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Dr. McDougall's Right Foods


Frequently Asked Questions


How do you prepare Dr. McDougall's Right Foods Smart Cups?
To properly prepare Dr. McDougall's Right Foods Smart Cups, shake the cup before opening it. Use boiling (not just hot) water for the best results and only fill to the inside indented line. Stir well around the cup's bottom edge to blend ingredients. Then close for 5-8 minutes (based on the package instructions for that individual flavor).

Will the McDougall Diet Plan meet all my nutritional needs?
Yes. However, if you plan on making a change to Dr. McDougall's dietary program for a lifetime, he suggests that you also take a supplement containing 5 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12 each day.

Don't I need to include dairy products in my diet so I can get enough calcium?
Leafy green vegetables are the best source of calcium. Dairy products actually have a lot of things in them that are harmful to your health. Dr. McDougall describes this in more detail in some of his books and videotapes, including 5 Dietary Myths, one of the videos in Dr. McDougall's 12-Day Diet Plan.

I've heard that carbohydrates make you gain weight. How will I lose weight if I'm eating all these carbohydrates?
The good news is carbohydrates are NOT fattening. They are low fat and low-calorie, and if you stick with complex carbohydrates (whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables), you will also be getting a lot of fiber. This will fill you up so that you will not eat as much. However, you need to watch what you put on top of your carbohydrates. Butter, cheese, and olive oil definitely ARE fattening.

How many calories are included in the McDougall Diet Plan?
The McDougall Quick & Easy Menu Plan suggested meals average about 1,200 calories per day (not including snacks). The focus is on eating the right foods. You are free to eat as much as you want as long as you eat the right foods. You lose weight without feeling hungry or deprived on this program.

Do I always have to eat the cup meals while following the program?
Dr. McDougall's healthy meal cups are a quick and easy way to follow The McDougall Program. However, you can also try the menus and recipes in the Dr. McDougall book that accompanies the package. The key is to eat foods and meals that meet Dr. McDougall's dietary guidelines spelled out in his books and audio/videotapes.

How much weight can I expect to lose if I follow the program?
A safe and healthy weight loss is one to two pounds per week. Many people lose even more when they first begin the program and follow it closely. Weight loss results will vary for each individual.

If I follow The McDougall Program, can it help me with my medical condition (heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.)?
The McDougall Program has been very helpful in preventing and even reversing many serious health problems. You should not change your diet if you are seriously ill or on medication, except under the care of a medical doctor. Do not change medications without professional advice. The information provided in the McDougall Program package is general and not to be taken as professional advice for your specific health problems. The closer you follow the dietary principles of The McDougall Program, the greater the health benefits you may experience. Results may vary for each individual.

I've been on the program for (however long) and I haven't lost any weight?
Sometimes it takes awhile for weight loss to show up on the scale. A safe average weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week, but since that is an average, you might not see any weight loss for two weeks and then lose three pounds the week after that.