Book Reviews

The Engine 2 Diet, by Rip Esselstyn.  Wellness Central, 2009.  Watch video and learn more: engine2diet.com.

In case there is any lingering doubt that veganism is for guys—and not only average guys, but tough athletic guys–here’s a book to dispel it.  Esselstyn, an All-American swimmer and long-time professional triathlete, became a firefighter over ten years ago.  To help his fellow firefighters reduce their life-threatening high cholesterol and overweight, he developed his Engine 2 Diet plan, based on research about plant-based diets done by his father, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, M.D. and Dr. Colin Campbell (who contributes a foreword to the book).  The E2 Diet, which excludes not only all animal products but refined flours, refined sugars, and oils, achieved remarkable results in the firehouse, and subsequently received national media attention.  The plan is endorsed by the likes of Lance Armstrong, who sought out the author for dietary advice. Continue reading →

How to Eat Like A Vegetarian Even If You Never Want to Be One, by Carol J. Adams and Patti Breitman.   Lantern Books, 2008.

If you’re looking for a book to help yourself or others who are new to preparing whole plant foods, if you’re puzzled about what to do with tofu or kale, pick this up.  The authors adopt a friendly, laid-back tone to meet readers right where they are in their eating habits, and exert no pressure to make sweeping dietary changes.   “We aren’t inviting you to go for a PhD in vegan cuisine,” they write, “we’re inviting you out to the playground!”  The book does contain recipes, but is mostly about putting together simple foods in simple ways.  Every time I’ve shared information from it, the response has been enthusiastic.  Many people want to eat more healthfully, but don’t want to commit to being vegetarian.  They lack the time or interest to learn about unfamiliar foods.  This will get them started down that path, and they’ll learn the ethical reasons as well as health considerations. Continue reading →