Both the Engine 2 Diet and Noom are popular weight loss programs, but they take significantly different approaches to diet, mindset, and sustainability. If you’re trying to choose between these two plans, understanding their core principles can help you make an informed decision based on your goals and lifestyle.
Dietary Approach
- Engine 2 Diet: This is a plant-based, whole-food diet that eliminates all animal products, processed foods, and oils. Developed by Rip Esselstyn, the Engine 2 Diet is primarily focused on improving heart health and reversing chronic conditions like heart disease. It’s strict in that it forbids any added oils, refined sugars, or processed foods, making it more rigid for those looking for a flexible plan.
- Noom: Noom offers a more flexible eating plan, using a color-coded system (green, yellow, and orange) to categorize foods based on their caloric density and nutrient value. It doesn’t restrict any specific food group but encourages moderation, especially with higher-calorie, less nutrient-dense foods (orange foods). Noom is designed to help users develop healthier eating habits through education and mindfulness rather than strict dietary restrictions.
Focus on Psychology
- Engine 2 Diet: While the Engine 2 Diet does focus on lifestyle changes for health, it doesn’t incorporate much behavioral psychology or address emotional eating habits. Its primary focus is on adopting a whole-food, plant-based diet and encourages physical activity to complement the eating plan.
- Noom: Noom’s distinguishing factor is its psychology-based approach. The program focuses heavily on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help users identify and change unhealthy habits around food. Noom includes daily lessons and quizzes to help users understand the emotional and psychological triggers behind their eating behaviors.
Flexibility and Sustainability
- Engine 2 Diet: This diet is quite strict, especially for those who are not used to a fully plant-based lifestyle. The exclusion of oils and processed foods can be a challenge for many people, which could make it difficult to sustain long-term. However, for those who are motivated by health concerns like heart disease, its plant-based emphasis can lead to significant health benefits.
- Noom: Noom is generally seen as more sustainable for the average person because it allows for more flexibility. Users are not restricted from eating certain foods but are encouraged to make healthier choices in a way that feels manageable. The psychological support and daily coaching also help users stay on track, even if they slip up.
Weight Loss Results
- Engine 2 Diet: For those who follow it strictly, the Engine 2 Diet can result in rapid weight loss, especially due to its low-fat, whole-food emphasis. It’s particularly effective for individuals who need to lower cholesterol, improve heart health, or reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Noom: Noom promotes gradual and steady weight loss, typically around 1-2 pounds per week. Because the program encourages mindful eating and focuses on behavior change, users may find it easier to maintain their weight loss over time. Noom is more about long-term, sustainable weight loss rather than quick fixes.
Exercise and Physical Activity
- Engine 2 Diet: Exercise is encouraged as part of the overall health focus. Rip Esselstyn, a former professional athlete, integrates exercise into the program, but there’s less structured guidance compared to Noom.
- Noom: While not primarily an exercise program, Noom encourages users to increase physical activity as part of their weight loss journey. The app provides tracking tools for exercise but doesn’t offer structured workout plans.
Support and Community
- Engine 2 Diet: There is a strong sense of community within the Engine 2 Diet, especially through books, online forums, and resources. However, it lacks the personalized coaching aspect that Noom offers.
- Noom: Noom provides personalized coaching and access to a support group, which can be beneficial for those who need extra motivation and accountability. The social aspect of Noom can be a key factor in keeping users engaged and on track.
Conclusion
- Choose Engine 2 if you are looking for a strict, plant-based diet that can help with heart health and reducing chronic conditions. It’s best for those committed to a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle.
- Choose Noom if you prefer a flexible, psychology-based approach to weight loss that doesn’t require cutting out entire food groups. Noom’s focus on behavioral change and mindful eating makes it suitable for individuals looking for long-term, sustainable results.
