Esther weighed 257 pounds in July 2016. She now weighs 127 pounds (July 2020). She credits her weight loss and improved health to the McDougall Diet. (The diet is starch-based, no animal foods, no dairy, no oils). Ester turns 75 in October.

Esther’s husband “I could never eat like you” Ben, gave up eating animals, dairy, and oil over a 12-month period and dropped from 220 to 160 pounds.

How Ester eats on a cruise:

We love to take cruises and I learned that I could have steel cut oatmeal (yes, I did have to ask for it) and fresh fruit for breakfast, a big salad with balsamic vinegar for lunch. … Most of the time [for dinner] I just asked for a salad, a sweet potato, a side of broccoli and a cup of fresh berries for dessert.

The McDougall Diet is based on starches: oatmeal, pasta, potatoes, sweet potatoes, bread, rice, corn, peas, beans, squashes and pumpkins. Add fruits and vegetables to that and you’re done.

Ester’s Story