- Do you have to have a lot of new appliances? (Top)
No. However, a good blender and a food processor will go a long way toward making your life easier.
- Is there really a difference between conventional and organically grown produce? (Top)
Yes. Organically grown produce is grown without the use of chemically generated poisons which are used to make the food look pretty and healthy. Additionally, organic produce really does taste better. Part of the reason you need to detoxify is all the unnatural chemicals used to get fast growing, pretty looking produce.
- What kind of support will I receive? (Top)
Part of the design of this program is to support each participant. We not only tell you what to do, we provide the underlying explanations which help you to make better informed decisions. We also show you how to do by providing food demonstrations at each session to help you see how easy it can be to make incredible tasting food that is very good for you as well. We also provide the opportunity to speak with and ask questions of the experts who will help provide you with the assistance you need to get over the hurdles you may be experiencing. Additionally, you can call or email us during the week with your questions. We understand that success is not an accident, it takes work and sometimes we need some additional help with the work part to achieve the success of reaching our goals – we are here to provide the help.
- How can I eat at a restaurant if I am on the program? (Top)
Eating out is not as difficult as it may seem. There are a number of tricks that you can try that will help you continue to live a normal life while treating your body better. There are many simple techniques that we can show you in one of our programs.
- Why do I have to give up many of the foods I enjoy – meat, dairy, bread? (Top)
These foods are satisfying to your taste buds initially, but they usually have adverse effects on your health. Over time they lead to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, high cholesterol and more. These chronic illnesses will cost you in finances, energy level, and overall quality of life. It is important to remember that once you have been off of these foods for a significant period of time, you will lose the taste for them and no longer crave them.
- Is it hard to follow the program? (Top)
It is a change and like most changes it can be difficult at the beginning. However, as you follow the program your body will show you exactly how rewarding it will be. Then, it will get a lot easier to follow. For some this is a couple of days and for others it is a few weeks. That is why we provide the encouragement and support you need to make it through the difficult portions and achieve success.
- Does the food actually taste good or is it like most “healthy stuff” – like tree bark? (Top)
Unfortunately, “healthy stuff” has received a bad reputation from years of forcing “tree bark” like items on us as if that was going to make us healthy. The foods that we promote are awesome. They taste wonderful and are a pleasure to all your food senses: sight, smell and taste.
- Does it take a long time to prepare the meals? (Top)
It depends. Just like cooking regular meals, you can be fast and easy or you can take a long time to prepare something that you want. The meals on the program are all very fast and easy to put together. As you progress and move into the maintenance phase, you can find recipes that take longer but are worth it.
- What would an average day look like food wise for someone on this program? (Top)
It would depend a great deal on the meal plan level they were staying on as our program has a very extensive breakdown of the types of foods in each level and the correlation that food level has on your optimal health. Additionally, we recognize that many people have jobs that would not allow them to stay in a particular level and for that reason, we help you to construct a plan that works for you.
However, for the first week on the program, it would look something like this: Breakfast: 16 to 24 ounces of fresh orange pineapple juice Lunch: 20 to 24 ounces of fresh vegetable juice or a sprout salad and an apple Dinner: Big mixed green salad with carrots, tomatoes, beets and a oil free dressing Snacks: Raw fruit or vegetables
- Will I be hungry all the time? (Top)
Not if you are following our program. We encourage you to eat. You do not need to count calories of measure portion sizes. In the beginning, we tell you to never get hungry. As your body begins to trust you and gets accustomed to the foods you are feeding it, you will find that not only does a smaller amount of food make you satisfied, you are not as hungry throughout the day.
- What about sweets and artificial sweeteners? (Top)
We do not promote anything artificial. Therefore, we only recommend stevia (natural plant based sweetener) or RAW Agave Nectar for sweetening your foods or drinks. Stevia adds no calories. Agave Nectar has about 16 grams of carbohydrates (15 sugars) per tablespoon. It is similar to honey but lower on the Glycemic Index.
As far as other “sweets”, sweet fruits are a tremendous way to get your sweet tooth satisfied. Raisins and dates are quick and easy and because they are dried, they are concentrated and therefore taste sweeter. Try a handful of raisins or a couple of dates if you really want something sweet.
- Do you promote the use of supplements in your program? (Top)
Yes and no. The word supplement has a very wide meaning these days. We do recommend a couple of super foods that can be used to supplement your eating program. These foods are provided in their natural or near natural state without pasteurization or nutrient supplementation. We do not recommend the use of vitamins or other “supplements” over and above what can be considered a food. The one exception is a plant-based B-12 supplement.
- Who will be monitoring my medications during the program? (Top)
Because this program does not create a doctor patient relationship between a participant and Dr. Montgomery or Houston Cardiac Association, all medication adjustments must be made by the participant in conjunction with their prescribing physician. Individuals with medical problems who wish to be evaluated by Dr. Montgomery are welcomed to do so through the medical clinic.
- Is there a specific cookbook that you recommend I can purchase? (Top)
Although there are numerous cookbooks available to purchase, we do not provide a recommendation for any one in particular. We have spent a great deal of time developing recipes for the program that fit into the specific food levels of the program. We are constantly developing food prescription sets (groups of recipes) designed around the food levels and they are available in our office and online. If you are interested in learning more about the food prescription sets or would like to be notified when they are available, click here.
- Isn’t it expensive to eat “healthy” ? (Top)
Yes and no. Yes, it is more expensive than getting that .99 cent hamburger and .99 cent fries. No it is not more expensive than preparing any other type of meal. We are here to help you see that eating “healthy” is not expensive or boring. Just like any other type of eating, you can make an expensive meal or you can make an extremely inexpensive meal.