Skinny Meals: Everything You Need to Lose Weight-Fast!: A Cookbook

by Bob Harper

Power Breakfasts, Lean Lunches, and Thinner Dinners

In The Skinny Rules, super-motivator Bob Harper introduced the twenty nonnegotiable eating and lifestyle principles that pave the way to quick and permanent weight loss. Since then, thousands of fans asked for more guidance and inspiration! Skinny Meals answers the call, delivering 100 new Skinny Rules–abiding recipes (all of them under 350 calories!) and a month’s worth of new menu plans that will satisfy you at every meal. From an Apple Pie Shake for breakfast to Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Cream Sauce for dinner, Bob has done all the tricky calorie, protein, carb, sodium, and fiber counting so you can meet his Rules goals without even thinking about them! With easy, prepare-ahead strategies, handy shopping lists, and cooking tips, Skinny Meals is your ultimate guide to slimming down and staying fit. Just shop, chop, and enjoy!

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Health, Diets, Nonfiction, Food

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Yolanda]

Plenty of great ideas and plans. The meals are plans for one mostly. Not something I would follow strictly but enough to encourage the family, water before and during meals (not restrictive) , lean and green for dinner, who doesn't need more salad.

[Susan Ciliberti · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I read The Skinny Rules by Bob Harper and made several of the recipes in this book. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted more recipes. Although I have made a few tweaks here and there for my own preferences, I have enjoyed the recipes in this book. For Christmas I Purchased both books for my closest friend to encourage her to follow Bob’s rules and eat and live a healthy life.

[Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

I guess I thought it was a recipe book not a book with a few recipes. You list me at the rule to never eat white potatoes. No one needs that kind of negativity, lol. But seriously, potatoes are not our enemy. Looking for a book that shows how to control the use of foods like that, not simply avoid them.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

1 star for the rules and 5 stars for the recipes. I just don't buy into all the rules honestly. Looking forward to trying the quinoa cakes, blueberry muffins, and pesto recipes. I got this for $1 at a used book store and it was worth it for the recipes alone.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contrary to what a lot of other reviews have said, I really like the outline laid out in the rules. There are a decent number of recipes I’m looking forward to trying so I’ll update if anything was either incredible or awful.

[Beckie Hinze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bob Harper's plan works well for me - We keep the rules out - these meals are a bit clunky and I would prefer more simple versions - also ideas for eating out -

[Lesley Looper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the tips and grocery list suggestions, and several of the recipes looked tasty, too!

[Glenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I decided to make the Pan-Seared Salmon but I was discouraged when I noted that the recipe did not mention pan searing (only baking). A totally separate sidebar described pan searing.

[Jennifer Rayment · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Good Stuff

Photographs make the recipes extremely appetizing
Practical and relatively easy to follow diet advice
Most of the recipes I ate were truly delicious and filling - well except for that pea guac stuff - ewwww
Handy shopping lists and plans for following his sample diet for a month (but be prepared the first shopping trip could be pricey)
Many of the recipes are now staples in our everyday eating. I look forward to my Quioaoatmeal every couple of days ( I triple the recipe and just reheat it when I need it)
Greek Waffle recipe (nom nom nom & seriously filling - didn't even want to eat lunch till mid afternoon)
Appreciated the mention of having water with every meal, even snacks
I hate the term skinny
Excellent idea to clean out your pantry and practical advice on what to keep in your pantry/fridge/freezer at all times, that will help you keep to the healthy eating plan
Promotes healthy eating as a way of life and not just some fad dieting book. This is how you stay slim people. Fad diets do not work. Eat in moderation
Comprehensive index
The restock your pantry list is extremely handy

The Not So Good Stuff

Pea Guac - trust me - NASTY - but I think could be delicious if you worked with spices and maybe some garlic
Lot of prep work and lets face it all the fresh herbs, veggies and fruit is going to cost you a fortune (isn't it sad that to eat healthy and keep yourself fit costs so much)
Better suited for couples or for singles. Pain in the ass to figure how ingredients for making it a whole meal for a family (and lets face it my 5 yr old is sooo not going to try some of the stuff)
Hmm no mention of 3 glasses of wine a week - obviously this guy has either no kids or has a nanny (ok also reason I will never have six pack abs)

Favorite Recipes

Greek Yogurt Waffles (Seriously tasty and filling too)

Baked Quinoatmeal (enjoyed but used Almond/Coconut milk instead)

Pico De Gallo (this will now be a staple in the Rayment Household)

Pesto Quesadilla

Beef Chili



4.5 Dewey's

I received this from Random House in exchange for an honest review

[Sheila DeChantal · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know him from the show Biggest Loser when he is pushing contestants to their limits. Bob is also a personal trainer, as well as some one who takes care of their own body and what they put in it.

As Bob says in the forward of this book, what he is sharing here is the same foods and meals he eats and encourages those he works with to eat. Healthy eating habits and working out are the keys to a fitter, fuller life.





As soon as I seen this book on-line I knew I wanted to own it. Lots of delicious looking recipes that did not seem to be above my cooking skills. No recipe over 350 calories and balanced so your carbs are eaten by mid afternoon and your suppers are balanced with the fiber and calories you need for burning them through the night.



The forward to the book are basic steps for balancing your meals and not over eating. Bob says always drink a full glass of water before any meal. Even take a glass of water by your bedside so first thing in the morning you can drink it. Not only does it help you feel fuller before you eat, it also helps flush out the things your body does not need. He also suggests no eating after 8 pm and go to bed hungry. Your body starts to burn fat around 3 hours after eating. Why not deal with those “hungry hours” while you are sleeping? ;)

Since purchasing the book I have made several recipes out of it, planning to use it more in the future as well (there is a spaghetti squash recipe filled with vegies I have my eye on to try).

