About Rip

For many years Rip, a University of Texas All American swimmer, was one of the world's top professional triathletes. He took first place in many major events, including the 2001 Police and Fire World Games, the world's largest athletic competition. He also won the Capital of Texas triathlon eight times and was the leader and top-three finisher at many televised events, including the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, where he was first out of the frigid, shark-infested waters six years in a row. Rip still competes in various events, recently winning the master national championships and setting the national record in the process.

Trained as an EMT, Rip comes from a family steeped in medical knowledge. His great-grandfather, George Crile, co-founded the world renowned Cleveland Clinic, where Rip's father, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, was a sought-after surgeon and completed one of the most extensive studies on the relationship between the heart and diet–proving that a plant-based diet can reduce and even eliminate heart disease. President Bill Clinton, formerly known as the "fast-food president" recently credited Dr. Esselstyn for his decision to adopt a plant-based diet.

As a firefighter for the Austin Fire Department, he helped people and saved lives. As a friend to other firefighters, he transformed the way Austin ’s Engine 2 firehouse ate in order to save a firefighting brother’s health.

Now, as the author of The Engine 2 Diet, Rip is teaching people the irrefutable connection between what they put in their mouths and their ability to reach their ideal weight and their ideal health.

In October 2009, Rip teamed up with Whole Foods Market as a Healthy Eating Partner to raise awareness for the company's team members, customers, and all of America about the health benefits of eating a plant-strong diet composed of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Rip serves on the Board of Directors for The Wellness Foundation, EarthSave’s Meals For Health Program, and the AllergyKids Foundation.