I was a vegetarian for nearly 25 years and a low-fat vegan for two of them. I think getting rid of processed foods helped improve my health a tiny bit (compared to SAD) and lose weight, but it didn't make me healthy. I got several colds & the flu every year and was always hungry, weak & irritable. I think the over-dependence on grains & dairy is what ruined my health - I cannot eat either of them now. Interestingly it was on the McDougall forum that some renegade mentioned Protein Power and I became a born-again carnivore.