Update: The Four Week Engine 2 Diet Challenge at Fire Station #6

A firefighter's life can be hectic to say the least and all to often, their diets get little attention. In an effort to lose weight, improve their cholesterol, and gain energy, the A-shift at Station #6 embarked on a 4 week challenge that had them eating only food that grows from the ground up. This food plan was first adopted by a firefighter in Austin, Texas who wrote a book about his experience, The Engine 2 Diet. The Whole Foods Friendship Heights store partnered with the shift to help keep them on track.

Jill from PCRM showing 6-A a new recipe

The diet also caught the attention of local experts from the P.C.R.M. (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine) who taught them a few recipes for the Superbowl, an event that is usually synonymous with junk food. However, this year's big game was accompanied by a vegan quesadilla with hummus; a guacamole dip, a fruit smoothie with soy milk, and other healthy but still delicious foods. By cutting out the meat that is usually inhaled on this Sunday night, they avoided the fat while eating ample amounts of vitamins and minerals.

As the 28 days came to a close, the results are promising. Everyone participating in the diet lost weight, with most of them losing close to 8 pounds. However, one firefighter is closing in on an astonishing 20 pounds. Many members will continue this regiment for at least a month or two more, especially because it was much easier than they initially thought it would be. They also hope to have inspired additional MCFRS personnel who have had exposure to their diet during the past month.

6-A Shift watching the cooking demo

On a separate note, I would like to share a few more benefits of this diet that I learned about in Environmental Science at Wootton High School. When the sun's energy hits the earth, plants get first dibs and receive 100% of it. With each level up in the energy pyramid, from herbivores to carnivores, 10% is lost during every step. For example, when a chicken eats corn, they only receive 10% of the original energy. When we eat the chicken, we are only provided with 1% of the energy that is provided by our sun. Now imagine some animals who are one step higher that end up on our plates and we only gain .1%. The large amount of energy lost along the way is used for growth and warmth in each organism along the way.

ABC7’s Julie Parker featured the shift as they started the diet and, in a segment that aired last week, as they were wrapping it up. Last week’s segment is below.

-Daniel the Intern

Updated at 9:20 AM on 2/23

Update: Whole Foods & Fire Station 6 A-Shift Partner on 28 Day Health Challenge

NOTE: Below is a quick update from the crew at Bethesda Fire Station #6 A-Shift as they finish off their first week on the Engine 2 Diet.


By Fire Fighter Troy Jones

On day1 we had oatmeal for breakfast and frozen mixed veggies for lunch. Dinner was the first try at a recipe out the book which was the pasta primavera (kale, corn, tomatoes, onions, bell pepper, pasta sauce over whole grain pasta).

As the designated Chef for dinner, I was very nervous that the guys would not like it but, to my surprise, they ate it and thought it was pretty good! On Thursday the guys had boca burgers with some mixed results. Next shift we will try another recipe from the dinner menu.

In addition, I have been making some of the recipes at home with a few modifications. So far I have gotten pretty good results as I have lost 5 lbs. and feel I have a lot more energy. Most of the guys are enhancing their results by doing vigorous exercise as well.