Plant-Strong

May 13, 2013
Austin firefighter Esselstyn's 2009 best-selling The Engine 2 Diet earned many a convert to his meat and dairy-free approach to nutrition. Here, he offers more of the same, but with additional reasons to skip the meat alongside new recipes. Divided into two partsâa sustained, 36-point argument for a meat and dairy-free diet, then over 140 recipes to help readers do just thatâEsselstyn presents a solid case, easing fears followers may have about getting enough protein, iron, calcium, and other nutrients as well as substantiating claims that a vegetable-based diet can boost performance on the playing field as well as the bedroom. Those new to the program will find many reasons to consider ditching the meat, but readers of Esselstyn's previous book will find a lot of repetition and greater elaboration on key points. Either way, readers interested in altering their diet will find the majority of the book's recipes, the truly new content in this volume, to be of use. The majority of his dishes such as chili, Thai Slaw, and Butternut Squash Lasagne are approachable, tasty, and easily sourced, making this an accessible entry point for carnivores looking to change their meaty ways.