Interview with Rich Roll: Part 4, plus a giveaway!

I’m training for my second marathon, though the first was 14 years ago. I’m contemplating going plant-based and Engine 2 and reading about Rich and Lance and other great athletes who are plant-based has been quite inspiring.

My biggest health decision is going plant-strong and deciding to tell other about how my health, energy and stamina are improving because of my plant based diet. I love e2 and I look forward to the jai seed cookbook.

Just purchased the engine 2 diet book, the 21 day diet by Neal Barbard and the everyday happy herbivore. Looking forward to reading more about the plant based lifestyle and trying some new receipes.

I am inspired to exercise more! I have been eating well but I need to get out there and get back into exercise.

I’m 3 weeks in and have dropped 15 lbs. Normally, I run 3-5 days a week and since I’ve started (due to unrelated matters) I’ve only run 1-2 times a week. However, the fats burning up! I’ve also gone down an inch in my waist. I plan on seeing the doctor in 3 weeks and being told that I don’t need to go back on the cholesterol meds (he agreed to this trial period.)

I would love to get a copy of the book.

p.s.: Is there a list of Engine 2-friendly restaurants for Austin?

Thanks Rip!

Ron

As a new runner, I am thrilled to read Rich’s book. I never thought I’d ever be a runner, never being athletic in any way at all. Now, I so look forward to my runs! In the 3 months since my husband and I changed our life with e2, I have decided to share my adventures with the world – and any one who will listen I really feel that education is key. Having someone who is dedicated and educated about this lifestyle change explain it to you, encourage you and help out along the way with ideas for dinner, empowerment, fitness and motivation can be invaluable. I am continuing my education in plant-based nutrition, community garden organization, fitness and wellness so I can help others to live a plant-strong life as well.

I’ve been educating myself and the real change started when I saw Forks Over Knives, read the Engine 2 Diet, and saw Fat, Sick, and Nearly dead. My girlfriend and I are on a journey together to continue to drop weight and eat plant based. I never thought it would feel so good. Hope to run a 5k this year together! I’ve been spreading the word and have converted several friends and family members. The revolution begins!

I’ve started minimizing oil consumption by using either vegetable broth, or a spray when I do use oil. I’m experimenting with various dairy alternatives, and have been an ovo-lacto vegetarian for 10 years (though not for health reasons, just to avoid contributing to animal killing).

I’m also increasing the level of physical activity in my daily routine (take stairs instead of the elevator, etc.), but haven’t thought of running a marathon or anything along those lines.

These simple measures along with some others have helped me lose about 7 pounds in the last month and a half.

Loving these interviews with Rich! Can’t wait to read ‘Finding Ultra’.
My wife and I have been vegan for about 6 years now. That decision was the culminatioon of a long journey that began in 1998 when I tipped the scales at 435 pounds. The vegan lifestyle is where I thought we would land and stay on our journey. But life has a way of continuing to interrupt us with adventures we need that we’re not seeking.

Did you know that you can be vegan and live on french fries and apple pie?

While it wasn’t quite that bad, I had started to eat a lot of processed, technically vegan, CRAP loaded with sugar, fat, and sodium. And my weight and blood pressure started creeping up.

That’s when I found Dr. Joel Fuhrman, the folks at Engine2 Forks Over Knives, and all your peers. In 8 weeks I’ve dropped 31 pounds of body fat and now weigh in at 199, the FIRST TIME EVER I’ve weighted under 200 pounds as an adult (I’m 41 years old).

I have more energy, strength, and endurance than ever. I’m currently training for my 4th 1/2 marathon in April, and will be competing in my first olympic length triathlon (The Nation’s Tri) in September, on my way to (prayerfully) Ironman in 2014. Eating a zero procesed, zero added salt/fat/sugar, 100% plant based diet has set me free.

Thanks Engine2 and Rich for all the inspiration!

I’ve gone from smoking 2packs a day(ten years ago), to recreational cycling to 7 day MTB challenges and weekly Century rides and then nearly sidelined last summer by Rheumatoid Arth at the age of 41. Spring is here, my bikes are calling me. And its time I drop the Pink Slime for good. Plant based is more than likely going to help me get thru this hiccup, get back on the bike, and get the rest if my family healthier.