Want to see more about this review and a recipe? Check it out here: http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/2014...

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads giveaway and I really wanted to like it. I should have realized from the title that this was going to be a "rule intensive" book -- and I don't need any more rules or guilt when it comes to my eating habits!

I didn't think it was very easy to follow his meal plan. The first part of the book explains his rules (there are a lot!), followed by recipes that incorporate the rules. First about the rules: I got more and more discouraged as the number of rules kept creeping up. I need simple and straightforward when it comes to a healthy eating plan. And if you're going to have an incredibly long list of rules, put things like "get enough sleep" under reminders or some other title less anxiety producing.

Then the recipes referenced the rules, but only by number. As in: this meal incorporates rule #16....I had to go back and look up the rule again and it felt like doing homework instead of enjoying a cookbook.

Finally, the real death-blow for a cookbook: the recipes don't look very appetizing. Poached chicken is not very pretty on a plate...and cauliflower "rice" isn't going to fool my stomach or my taste buds - let's just call it what it is. Cauliflower. I marked 4 or 5 that I will probably try but that's not a very good success rate for a book that advertised 100 recipes.

Bottom lines is: I'm glad I got this one for free.

[Jessica Rusnack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was impressed with the information and the quality of recipes in this book. He starts the book with "Skinny Rules for Life" which may make some people balk (i.e., no carbs after lunch, little to no alcohol) but he also explains the purpose behind them. I personally don't plan on following the rules strictly, but I do plan on incorporating them into my life as I see fit.

I am a vegetarian and was pleased to see he encouraged at least one meatless day a week. I also found that it was quite easy to adapt the meat recipes by using meatless products, such as Morningstar Farms or Gardein. Some of the recipes sound complicated due to new techniques or specialty products so you just have to adapt. You also have to multiply the ingredients for a family as it seems all recipes are for one person. The flavors are certainly there (even if my skills are lacking!) and some of the recipes we've tried have been restaurant quality. Even my kids (ages 4 and 6) have enjoyed them.

I recommend this book for anyone trying to get good flavors with less calories or who wants some healthier recipe options to add to their usual mix. For people who are truly looking for assistance, he even provides shopping lists and menus for a whole month, a week at a time. The menus include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks. He makes it pretty simple for anyone who wants to commit.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in one of the giveaways and I am so happy I did. There are so many recipes that look delicious and very easy to make, and are 350 calories! It's nicely broken up into sections by meals (snacks, breakfast, lunch, dinner). One of the things I love most is the weekly shopping list already made out for you along with the recipes for the products bought at the store. I have already tried 3 of the recipes and they have not disappointed! Looking forward to trying out more meals!!

[Anya · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

I really liked this book, it was very straightforward and easy to follow. There are tons of great recipes and the food pictures were awesome. It makes everything more appetizing not to mention motivating. At first, I thought the rules would be difficult to follow but it was relatively easy.

Anyways, I got the book early this week and just started following it so here is to me hoping it actually works! :)

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this cookbook! After using "The Biggest Loser Cookbook" on a daily basis, I found Bob Harper's cookbook. I love the variety of recipes for both healthy 'clean eating' and low calorie, low carb, where all meals are under 400 calories. It's hard to find a cookbook specializing in under 400 calories and that has the calorie and nutrition information documented for every recipe. A great find and staple in my kitchen now!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

My family and I often enjoy watching The Biggest Loser, so I was excited to win a copy of this book. It's a pretty solid diet book. I'm not sure that it's breaking any new ground, but I have enjoyed having another source of healthy recipes to add to my collection! The shopping lists and meal plans are also very useful.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really perfect for me! Bob gives excellent advice on how to eat throughout the day to get skinny and stay skinny. Great colorful photos accompany very healthy and delicious meals. Easy-to-follow as well. I will definitely be using this book often.

I received this book through Goodreads and I'm so glad I did!

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me save you $22...prepare, monitor, drink water, and don't forget to exercise. We all know this is true if you really want to lost weight...its just WORK. While there are great meal ideas, there isn't anything new and exciting about this cookbook. Plus there aren't many good pictures of the food.

[Austin J Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. The one thing that I noticed is that Bob uses tomoatoes in many of his recipees. I am very excited to try some of there recipees in this book and incorporate Bob's skinny rules into my life.

[Dawn Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this! It has a breakdown reminder section of the Skinny Rules, all new recipes and a month's worth of new menus!! Well done Bob!! Wondering whether this diet works? I'm down 30lbs and still losing!

[Latasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saved a few recipes but a lot of them call for special, pricey ingredients. I'm not sure they are worth the risk! I'm sure this book would help so much with loosing weight but I don't think it's for me.

[Catherine Schmidt · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quicker view of his skinny rules. The recipes are a bit tedious though.

[Vittorio Graziani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book isn't just a lose weight book. It's awesome! Shows you how to buy and what not to buy and what to throw out in your pantry and the recipes are easy and under 350 calories!!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book won on Goodreads First Reads....This is a great cook book and it has some awesome recipes in it. They are delicious!

[Melanie Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great info on proper portion sizes, reading food labels, and making meals w/out added salt.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has wonderfully easy recipes! Can't wait to try some of them!

[Calum Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful book. I eat a lot healthier now!!!!!!

[Alysia · Rating 3 out of 5]

He has some pretty good recipes. I love Skinny shepherd's pie. I make that almost all the time.

[Judy Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved all the information given for healthy living.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

had some good ideas for loosing weight