Review: The Engine 2 Diet by Rip Esselstyn

Title: The Engine 2 Diet: The Texas Firefighter's 28-Day Save-Your-Life Plan that Lowers Cholesterol and Burns Away the Pounds
Author: Rip Esselstyn
Pages: 288
Publisher: Wellness Central; 1 edition (February 25, 2009)
Genre: Non-Fiction / Health / Diet / Nutrition
Edition: Hardback - many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy to review!



Perfect for : Personal Use

In a nutshell: This is a great book for anyone who needs to lose weight or lower their cholesterol. It is a pretty strict diet, eliminating dairy, processed foods and meat, but the author has provided explanations and the science behind why this diet works (this helps provide encouragement). He even says that if you don't do the entire diet, you can still use the basics to eat healthier every day. In my case, that is what I am trying to do. With two adults and a toddler in the house, I really don't see a strictly vegetarian diet working for our family, but I do understand the power behind adding more plant-based foods to our diet. Rip Esselstyn has also included some basic exercises and a whole section of recipes, with some great tips worked in. This diet has been endorsed by Lance Armstrong, as well as many medical doctors, and was tested by over 65 people when the author was first validating it.

Extended Review:
Content: The book contains three primary sections: The E2 Diet, Making It Work, and Recipes and Meal Plans. In the first section the author has done a great job of explaining why he created the Engine 2 Diet, the science behind it, its affect on critical medical conditions like stroke and diabetes, and some basic exercises (will pictures). The second section addresses the type of attitude you should have when you participate in the diet (support, the ability to forgive yourself, etc), vital signs (weight, cholesterol, etc), reading nutritional labels, and continuing the diet beyond the initial 28 days. The final section is made up of sections that address how to stock your kitchen, an example menu and over 100 pages of recipes that support the E2 Diet.

Format: The book is straight forward, explaining the diet, how to make it work, actual recipes, and includes plenty of examples and tips.

Readability: Easy to read and understand.

Overall: The science behind this diet shows why it works, and what you can expect if you follow it. Anyone who has a history of medical problems in their family, or who is experiencing a medical condition such as diabetes or high cholesterol should really look closely at this diet. If you don't feel you can follow the diet to the T, at least try to make lifestyle changes to embrace more plant-based foods by incorporating some of the wonderful recipes contained in the book.

From Amazon:
"I've known Rip for more than 20 years. In that time, he's been a great motivator for so many people. This terrific book will inspire all who read it to change their lives and optimize their health."-Lance Armstrong, cancer survivor, seven-time Tour de France champion

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 CaliforniaSF, author, Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease

About the Author: (From Amazon)
Rip Esselstyn was born in upper New York state and moved to Austin,Texas in 1982 to attend The University of Texas where he was an All-American swimmer. After spending 10 years as a professional triathlete Rip joined the fire department in 1997. For more information on Rip and THE ENGINE 2 DIET you can go to www.theengine2diet.com.

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