The Texas Firefighter's Fitness Diet

The Texas Firefighter's Diet has improved the health of first responders, allowing them to be of better assistance to the public. The diet's creator, Rip Esselstyn, had a lifelong interest in fitness and nutrition that he brought to his second career as a firefighter. His vegetarian diet program is detailed in the book, "The Engine 2 Diet: The Texas Firefighter's 28-Day Save-Your-Life Plan that Lowers Cholesterol and Burns Away the Pounds." This diet might help you lose weight and lower your cholesterol. Consult your physician before trying this diet program.

History

Esselstyn created this diet for his coworkers. His main reason for doing this was that some of them carried excess weight, had high cholesterol and suffered other issues that impaired their health and diminished their ability to perform their firefighting duties. His Austin, Texas engine house adopted this diet voluntarily as an alternative to the traditional meals served during each 24-hour duty rotation.

The Promise

Adopting this vegetarian diet for 28 days will help you lose weight because the diet modifications eliminate animal protein sources, added sugars and empty calories from snack foods. The diet restrictions automatically decrease the fats and calories in your diet. Some of the firefighters on this diet lost 20 lbs. in four weeks.

Fitness Plan

Esselstyn's book also recommends daily strength training exercises that help improve your fitness and burn additional calories. He states that with regular daily sessions of 10 to 45 minutes, his exercise plan will also increase your resting metabolic rate. Therefore, even when you are not engaged in physical activity, your body burns calories more efficiently.

Diet Foods

This diet emphasizes consumption of whole grains, plant proteins, fruits and vegetables. It eliminates oils, including olive oil and canola oil. The main protein sources are low fat, especially when compared to the customary engine house fare of hamburgers, fries and other calorie-laden group meals. The book and website provide daily menu suggestions and recipes for vegetarian specialties that help you stay within the diet's parameters. The book also offers pointers for grocery shopping, reading food labels and eating out. These recommendations cover everything from creating a healthy, cheese-free pizza to dessert selections and appropriate substitutions for ethnic menus, including Italian, Thai and Mexican foods.

Considerations

This diet limits you to plant proteins only and has severe fat restrictions. The American Dietetic Association states that the diet puts your daily fat intake below the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The diet progresses from a vegetarian diet to a vegan one during the 28-day plan.

Vegetarian diets that exclude all animal proteins are often difficult to follow initially. Take special care to ensure you get essential vitamins and minerals. Take a multivitamin if necessary.