degree of
heath and vitality. During the program, the food choices are incredible,
we had everything from lasagna to tacos and everything in between. You
will not go hungry. Personally, I'm doing well. I've continued my weight
loss and am losing about 1.5-2 pounds/week and my blood pressure has
normalized at 130/70, un-medicated. That alone is a miraculous result of
the McDougall program. Thank you again to Dr. and Mary McDougall,
Tiffany, Dr. Lisle and Jeff Novick - all true professionals. I remain
truly indebted to you.
Regards, Sue Demkowicz
I was not looking forward to the 10-days experience. I am not much of
a joiner or programs-oriented person. Having led overseas study-tours on
many occasions, it fast became my opinion that the best visits are
over-organized (nigh to impossible to achieve) and under-planned (a
severe challenge when the list of learning objectives is lengthy.) As an
enrollee, my truly irksome and most frustrating experiences have been on
tours that were reversed in terms of the above: hence “my Santa Rosa
dread.” My motivation to attend was that my companion had been on the
McDougall diet for about four years. He is six foot, very muscular
(manually moves well over 50 tons of appliances per annum), and dropped
from his years-long stable weight of 155 lbs. to 144 lbs. His protruding
ribs looked frighteningly awful to me anyway. I therefore decided we
should meet his grim, dietary taskmaster in person, and booked us in for
the December, 2007 program. It was superb. Welcoming staff; clean and
comfortable accommodation; luxurious spa facilities (especially the
pool); brilliant guest lecturers, not to mention some of the most
fascinating fellow students I have ever had the privilege to meet and -
best of all - it was splendidly organized! Yes, I found I could actually
relax and enjoy myself. There were some playtime features built-in too,
my favorite being a visit to the Luther Burbank house and
gardens. We had a keen volunteer guide who gave a fascinating, gossipy
history of Burbank's life, times, and assorted visitors of international
repute. About a week after arriving home, we each got a personal letter
from John McDougall summarizing our health successes of the venture. To
my astonishment, my partner's letter complimented his anticipated weight
loss! I shall always remember The Ten Days with fondness. It's a great
blessing to know one has a personal physician on call for life -
especially when one is somewhat allergic to doctors.
Valerie MacBean
My husband and I were introduced to the McDougall program when he
found and infomercial on TV and ordered the tapes (at that time DVDs
were not available). He began following the diet and used very boring
food but was able to lose weight and get healthy doing what he was
doing. He tried to get me to go on the diet with him, but I was not
interested in eating pasta 5 days a week. I told him if he wanted me to
go on the diet with him, we should go to the 10 day live-in program in
Santa Rosa to learn how to cook a more varied menu. SO, that is what we
did. We learned great cooking techniques, how to make food delicious and
attractive and we picked up all of the new information available on the
McDougall Plan. We spent lots of time talking with Dr. McDougall and
found him to be an extremely caring and devoted doctor to his patients.
We happened to attend the program, when his mother was there and she
gave us quite a bit of insight into her own life before and after the
McDougall program. I would recommend this program to anyone today. I
find very few people who are eating a pure vegetarian diet and think
they are in great health doing what they are doing. My husband and I
travel quite a bit which makes it difficult to follow the diet but we
have both had tremendous success with it and know that it works. We
stick to the diet as much as we can and know that it is the best way to
live.
Nancy Conklin
We had been followers of Dr. McDougall's ideas and lifestyle plan for
years before we, and our daughter, finally attended a Ten-Day Program.
Was it worth it? Emphatically, yes! We considered ourselves healthy,
took no pills and yet all our cholesterol numbers dropped 20 points
during our stay. We learned ways to improve our life style even more.
The people were delightful, enthusiastic and great fun. Lasting
friendships were formed. We maintain that the reason we are so healthy
in our 70s is largely due to our good fortune in hearing Dr. McDougall
speak on the radio over 30 years ago...and paying attention. After the
program, the follow-up, the interest and the timely personal response
that Dr. McDougall gives his patients is impressive. Apart from the
health and medical aspects of the Ten-Day Program...it is sheer good fun
with like-minded people, with humor and never a dull moment!
Kirsty and Ed Karkow, Maine USA
After several decades of struggling with chronic illness and obesity,
I discovered the McDougall Program. By referring to books and the
website, I had limited success in following the principles of the
program. However, I was convinced that with proper support and resources
I would succeed, and so enrolled in the 10-day live-in program beginning
March 28th, 2008. My experience in the program exceeded all
expectations! Not only was I able to lower my blood pressure and
cholesterol level, but also I lost weight effortlessly, and began to
feel better - for the first time in years! The design of the live-in
program brilliantly provides participants with all the
resources necessary for success, from being able to sample an endless
variety of healthy foods and learn how to prepare them, to understanding
the science and psychology behind healthy lifestyle choices. I left the
program confident that I had a solid foundation upon which to build a
healthy future, and see this experience as a life-changing event. As any
change of this magnitude involves continuing to learn and grow, I look
forward to accessing many of the continuing education events provided by
the McDougall Program, and greatly appreciate that, should I have a
question or concern, help is only an email or phone call away.