I’ve been Vegan for a little over a year..spin 33 times a week but really need to step it up more

Plant strong all the way!

I’m training for a marathon and interested in learning more about the plant based diet.

I’ve decided to work on strengthening my core…even though I hate planks and core exercises more than anything!

I am deciding to get serious about exercise. My eating is began and under control but I must have exercise there. It helps in mood and stress relief!!

I have explored health and diet and cooking for as long as I can remember. Certainly not as healthy as I could be, I wanted to know why I never had energy or felt really great. What I discovered and decided is true: YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT. I have been mostly vegetarian for several years but try to have vegan days as well. I soon realized that vegan days are the days when I can do a lot and enjoy it and feel great! Rich like Engine 2 is just what I need to go 100% plant strong now and see what I can accomplish at almost 54yrs old. Thank you for the inspiration!

Vegan for 5 months now and have never been happier, although it hasnt been easy it has certainly been worth it. My wife put me on the scales about a year ago and I was shocked to see my weight had spiriled out of control. Standing on the scales looking at my waistline in the mirror it made perfect sense that the numbers never lie. 10yrs ago i used to run marathons, and do triathlons and always had the perception my genes will get me home. Unfortunatly at age 36, years of takeaways, latenight television after work, contributed to poor my health which luckily wasnt as bad as many others. I started training again under darkness so noone could see my struggles @ 4am in the morning. The weight fell off slowly and reminenses of my former self started to shine through however bad habbits of bingeing, chips, chocolates and soda still set me back until one day i saw an artcle about you and VEGANISM (man whats that?). I investigated more on the net, forks over knives, lectures from the vegan society, and finaly caldwell esselstyn put the nail in the coffin. Today I am active, happy, and enjoy sharing my new belief with others without being too over bearing. My wife has ordered your new book and i cant wait to digest every page.

Completed my first Ultra 50 miler after 6 marathons in 2.5 years….registered and training for my next 50k, 50 miler and ultimately the Leadville 100 ultra run. $7 and strong…all do to the insiration of others like your self…I continually learn for m others and will always do so…..

As a family (my wife, two girls and myself) we have decided to go plant strong this year. We have experienced a lot of health issues over the years and we’re ready to make the necessary changes. We will continue to educate ourselves regarding eating a whole foods plant based diet and apply what we learn. We are very thankful for Rip and Engine 2 for the information and inspiration to live plant strong. We have also followed Rich Roll for a few years now and are proud of him and thankful for his story. I too am in my forties and can absolutely relate to his story. Thanks. Scott Dennis

I have been eating healthier & researching nutrition since 2009. I read the Engine 2 diet book & am transitioning to vegetarian diet. Seeing Rip & also reading your interviews helps me realize if these guys can be athletes eating this way then I can also eat this way and not worry about it being detrimental to my health. Many critics say being vegetarians don’t get all they need but I am hoping it will help me get my energy back!

Switched to plant-based almost 1 year ago and, while I feel relatively amazing due to the changes so far, the next year will be about fine-tuning the diet. Making it “Ultra”?

Decided to go Plant Strong in November… Right before thanksgiving! Have two little girls and a husband with heart disease. Have done lots of reading, learning, and experimenting in trying to create a lifestyle that will keep our whole family healthy! As a distance runner, I’m inspired by Rich, can’t wait to read the book!

I’ve been plant strong since Jan. 2012 and I feel so good!

I’ve finally joined a gym in the past month and found a love for hitting the treadmill at least 3 times a week. I’ve been plant strong for a couple years now, so getting (and staying) active is the next step!

Today is the first day I’ve ever heard of the Engine 2 diet, but it sounds spot on with what I’ve gleaned from all the reading I’ve done (just haven’t quite crossed over into practice). I’m using today as my personal “New Year” and starting (with intention to keep) a daily fitness habit. Really, my goal is that small (and that large!): a daily fitness habit. I don’t even care about the benefits at this point, I just want to instill a new, healthy habit into my life. Once it’s a habit, I’ll start focusing on the rest.