The Engine 2 Diet challenge with Whole Foods Market Sarasota: final results

The results are in, and they're great!  The Reategui family wasn't the only family who benefited from the program, but they are proud of their new lifestyle of eating and the weight loss they achieved. As a whole family they lost a total of 46 pounds in 28 days. Jessi, the mother, lost 16 pounds; Franklin, the father, lost 14 pounds; Kaylan, the 15-year-old daughter, lost 5 pounds; and Denzel, the 12-year-old son, lost 11 pounds. Most importantly, they have adapted to their new way of eating and everyone feels much better, has more energy and no health issues to speak of. No migraines for over a month for Jessi, and Franklin works a full day without getting tired.Jessi and Franklin made the decision as a family to continue their plant-based diet due to their results, the way they feel and especially for the newfound energy and mood improvements in the children. Kaylan, 15, was born with cerebral palsy. She has had constipation issues throughout her entire life and suffers from constant stomach pain and cramping because of it. She didn't need to lose any weight as most people with CP are typically underweight.

At her appointment with her pediatrician last week, Kaylan's doctor was pleased with her results. Her physician said the weight loss could be attributed to excess food that wasn't moving properly through her body. Now that she's going to the bathroom every day, Kaylan's mood has been vastly improved. Her school noted it daily, her physician noticed and the rest of the family has definitely seen an improvement. She used to sleep tightly curled in the fetal position, and Jessi and Franklin have recently found her sprawled out on the bed. Kaylan was also suffering from leg and feet swelling (edema) which promptly went away early on in the diet changes. Kaylan is non-verbal, so these physical signs are her form of communication. She is definitely happier.Denzel's friends noticed his weight loss too. He's been playing more basketball and working out, and is dedicated to the plant-based diet now that he's seen the results.

I committed myself on behalf of Whole Foods Market Sarasota to ensure the Reateguis had a successful month and had all their questions answered. What I didn't expect was a wonderful friendship to develop among us all. Our children love their children and ask to play with them daily. Jessi and Franklin are wonderful friends, hard-working people and incredibly dedicated parents---not to mention a lot of fun to be around. The whole experience was really a gift to us, too.

The Engine 2 Diet 28-Day Challenge is not a typical diet plan with prepackaged food or calorie counting. It is a lifestyle and a way of eating. The simple premise is to eliminates meat, dairy and oil from the diet. This can be done all at once, or by setting goals and eliminating items week by week. The plan is designed to prevent heart disease and cancer, and build a healthy foundation from which to eat and thrive without ever being hungry.For Sarasota and Bradenton residents, the best resource for Engine 2 Diet coaching is our local Whole Foods Market Sarasota store. They have a designated Healthy Eating Specialist, Kathryn McCue, who gives store tours and teaches a variety of classes to provide great healthy ideas for improving nutrition. You can visit their website or like their Facebook page to find out more about classes and event schedules. These resources are complimentary so be sure to check their schedule each month. If you are interested in the plant-based Engine 2 Diet, the Whole Foods Market Sarasota store can help get you started.

Other resources:

The Engine 2 Diet book by Rip Esselstyn

Forks Over Knives: The Plant-Based Way to Health