Engine 2 Diet -- How Texas Firemen Saved their own Lives! Book Review

America has a dire emergency with obesity.  And Texas fireman Rip Esselstyn was used to emergencies. 

When Rip Esselstyn 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.  Results?  Everyone lost weight, lowered their cholesterol (Mr. 344's dropped to 196), and improved their overall health.

This is a plant-based diet.  Forget meat, dairy (yes even butter).

What is unusual about this diet?  This diet "takes a stand" -- nothing moderate about it --  He doesn't recommend most oils == but suggests getting oil from eating walnuts, for example.

And eggs?  Not even egg whites.

I loved this book and diet.  Why?  I've secretly suspected that eating eggs wasn't a good idea.  I also saw my own struggles with weight and I think eating cheese has a lot to do with sluggish weight loss.

You'll eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts and seeds for low-fat protein. Seitan, soy yogurt and even veggie burgers. Whole grain
crackers and whole grain pastas.  

Some people will find this too radical, I'm sure.  But others, like myself will see the truths in it.  It's our lives and health, after all, maybe we should be radical!!

Results for 28 day plan?

• average weight loss=14 lbs

• average cholesterol reduction = 62 points

Watch Rip talk about it:

 

I'm so glad I read this book.  It has lots of unusual recipes too.

Here's a salad dressing recipe from Engine 2 Diet:

HUMMUS SALAD DRESSING

They have a ton of great, healthy recipes here: http://www.engine2.org/recipes.asp

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons hummus
1/2 lemon (or lime)
1 Tbsp Balsalmic vineger
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Mix hummus with juice from 1/2 lemon/lime and balsamic vinegar until it reaches the consistency you wish. Add salt and pepper to taste. It sticks to lettuce well.