The Engine 2 Diet: The Texas Firefighter's 28-Day Save-Your-Life Plan that Lowers Cholesterol and Burns Away the Pounds

Rip Esselstyn

Feb 2009 · Sold by Grand Central Life & Style

About this eBook

Lose weight, lower cholesterol, significantly reduce the risk of disease, and become physically fit--in just 4 weeks.

Professional athlete-turned-firefighter Rip Esselstyn is used to responding to emergencies. So, when he learned that some of his fellow Engine 2 firefighters in Austin, TX, were in dire physical condition-several had dangerously high cholesterol levels (the highest was 344!)-he sprang into action and created a life-saving plan for the firehouse. By following Rip's program, everyone lost weight (some more than 20 lbs.), lowered their cholesterol (Mr. 344's dropped to 196), and improved their overall health. Now, Rip outlines his proven plan in this book. With Rip as your expert coach and motivator, you'll transform your body and lifestyle in a month. His plant-powered eating plan is based on a diet of whole foods, including whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. This invaluable guide features:

Dozens of easy, mouthwatering recipes-from pancakes to pizza, Tex-Mex favorites to knockout chocolate desserts-that will keep you looking forward to every bite
Pantry-stocking tips will take the panic out of inevitable cravings and on-the-fly meals
Guidelines on menu choices that will allow you to eat out, wherever and whenever you want
Rip's simple, firefighter-inspired exercise program that will boost your metabolism and melt your fat away.

Medically approved, easy-to-follow, and amazingly effective, this diet is designed for anyone who wants to make heroic strides in his or her health, weight, and well-being-all without heroic effort.

"Want to be as strong as a Texas firefighter? Or as healthy as a professional triathlete? Then follow the wonderful advice of Rip Esselstyn, who is both. His book can save your life--whether you're a man or a woman. Highly recommended!" -Dean Ornish, M.D., Founder and President, Preventive Medicine Research Institute, Clinical Professor of Medicine, U of California, SF, author, Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease

Ratings and reviews

So far so good and make sure to eat enough. Especially if working out and exercising. I was tired at first just eating plants, fruit, etc until I ate a lot more. This is a gradual process. My goal is not to lose weight, but to maintain weight while gradually increasing muscle mass. Not 100% off of meat yet, but animal fat, animal cholesterol, and animal protein in my diet is minimal now. Also, greatly reducing processed oils, fats, sodiums, and sugars from not eating processed foods has been an eye opener.

After reading this book and watching Forks Over Knives, it was a no-brainer to go plant-based. It's been 3 months since my family started and we have not looked back. Personally, I lost 10lbs while eating LOTS of great food. My blood pressure has dropped to 105/65. I will get my cholesterol checked soon and amend this review. Anyway, I am 43 years old and feel better than when I was 20. I use the recipes frequently. This is an inspiring yet practical book. I love it!

Rips stories and stats scared the crap out of me. Recipes are all real good. I don't think there is anything I have tried I did not life. And the kids love helping with the fresh fruits and veggies. Great for anyone looking to get healthy, lose weight or just try new foods

About the author

Born in upstate New York, Rip Esselstyn grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and studied speech communciations at the University of Texas, Austin, where he was an All-American swimmer. After spending 10 years as a professional triathlete, Rip joined the Austin fire department in 1997. He now travels year-round lecturing and giving seminars on the Engine 2 lifestyle. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Engine 2 Diet and Plant-Strong. Visit his website at www.engine2diet.com.