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Try a plant-based diet with Rip
A year ago, as part of research for a story I wrote about former professional triathlete and firefighter Rip Esselstyn, my husband and I changed the way we eat. It’s essentially a vegan diet plan — no meat, no dairy and no oil — designed to lower your cholesterol.
I was skeptical about the program, outlined in Esselstyn’s book, “The Engine 2 Diet.” But we tried it, and for a month our plates were bursting with beans, leafy greens and tofu. We had our blood tested along the way, and at the end of the month, both of our cholesterol levels had dropped nearly 40 points. (Read the entire article here).
I haven’t stuck to the program 100 percent, but I’ve taken a lot away from my plant-powered month. I saute in vegetable broth instead of oil; I make my own hummus, with garbanzo beans and no oil; I eat tons of spinach and beans and Swiss chard and not very much meat at all.
Now the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine and conducts clinical research, is encouraging people to try the program for 21 days — and they’re offering free online support to those who do.
The online program goes live Jan. 1 here. There is no cost to join.
Participants get daily emails with recipes and cooking tips, a 21-day meal plan and an interactive vegan restaurant guide. They also get access to online videos and discussion boards featuring registered dietitians and physicians including Dr. Neal Barnard and Dr. Dean Ornish.
A few celebrities are getting on board as well, including “Oprah” chef Tal Ronnen, author of “Skinny Bitch” Rory Freedman and Austin’s own Esselstyn, who has retired from his firefighting career and is focusing on helping other people get healthy through his Engine 2 program.
They all will offer advice on what to eat and grocery shopping, plus personal stories about eating a plant-based diet.
“This makes it more accessible,” says Susan Levin, a nutritionist and dietician with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. “We’re doing more hand holding — here’s a grocery list and here’s a community message board, where people can pose questions and nutritionists and each other will answer.”
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, a plant-based diet can help participants lose weight, lower blood sugar and reduce their need for medications used to treat diabetes and other health conditions. They also can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
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By Jennifer
December 29, 2009 5:00 PM | Link to this
This sounds like the perfect New Year’s resolution!! So glad a vegan diet helped you and your husband improve your health. I’m going to sign up for this program. I think this might be just what I need to up my energy and lose a few pounds in 2010.
By JC
December 30, 2009 6:32 AM | Link to this
Check out this informative and inspiring video on why people choose vegan: /veganvideo.org/
Also see Gary Yourofsky: youtube.com/watch?v=bagt5L9wXGo
By Bea Elliott
December 30, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this
I originally went vegan for ethical considerations but both my husband and I have found wonderful improvements in our health! Delicious food and better health! Some of my neighbors/friends are trying the 21day meal plan… I know they’re going to be pleased! :)
By Bob Bailey
December 31, 2009 9:04 AM | Link to this
21 day - plant based- Brilliant Plan! Those interested should also visit www.DrMcDougall@DrMcDougall.com who has been advocating this approach to better healt for years - and it is free information.