Book Review: The Engine 2 Diet

First and foremost, Rip Esselstyn is a firefighter, something he makes abundantly clear in the opening vignette of his new book. The first seven pages are a vivid recount of a deadly blaze he encountered more than nine years ago, and ultimately what it taught him — that time is fleeting and we should never take anything for granted. Especially our health.

This is a profound and lasting message that permeates The Engine 2 Diet — a riveting read that reminds us we have one body, one mind and we’re only as good as our own health and well-being. According to Esselstyn, “the most basic, profound and powerful way to take care of our health on a day-to-day basis is to eat a healthy, plant-based diet.” It’s simple, it’s straightforward and it’s the focus of the entire book.

The Engine 2 Diet is a detailed road map of how to successfully make the shift to just that — a sustainable plant-based diet. The first section is all about prepping the reader for the switch. Esselstyn does a great job of addressing “crazy myths” about food and presenting medical evidence to support his Engine 2 program. He shares stories of success (how we convinced fellow firefighters, friends and family to adopt the diet), the results that followed, as well as the myriad of health benefits associated with giving up meat (among them dramatic weight-loss and stunning cardiovascular improvements — check out the Engine 2 pilot results adjacent to see just a few). He even provides a simple, firefighter-inspired exercise program, serving as the perfect compliment to the Engine 2 Diet.

Next, he tackles “E2 attitude” and how to really make the diet work in your life. According to the author, “it’s not all or nothing,” but rather finding where plant-based foods fit in the spectrum of your current eating habits. Adding them in, little by little, is better than not at all. He presents potential obstacles and offers words of wisdom about mastering the diet. Learning how to read nutrition labels, understanding the language of your own health and finding a friend to join in are just a few of Esselstyn’s suggestions.
Finally, the book includes 125 mouth-watering recipes — everything from pancakes to pizza, Tex-Mex favorites to knockout chocolate desserts. If nothing else, it proves you don’t have to give up your favorite foods to do Engine 2.

As the Engine 2 Web site touts, “this book is designed for anyone who wants to make heroic strides in his or her health, weight, and well-being — all without heroic effort.” For more information or to buy the book online, visit theengine2diet.com.


“Firefighter Rip Esselstyn is a life-saver in more ways than one. The Engine 2 Diet is an effective, easy-to-follow, satisfying eating plan for even the manliest of men.”
- Rory Freedman, #1 NY Times best-selling coauthor of Skinny Bitch

“Rip Esselstyn has lived a hero’s life and shares his commitment to good health in this inspiring book. With an easy step-by-step plan, loads of practical tips and wonderful recipes, this is the ultimate guide to health and a long life.”
- Neal Barnard, M.D. adjunct associate professor of medicine, GWU School of Medicine


THE ENGINE 2 DIET PILOT
Have you ever wanted to see results in less than a month? Maybe a tighter tummy, firmer legs or more energy? Have you often found yourself disappointed?

Well, Rip Esselstyn thinks he can meet the “less than a month” challenge with his new Engine 2 Diet. In fact, he has the results to prove it.

While writing the book, Esselstyn began collecting data, measuring the cholesterol levels of his subjects before and after 28 days on the Engine 2 plan. Needless to say, the results are nothing less than amazing, as shown above.

With the Engine 2 Diet Pilot Study, Esselstyn was able to show significant drops in LDL cholesterol (across all participants) and staggering reductions in weight. Based upon the pilot, the claims are definitely true — the Engine 2 Diet will lower your cholesterol and truly burn off the pounds.