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Forks over knives - Engine2 Diet
Started
by Mark S
on April 3, 2012
http://engine2diet.com/the-daily-beet/kitchen-rescue-recipes ok so I watched this documentary yesterday that showcases a strict plant based diet. (Super Hero of you will) It talked about Earth Balance, Olive Oil, and Daiya Cheese all being unhealhty. Have any of you watched this video. They have a 28 day challenge that I think I might try. The sweet potato lasagna looks amazing. I always thought olive oil as healhty - but according to this diet it's not. Thoughts? Anyone?
I haven't watched this docco yet but want to at some point. I guess re earth balance and daiya cheese ... they are both processed goods aren't they, so I am not totally suprised. I have so far avoided any of the 'fake' vegan goods as they don't appeal to me that much, except at a work bbq they got me some vegan burger patties and that was handy and nice but otherwise I've managed to do things other ways so far. The olive oil does surprise me but I must admit that lately I have cut down that quite a bit too. I still use it with certain dishes because the flavour works better than others but I have started to use coconut oil alot more as I've read so many good reports on it.
Hi Kirsty,
Thanks for responding. I agree that eating processed vegan foods isn't that great for you. I guess in moderation or for a treat once in awhile can be good. I also use oils to cook certain veggies to add flavor. The documentary talks about the high calorie content in Olive oil and how cooking without it (and ohter oils) is more beneficial to your health in regards to choleseteral and fat. I love a challenge and might try their 28 day plan to see how I feel. Forks Over Knives follows the lives of paitents that were very sick and when applying the total plant based method of eating, their health improved. The doctors also did a study on the affect of eating dairy/meat. Engine2 applies that theory and is a follow up "how to cook" guide.
i've seen it as well and there is lots of great info in it. Of course not all things vegan are good for you.. I stumbled upon a blog that was all about vegan junkfood. I think what it boils down to is what makes you feel great? Highly processed junk doesn't.. so consume sparingly, if at all.
I watched it on Netflix last month. I was also surprised when he pointed out the fact that olive oil is the most concentrated fat we consume, but immediately did a mental "face palm" and realized that should really be a common sense thing. I try not to keep too many processed substitutions around, but sometimes it just makes things easier. For instance, my three year old is an uber picky eater, and as a result she is quite underweight. She loves veggie dogs though, so I keep a supply because processed food is still better than no food. As well, I keep Earth Balance on hand because I love to bake and many plant-based fat substitutes change the end product too much. If other households can follow the "perfect" vegan diet 24/7, then more power to them and they are awesome. However, if the closest my child gets to junk food is Earth Butter on her toast at breakfast and a Smart Dog for lunch...well, I think I can live with myself as a parent. :)
Hi all thanks for the responses. I hear you Sara - I try to eat a mostly plant based diet but I do make a few dishes that require olive oil, vegan cheeses or meat substitutes. I'm not over weight but I get the message the video is sending out. I guess moderation is the key. I too like a smart chili dog every now and then. :) I think I'll order the book and see what other meals are in it. I'll keep you posted.
We did the 28 day challenge for the Engine 2 diet at my work. His premise is that your fat should be coming from real food (nuts, avocado, etc), rather than adding fat to your food.
Hi Christina, how did you feel afterwards energy wise? Did you all lose weight? Can you share what you meals you had for breakfast, lunch and dinner?
HiKate
It's the same concept as FOK. It's actually the doctors son who is a fire fighter and he is in the original FOK video. He decided to make his own documentary following his fathers plant based diet plan which means no oils. I'll cut back on them I suppose. He was also against the most of the meat substitutes.
Mark, I felt after the first week, like I had a lot more energy (keeping in my that I have been having a LOT of problems with fatigue). So I felt more energy and lighter. I wasn't exactly where I wanted to be energy wise, but there was an improvement. I wasn't super fastidious about the oils, but I don't use much oil anyway. A lot of people at work lost weight. I lost 7 pounds over the month, which is great considering my weight has been steadily increasing for the past year. I'm definitely using a lot of the E2 principles while trying to find my way right now. It's been hard to keep up, because my partner is a meat eater.
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