Engine 2 28 Day Challenge!

 About four years ago I started making the transition to eating whole food, plant-based. As my commitment increased I would encounter more questions from friends and family in regards to my diet. What do I eat? How do I get my protein? What's wrong with milk and oils? These questions would be routinely asked especially when someone felt the need to passively debate my decision. When people seemed genuinely interested I would encourage them to educate themselves on the topic. Recommend they purchase books such as "The China Study", ""The Engine 2 Diet", or "Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease". If they aren't the reading type I would recommend the movie "Forks Over Knives" which presents information based on the works of Cornell researcher T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn Jr. in a very easy to follow manner. I would even go as far as have extra copies on hand to let friends borrow them. My philosophy is that one must understand the why or the purpose of what they are doing to truly excel at it.

When I found out about the Engine 2 28 Day Challenge I realized that this would be a perfect opportunity to share my experience eating whole food, plant-based with friends, family and clients. To show that it is possible with planning and a personal commitment. The Engine 2 team has a progression for you to follow over a period of four weeks to reach the goal of eating whole food, plant-based. By visiting their website at http://engine2diet.com/28-day-challenge/welcome-video/ you can watch videos for goals to  attain in weeks 1 through 4. Visit it or like their Facebook page and check it out!

Like many of you I have a busy schedule. Eating at home is relatively simple. My wife and I eat the same way so we have a built in support group. She is great at planning the meals for the week and making sure we have the necessary ingredients. This is important! My biggest dietary challenges occur late at night and when I am at the firehouse. When I teach classes at MBG I get home around 9:00 p.m. I am also usually hungry and tired. My craving for sweets is high and this increases my temptation to eat things that aren't animal based but processed. At the firehouse my challenges come from the unusual hours and work related stress. The common factor is fatigue and stress. I am hoping that  my involvement in the Engine 2 28 Day Challenge will help me to reduce the disruption of my dietary habits from stress and fatigue.

As I said earlier planning what my meals will be and if necessary bringing meals to work will keep me focused and allow me to improve my diet over the next 28 days. The bottom line is that eating is no different from anything else. I wouldn't head out for a run without a plan for exactly what I wish to accomplish. I also don't enter the gym and wait for my clients to walk in and then think to myself "What are we gonna do today?" Planning will lead to success and keep more options open. Also journaling not only my training but eating will allow for review and improvement. Journaling my dietary intake may also open my eyes to any possible patterns that I am not currently aware of.  

There really isn't any secrets to eating healthy. It doesn't come in pre-packaged meals or a the next miracle supplement. It begins with you making the decision to eat foods that are full of nutrients and vitamins on a daily basis. Foods that are minimally processed. Foods that will heal and strengthen you and not lead to illness and fatigue. Based on my knowledge I feel that eating a diet that is whole food, plant-based is the best option for me. I look forward over the next 28 days sharing my experience and hoping it can motivate you to do the same!