What Our Support Specialists Wish Every New Participant Knew

A Q&A with Stacy Cross, RN

Meet Stacy Cross, RN—Support Specialist for the 12-Day McDougall Program and facilitator of the McDougall Alumni Weight Loss Discussion Groups. Stacy’s background includes work at the American Cancer Society’s National Cancer Information Center and a career in nursing focused on disease prevention and lifestyle medicine. Her passion lies in seeing lives transformed through the power of a healthy, plant-based diet—and she brings that same energy and expertise to each participant she supports.

1. What’s your go-to plant-based comfort meal?

Beans and brown rice with veggies and salsa—or a big bowl of whole-grain pasta with veggies and marinara.

2. Sweet potatoes or russet?

Japanese sweet potatoes!

3. Favorite condiment or sauce?

It’s a tie: apple cider vinegar and salsa.

4. One McDougall-friendly food you could eat every day?

Oatmeal with blueberries, cinnamon, and soymilk.

5. What’s your superpower as a Support Specialist?

I dig deep into my patients' food logs, goals, and challenges to identify what’s holding them back—and help them move forward.

6. Most common question you get from participants?

How can I start losing weight more quickly?

7. Most surprising thing people learn during the program?

Your extra weight and struggles with food are not your fault.

8. How do you support participants during and after the 12-Day Program?

I encourage patients to show up just as they are. I provide nonjudgmental, compassionate support throughout and long after the program ends.

9. How do you help someone who’s feeling stuck or unmotivated?

I guide them to take the “next best” step and set small, achievable goals to build momentum.

10. What do you wish every new participant knew before starting?

This program is life-changing! If you’ve struggled in the past, know this: You’ve never had support like this before.

11. How does your background enhance the support you provide?

I’ve been where many of our participants are. My family adopted the McDougall lifestyle years ago—including our kids—and I lost 55 lbs in the process.

12. What do you appreciate most about working in a medically supervised, evidence-based program like this?

This is my dream job! It’s an honor to continue Dr. McDougall’s legacy and help people reclaim their lives.

13. What’s one misconception you’d like to clear up?

Some think the online format means less connection—but our participants actually say they feel even more supported and engaged than during in-person programs.

Ready to experience this level of support for yourself?

Whether you're just getting started or need a reset, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. You don’t have to rely on willpower—you just need the right tools, the right food, and the right support.

To your health,
The McDougall Team
Helping people heal with food for over 40 years