When I arrived yesterday, I was greeted at the lobby of the Flamingo Resort by Dr. McDougall’s daughter, Heather. She signed me in and gave me the key to my room. The Flamingo has been around for as long as I can remember. It was here when my family moved to Sonoma in the early 1950s. But the place is really nice and well kept up.
The resort centers around the pool which was very busy as I brought in my luggage. I wandered around the grounds and have to say I really like the place.
Everyone in the program gathered in the early evening to meet Dr. McDougall and his wife, Mary. Mary then led us in introductions. A large number of participants are here to lose weight and gain better health. Some members of the group are here to deal with diabetes and heart disease while others have MS. I was please to see that there was another man who was there to deal with prostate cancer.
I am also happy to see that psychologist, Doug Lisle, is here. I met Doug back around 2000. He’s the author of the book, The Pleasure Trap, which really helped me understand much of the mechanics of my own failure to maintain a plant-based lifestyle in the past and what I can do to improve my chances for success. He is speaking to the group later in the week.
After dinner we had a talk from Dr. McDougall. He introduced himself and told us of his and Mary’s life journey from med school to Hawaii to life in Northern California. He is committed to health and the well-being of others and I am excited to hear what he is going to share to help me live plant strong.
This morning it was up at the crack of dawn for a blood draw, weigh in, photo and blood pressure. My bp is a decent 121 over 80. We’ll see what the blood work shows later in the week.
Right now I have an hour before the first lecture so I think I’ll go for a swim. There isn’t a soul in the pool and that will probably be the last time all day it’s that way if yesterday is anything to go on.
Swim for gold my friend.
I <3 Doug Lisle!
Sounds like you’re off to a good start.
What a difficult season that you have been through. Today how good it is that you are in a place of support of the positve, life-changing choices that you are making. How wonderful! Blessings of wisdom, strength and good health. I believe all of us making these choices are in it together. You are not alone. Kick butt today!
So happy you’re doing this. It’s very cool that there are other people there with MS. That’s what I’d be there for. The whole pool to yourself. How cool! I LOVE when that happens and your every ripple travels from end to end. It’s fun to watch. (And great for your ego.) Looking forward to hearing your results.
Thanks so much for sharing your personal journey. We are rooting for you every step of the way and know that your story can be a shining example for so many others.
Shoot, I didn’t look at the dates and thought you had finished your ten days. Can’t wait to read about the rest of your stay.
Thanks for sharing your experience with ALL of us Jamie….I have read lots and lots of material about Dr Mc Dougall…and this could inspire me to study more with him in person….so thank you soooo much for sharing part of your life journey with me!!!!
Thank you for taking the time to share. I appreciate your efforts, understand your “slipping” and am confident that this will help you achieve the change you desire.
Good luck to you!
Very cool to be able to attend something like this and meet others with the same goals. I bet you’re feeling good even though it’s only Day 2 : )
I am fascinated by this blog, and wish you all the best!! You’re in good hands.
Very interested in reading about your thoughts on the food provided there. Best of luck!
I will be following you along your journey. Thank you for sharing your experiences and know that my best thoughts are with you for your success!
Read “The China Study”by T.Colin Campbell. Animal tissue and sugar feeds cancer. I had endometrial cancer and the plant based diet has kept me in good stead. last tests were negative…you are on th right track…Eat lots of raw foods with live enzymes…like salads…I wish you the best.
Jan
Thank you for sharing your journey with us readers. I’ve found that following the plant-based diet as described in The China Study, Forks Over Knives and increasingly many other places has really boosted my health even farther than simply being a 100% organic vegan.
My best wishes to you and your fellow participants. May you enjoy the journey!
Hi Jaimie,
I, too will be attending Dr. McDougall’s Program the end of September – I’ll be flying all the way from Ireland!
My reason for attending is that I have been having daily episodes of chest pain (at the same time of these chest pains occurring, I had been increasing my intake of “heart healthy oils”) YIKES! What an oxymoron!
What great lies we’ve been told by some ingenuous marketing teams of the meat and dairy industry (amongst others as well)! How can these people sleep at night knowing that they’re deliberately killing us by telling us that these products are actually good for our health? Greed is sooo powerful, what a shame.
How can they promote milk for our children loaded with pus, bovine leukemia, viruses and a million other horrible bacterial components?
I am totally in awe of Dr. McDougall and a handful of other brave people who are speaking out – getting the truth to as many people as possible.
I KNOW without a doubt that this WILL BE the absolute experience of your life!
Jaimie, I will follow your blog; please feel welcome to email me if you’d like to: nancy7711@hotmail.com
I, too, am planning on keeping a log, so we can compare notes, fair enough?
My very best wishes to you and a big congratulations for stepping out on that limb and just doing it! You are one of the few elite that have the courage to take charge of your health, your body and your life! I’m so very proud of you!
NancyNurse
Thanks, NancyNurse. I appreciate your comment and know you will have a great experience as I did. Good luck and safe journeys. Jamie
Jaime, I just saw your blog a few minutes ago . Just email me , I’d love to hear from you.
apetra1009@gmail.com. I commented on day 1 and didn’t leave my email address.
Jaimie, not sure about that potato in the crock pot – shouldn’t it have been in the oven? Or am I missing something? I know they’re terrific that way from a high oven; give it another try. So glad you had an awesome adventure! My adventure there is coming up in about 4 weeks and I can’t wait! Nancy
Hi NurseNancy, Yep, you’re right. A high oven (450) really makes a great baked potato. I’m going to save the crockpot for beans, soups and stews. Thanks Jamie