Rip Esselstyn
Rip Esselstyn is a former professional triathlete, veteran firefighter, New York Times bestselling author, and founder of Plant Strong. He has spent more than two decades on a mission to help people reclaim their health through the power of whole plant foods.
While serving with the Austin Fire Department, Rip discovered that many of his fellow firefighters — despite being strong on the outside — were quietly battling dangerously high cholesterol, obesity, and early heart disease. Determined to change the trajectory of his crew’s health, he led a station-wide nutrition transformation rooted in whole, unrefined plant foods. The results were dramatic: rapid weight loss, improved cholesterol levels, and renewed energy. That experience became the foundation for his bestselling book The Engine 2 Diet and launched a national conversation about food as medicine.
The son of pioneering heart disease researcher Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr., Rip grew up witnessing the life-changing power of nutrition. Today, he carries that legacy forward — not as a rigid doctrine, but as an empowering invitation. Through Plant Strong events, immersive retreats, educational programs, and a line of whole-food products, Rip equips people with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to take ownership of their health.
At the heart of Rip’s work is a simple but urgent belief: chronic disease is not inevitable, and people deserve clear, actionable information to protect themselves and their families. His message cuts through confusion and misinformation, restoring agency to individuals who want real solutions grounded in science and lived experience.
Learn more at plantstrong.com and follow Rip for ongoing education and inspiration.
Plant Strong: https://a.co/d/0e9reQUW
Engine 2 Seven-Day Rescue Diet : https://a.co/d/0iheW93W
The Engine 2 Cookbook: https://a.co/d/0aMGbIum