Rip Esselstyn, former triathlete, firefighter, and author of “The Engine 2 Diet: The Texas Firefighter’s 28-Day Save-Your-Life Plan That Lowers Cholesterol and Burns Away the Pounds” said:

“I tell people, right now we have a country that is plant-weak. If you were to look at caloric pie of how Americans eat, close to 60 percent of America’s calories are coming from refined and processed foods. You know, the white stuff: the fried chips, the soda pop, fruit juices, doughnuts and cakes. Almost 30 percent comes from animal products: all dairy, all meat. And only 10 percent is coming from plants and half of what is coming from plants is coming from French-fried potatoes! So really only 5 percent is coming from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and a limited amount of nuts and seeds.”

Rip recommends following the four pillars of Healthy Eating in order to increase the 5 percent to 50 percent or more:

1. Be “PlantStrong,” with raw and cooked veggies, fruits, legumes, beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains.
2. Eat whole foods that are fresh, local, organic, seasonal and unprocessed instead of refined, highly processed and filled with artificial flavors and colors, preservatives, sweeteners and hydrogenated fats.
3. Get healthy fats from plants, such as nuts and avocados. Avoid oils and processed fats and, if you eat animal products, make sure that they’re lean meats, seafood and low-fat dairy products.
4. Make sure your foods are nutrient-dense, with a high level of nutrients compared to calories. Look for your food to provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants.

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Rip Esselstyn, who recently completed his book, “The Engine 2 Diet” seen here featured on network TV. Network television coverage for Rip Esselstyn has become common due to the global interest in his plant based diet. Both New York Times and Amazon have included the “The Engine 2 Diet” in best seller listings for several weeks. Go to www.engine2.com for more information.