Kim Cran
Hardly a day goes by when I don't reflect on the McDougall Program,
and the wonderful team at Santa Rosa. Your program is really the gold
standard for me, and the benefits have flowed on to not only my family,
and myself but to every patient I see. My health, and that of my family,
remains perfect. Adherence to a vegan diet is now completely automatic
for us, with the kids regularly explaining to their teachers why dairy
is lousy for your health! My eldest daughter is using articles from your
newsletters for her school project on nutrition. So comprehensive is
your material, and your programs, that I lament frequently that I don't
live in the US. I would be a regular visitor to Santa Rosa for the
10-day program, and the Advanced Study weekends, if I did. Thank you
John for being my 2nd opinion about all things medical.
Best wishes to you and Mary, and the rest of the McDougall clan.
Andrew Morris, MD (Australia, Attended 10 Day Program November
2004)
Anyone can learn lots of recipes and follow a sample menu off of your
web site, attend a 3-day or 5-day program, or even go to Costa Rica with
you. But, as fabulous as those opportunities were, they're mostly food
samples. That's not the same McDougall Lifestyle program available only
with the 10-day. That's not the opportunities for personal contact with
you and all of your staff throughout the 10-days. To really make your
lifestyle plan a life-long plan, I think the skills and knowledge gained
at the 10-day, coupled with the personal attention, are essential, and
I'm so thankful for that opportunity. I so much appreciate the chance to
learn the science and reasoning behind the McDougall plan through the
dynamic lectures from you guys, Doug Lisle, and the chiropractor (whose
name escapes me now). It's one thing to show me a healthy plan and tell
me if I follow it, I can be healthy; but I needed to learn the whys and
the details of what's happening in my body if I follow your suggestions
in order to allow me to really internalize its importance and be able to
maintain it for life. John, your blood vessel, cancer, and autoimmune
disease lectures were outstanding.
Costa Rica, the 5-day and perhaps the 3-day programs and even the Web
site sample menus teach that the food is good; and one can quickly learn
that the eating part of the program is enjoyable and can work, which is
certainly very important. But the 10-day program is the only way to gain
all the information needed for an understanding to enable a permanent
and consistent lifestyle change. Thanks so much for an amazing
opportunity. I'm sure I'm a McDougaller for life because of my
attendance at the 10-day.
Sincerely, Jill Princehouse
I am very sorry for not writing you sooner. I do believe that of all
the participants in the last 10 day live-in program, I benefited from
the lectures and personal evaluation, and of course the food, more than
anyone else. (of course this is my own opinion. I will never forget that
night returning to my room and flipping my cap across the bed—that was
the highlight of my stay in Santa Rosa. I cannot thank you enough and
your staff of professionals for all the help. At this time, I am still
waiting to see an Endocrinologist. My tremors have all but disappeared
and my BP has been consistent at 125/78 approx. I cannot keep up with
the food bill, I am eating more and weighing less, and Pat is saying
that I need to buy some new slacks.( the present ones look baggy on me)
No more methotrexate, Motrin, plaquenil, prednisone etc. aspirin when
and only when I feel some pain. By the way I have more flexibility in my
right wrist than when I first came into the program.
Elton Hayes
My wife and I attended the 10-day program in January 2008. Our
reasons for attending were not the usual ones. We have watched the
reruns of Dr. McDougall's TV series for some time and have read much of
the material on his web site. We have been living the lifestyle he
recommends for a number of years. I credit lifestyle with being so far
able to avoid diabetes even though my mother died from it and my sister
has it now. Because of this I honestly have to say that we didn't learn
much new at the 10 day program as far as lifestyle goes. Our motivation
was somewhat different, as I said. I have developed a lung condition
that the doctors say looks like sarcoidosis. An overactive immune system
causes inflammation in the lungs which causes scaring, or some such
scenario. The medical folk say they don't know what causes it, but
steroids are the usual treatment. By attending the 10 day program I am
able to have Dr. McDougall as one of my doctors. This is the whole
reason I came. I am fearful of many approaches taken in orthodox
medicine. I need a doctor who does not slavishly follow the AMA
protocols, but rather is able to take a broader look at things. However,
I also fear many practitioners of alternate medicine who often don't
seem to know what they are doing. I appreciate Dr. McDougall's reliance
on evidence-based medicine while having eyes open to the dangers of the
medical profit machine. By the way we did have a jolly good time at the
10 day program.
Norm Smith
The program was in a word amazing. With any program you approach it
with some doubt as to what can be achieved. Than you feel the results by
feeling better and the results show up in tests. for me my blood
pressure actually remained around 120/80 to 85 whilst I stopped taking
10mg of an ace inhibitor ( a high dose ) and halving a beta blocker from
25mg to 12.5 mg which was amazing. These results have been maintained
except for when I slipped up over Xmas/New Year where they went up a
touch but are now back to 115/78. My cholesterol levels which where 4.3
dropped to around 3.5 ( approx 135 ) and uric acid levels improved. I
have not had any gouty twinges since the program and do not take
allopurinol any more. That in itself was worth the program as gout is
most painful. When you add up the cost of the program and look at what
is included i.e. food , good resort style accommodation, outings,
exercise for all levels, great lectures and the attention by yourself
and the team it is a cheap life changing experience. Best Wishes, Perry
Zoelfel. P.S. I"ll be back
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