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

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

"The leading cause of death in firemen? That's right, heart attack! Rip Esselstyn is not just saving people's lives fighting fires, but he is saving lives among his fellow fireman. Rip makes healthful eating and exercise fun and doable." Joel Fuhrman, M.D., author, Eat For Health and Eat To Live

"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 long life."  Neal D. Barnard, M.D., Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and author of Dr. Neal Barnard's Program for Reversing Diabetes

Born in upstate New York, Rip Esselstyn grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and studied speech communications 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.