The Engine 2 Seven-Day Rescue Diet: Eat Plants, Lose Weight, Save Your Health Hardcover – December 1, 2016

I've been vegan for almost four years and have a small collection of plant-based nutrition books and cookbooks, but had never bought an Engine 2 book before. I picked this up at a friend's suggestion (she had told me about the free Facebook support group) and because I had seen some of the recipes in the daily emails the Engine 2 group sent, and am so glad I did. If you're new to plant-based eating, there is a lot to learn here, but even if you're been vegan for awhile, this has really good advice for moving to a whole-foods diet, and the recipes are tasty and easy!If you decide to follow the seven-day plan, you won't be eating dairy, eggs, meat, or any oils (including oil and coconut oils) or drinking any alcohol, and you'll be limiting your fats to just walnuts, small amounts of avocados, and the fats that exist naturally in plant foods. You're also meant to minimize your salt and sugar intakes.The recipes are based on the foundation of building oatmeal-based bowls or waffles for breakfast, and then bowls, soups, or open-faced sandwiches for lunch and dinner. Since one of the rules is to not drink your calories, there are no smoothie or juice recipes.Part I of the book (which comprises the first 176 pages) is where the author outlines the programs, and he draws upon the latest studies to explain why a plant-based diet is so healthy. He takes the time to de-bunk the myths that you can't get enough calcium or protein from plants. Although I knew most of this information, it was a helpful review, and if you're new to plant-based eating, I think that the information can help alleviate any worries you might have about meeting your nutritional needs from plants.Part II (pages 177-279) contains a more detailed overview of what you can eat during the seven days, as well as quite a few recipes to get you started. So far, all of the recipes I've tried have been great -- and they are so easy to put together.If you're worried about having to cook a lot, in Part II, they explain the idea behind batch cooking, where you can spend a few hours on the weekend roasting veggies, cooking quinoa, making oatmeal, etc. I've found that this method really helps keep me on track for the week, and the book makes it very simple and easy to do.They also give you a sample template of their recipes for seven days, so you have three meals a day that you can eat from the book, without having to put too much time into outlining what you'll be eating this week.If you're on Facebook, definitely check out the support group. Several nutritionists check in there, and everyone who posts offers great tips, especially if you're new to this way of eating.Although, as I mentioned at the start of my review, I've been vegan for almost four years and am a health and fitness nut for the most part, I have a bad sweet tooth, and so this book has given me a much-needed way to re-boot my eating and cut out excess sugar and processed food. I've only dipped my toe into the eating plan, so to speak, and have just been trying a few recipes, but my hope is to be diligent about following the plan for seven days, and, when I do, I will be sure to update my review with my results.

These books are all the same. 80% explaining why plants are good for you, 20% meal ideas/“recipes”. The movies that promote this lifestyle are great (The Game Changers, et al) but the books always fall flat.I will also say, DO NOT JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP!” It is not helpful, in fact, it will probably turn you off from the book/author. The WFPB no oil people have become as obnoxious and holier-than-thou as vegans. If someone has a question, they either yell “non-compliant!” Or “search the group!” and then the admins shut off the commenting (which not typical for a fb self-help group).Case in point someone was asking if a particular Gluten Free flour was Engine 2 compliant. Answers were “no” and “must be whole grain” then shut the comments off. People don’t eat gluten free for fun. It would have been nice if someone else was able to jump in and help her. OR the actual admin/moderator who shut off the comments be helpful before shutting the post down.

This is one of about 6 books we bought that were authored by Rip E. and John McDougall, MD. What they say has proved to be true for us. We have been doing this for 5 months and it has become our new eating lifestyle. If you read many of their books, get the most recent ones. A lot of the medical information is similar, but updated, BUT all the books have recipes and the more recent books have simpler and tastier recipes than earlier books. Having all those recipes from which to choose has made this diet easy to follow. Once we got the hang of it, we began to experiment making our own healthful and tasty recipes. It is like an adventure for us -- something we never got into as a couple in our 40+ years of marriage. Our old way was mostly woman in the kitchen and man pouring cereal or out at the BarBQ grill.I think it was easiest to do because we both did this diet together. We eased into it by studying and experimenting a little at a time over a period of one or two months before we were confident that we could live with this as our family diet going 'full time'.Side note: I guarantee that if you drop meat, dairy, oils and eliminate sugary and fried salty foods as much as possible, you can eat mostly organic healthy food from good quality grocery stores and you will notice that your food bills are LOWER.Bon appetite, and enjoy your life more!!

The positive part of this plan: Amazing results and a ton of medical issues reversed or eliminated from this way of eating. Stay compliant, allow time to pass and the universe will take care of everything else. Cholesterol went from heart attack waiting to happen to stellar numbers in a few months. Blood pressure dropped dramatically in the first week. My doctor was in awe of my results and suggests to stay on this plan. My weight loss is currently at 128 pounds. I'm approaching my one-year anniversary. It only took 5.5 months to lose 100 pounds. I was morbidly obese and it came off fast. Not everyone needs to lose that much weight. The first 80 pounds was diet only. After that, I joined a gym. I'm eating more foods now than when I was at my heaviest. It's all low calorie-dense and the healthiest foods on the planet. That's what makes this a sustainable lifestyle vs a diet that you do for a certain period of time then stop. I have no intention of returning to the Standard American Diet, "SAD". It's a death trap!The Negative part of this plan: Planning and prepping to stay compliant can be overwhelming at first until you have a routine. Eating at restaurants can be challenging while staying compliant. Once you learn a few tricks it gets easier. These are minor inconveniences compared to the benefits of this program.

Really interesting book. Learning a lot of new things. Will probably start rescue plan soon. Worth buying.

If you can get your head around giving up meat and dairy to lose weight and quickly improve health, this is the book to get. 7 days is quick to see and feel results. The recipes are hard core, but not impossible to comply with for such a short time. My hypertension was the main concern and dropped into normal range. I love grilled meats, salt, butter and crusty white baguettes but not having to take medications life long to control a condition that otherwise can be managed with lifestyle change. The book gives excellent advice in the first half and good easy recipes in the latter part. Just be sure to prepare your kitchen and source good quality produce so the results will be delicious as you adjust to giving up beloved foods.

Very nice read, credible and excellent information, relatable stories. In less then 2 months hubby and I have each lost over 15 pounds, feel amazing, off BP medication now as well! This challenge will change your life, we have adopted the WFPB life style, our whole family has!

Best gift ever for my son the firefighter. Due to his fitness program at work… He brought it to the firehall and they are all enjoying it!!Definitely a 🔥 hot item!!

This is an excellent book! You can customize to what you like with so many options. This book makes sense.Easy to follow and gives you so many ideas and choices. We are loving it. We are on day 3.