sunshine - that was totally my experience, from day 1 I didn't miss meat or dairy.

The Engine 2 book is a good read, and the recpies don't included lots of meat substitutes it's mostly unprocessed things.

Have a look at the Engine2 website http://engine2academy.com/, you can register for free and check out loads of recipes and theres videos of the exercise routine too. I joined the website first and then bought the book, although once i'd read all the stuff on the website you don't really need the book. Although it is good for a read anyway.

I also thought I'd get everything I needed from the Engine2 website so I bought the Eat to Live book (in paperback!) It's a challenge getting all those veggies in.

I heard on the news today that there's a recall on ground beef again. The longer I stay away from meat the more unappetizing it is.

I too just bought the e2l book, waiting to get it from Amazon. I am a vegetarian so I don't think I will have any problems doing this lifestyle change, famous last words.
i bought a blender and tons of veggies and fruits.

I was wondering if some one could post a typical day of meals?

Karen - you can get this info and recipes from the Engine2 website:
Day 1
Rip’s Big Bowl
E2 Stuffed Pita with Hummus
E2 Spinach Starter Salad & Gnocchi with E2 Basics Red Sauce
Frozen Cherries & Soy Yogurt

Day 2
Banana & Toast
E2 Basics Wrap with Gnocchi
Dinner Plate: E2 Black Beans & Rice Extravaganza
E2 Lime Mousse

Day 3
Simple Cereal Bowl
E2 Basics Open Face Sandwich with Hummus
E2 Basics Stir Fry over Brown Rice
Sliced Apples with Lemon Juice

Day 4
Strawberries & Whole Grain Toast
Green Leafy Wrap with Stir Fry
Chalupas & Salsa
Lemon Sorbet & Blueberries
Day 5
Hot Lap Bowl
E2 Basics Taco
Portobello Mushroom Burgers & Sweet Potato Fries
Fruit Bowl with Oat-Nut Topping
Day 6
Breakfast Tacos & Grapefruit
Burgers & Sweet Potato Fries
E2 Basics Starter Salad & Meatloaf with Steamed Broccoli
Chocolate Mousse
Day 7
E2 Pancakes with Strawberries, Bananas & Walnuts
Ann’s Panini
E2 Big Salad with Brussels Sprouts & New Potatoes
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

can someone tell me the main difference between Dr Furhman, Dr Ornish and Dr McDougal diet plans? i have been reading to much about low fat diets lately and am getting so confused.
I know veggies, fruits, grains, legumes, no meat or dairy.
just trying to figure out each plan, and which one would be right for me.

They all limit fats.

Fuhrman limits starchy cooked veggies and other foods high in starch such as grains but allows you fruit.

McDougall limits fruits but allows you grains.

Not sure about Ornish.

Ornish is very low fat, I think 10%. It's vegetarian but not vegan. He advocates a lot of nonfat dairy, which I couldn't get past.

OK so I need to decide if i want to eat more fruits, grains or dairy.
seems like more grains and dairy weight loss will be slow, fruit is sugar. oh me oh my what to do here.
oh i know balance everything in balance.

salads and veggies 1/2
fruit 1/4
grains 1/4
dairy 0/0

Well I'd avoid dairy completely myself, I personally feel its worse than meat whether you are vegetarian for health, animal or environmental reasons.

The focus for Fuhrman really is on legumes and veggies but fruit is allowed AFTER you make sure you have your legumes and veggies. Fruit is sugar but its full of antioxidants. I personally feel better if I'm eating fruit than if I'm eating grains and I've heard people who have done McDougall think that it doesn't work for everyone because of the grains.

I also believe more fruit and less grains are better for you. This week breakfast is fruit salad instead of oatmeal and I noticed more energy and the weight is coming off a little faster.

I am having a green smoothie every morning using my old, new vitamix and do feel better and have more energy.
i also have stopped most snacking at night and have a glass of soy milk or an orange for a snack and am quite happy.
where my problem is now is fat in the form of butter and mayo, so i will have to rethink those two and come up with a healthier alternative. I went to a cookout with friends last night and brought my own salad and was quite happy. I can do this.
i am really thing about starting Mcdougall, but since i don't have the book i have to figure out the difference between his 2 plans and which book to get.

I bought both of McDs books on Amazon last night used, the 12 day diet and the MWL book. So now I am committed to doing this.
I think I have been working my way towards low fat vegan for about a year now, taking baby steps along the way.
White potatoes scare me though, so I need to sneak up on them again. As long as I can find a happy balance I can do this.

My diet is emphasized on more fruit/veggies (raw if possible) on most days.... and I try to limit my grains to weekend. Sunday I dont really have any limits. But I notice im loosing more now too and I dont feel so heavy.

I did a raw diet for a couple months last summer and enjoyed it. I did lose some weight in the process as well which was nice. I liked that I could pretty much eat however much I wanted as long as it was raw vegan. By the end I started to get bored with the types of meals I was having (a lot of repetitious meals because "gourmet" raw takes quite a bit of prep work) and also I found this type of diet to be very expensive. My body felt great though and I had a lot of energy.