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The FastDiet Cookbook: 150 Delicious, Calorie-Controlled Meals to Make Your Fasting Days Easy
The indispensable companion to the #1 New York Times bestselling diet book—enjoy delicious low-calorie meals that can help you lose weight, become heart-healthy, and lower your risk of major diseases.The FastDiet became an instant international bestseller with a powerful life-changing it’s possible to lose weight and reduce your risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, all while eating what you would normally eat five days a week. You simply cut your caloric intake two days a week to 500 calories for women, 600 for men. Now, the FastDiet Cookbook offers 150 nutritious, low-calorie recipes, ranging from simple breakfasts to leisurely suppers, enabling you to incorporate the FastDiet into your daily life. With this indispensable companion book, you will never have to worry about planning your fast days again!
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
167 people are currently reading
855 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 13, 2021
3.5 stars.
These are recipes you can use to do the 5:2 diet, or just as some low-calorie recipes (for a vegetarian/vegan book, look into Brooks’ “5:2 Vegetarian”, or Harrison’s “5:2 Veggie And Vegan”, since the vegetarian section here isn’t really so). Many of the 150 recipes have photos, and have been planned to keep hunger off yet look and taste great. Each recipes comes with calories counted (sometimes per portion) and a small introduction; some have nutrition information at the bottom of the page. At the end there are some quick snack ideas, and 2 meal plans for women and men for 4 weeks; the recipes are then listed by calories, starting with the least-number.
Even if you haven’t read the main diet book, the introduction gives it to you in a short manner. Then it goes on with answers to what, when, how (like: does juice count, or why there are so many soup recipes in the book). There’s some practical information, like freezer/fridge contents, useful tools, lazy foods when one doesn’t want to make much of an effort, etc.
A lot of these recipes aim for vegetarian protein, and avoiding carbs – at least many recipes exclude the usual pasta, rice, potatoes. Some recipes tell you this book’s British (shepherd’s pie in light form, pheasant, sheep kidneys, Stilton cheese), which is amusing. Feels like seafood dominates over meat in recipes, and fennel pops up often, at least it felt so while reading. Not listing recipes this time...
This book seems to ride a bit on the diet’s popularity around 2013, but I think the book is still useful for low-calorie recipes, and the diet seems reasonable - even though I don’t plan to follow it, at least not yet. The amount of recipes my picky self found in this book appealing enough wasn’t huge, but then the number of recipes isn’t either; however there was enough for me to find owning this book worth it.
These are recipes you can use to do the 5:2 diet, or just as some low-calorie recipes (for a vegetarian/vegan book, look into Brooks’ “5:2 Vegetarian”, or Harrison’s “5:2 Veggie And Vegan”, since the vegetarian section here isn’t really so). Many of the 150 recipes have photos, and have been planned to keep hunger off yet look and taste great. Each recipes comes with calories counted (sometimes per portion) and a small introduction; some have nutrition information at the bottom of the page. At the end there are some quick snack ideas, and 2 meal plans for women and men for 4 weeks; the recipes are then listed by calories, starting with the least-number.
Even if you haven’t read the main diet book, the introduction gives it to you in a short manner. Then it goes on with answers to what, when, how (like: does juice count, or why there are so many soup recipes in the book). There’s some practical information, like freezer/fridge contents, useful tools, lazy foods when one doesn’t want to make much of an effort, etc.
A lot of these recipes aim for vegetarian protein, and avoiding carbs – at least many recipes exclude the usual pasta, rice, potatoes. Some recipes tell you this book’s British (shepherd’s pie in light form, pheasant, sheep kidneys, Stilton cheese), which is amusing. Feels like seafood dominates over meat in recipes, and fennel pops up often, at least it felt so while reading. Not listing recipes this time...
This book seems to ride a bit on the diet’s popularity around 2013, but I think the book is still useful for low-calorie recipes, and the diet seems reasonable - even though I don’t plan to follow it, at least not yet. The amount of recipes my picky self found in this book appealing enough wasn’t huge, but then the number of recipes isn’t either; however there was enough for me to find owning this book worth it.
July 11, 2013
Was really excited about getting this book/reading this book. Won it in a Goodreads First read contest. So glad I did as I would not be a happy camper if I bought it. While it contains some wonderful information and nice little tidbits, too many of the recipes call for items that either I have never heard of, would never want to eat or would have a really tough time finding even in a metropolis. So maybe I am just not educated in the ways of foodie cooking since I havent a clue what cavolo nero, harissa, puy lentils, or samphire are or where I could find them and most of all why would I. When I am cooking I may enjoy some new flavors, but so many recipes with chicory root, odd lentils and strange items just put me off. As this book was originally written in the UK, I think maybe the recipes should have been a bit more adapted to the common dieting citizens of the US. Even though I dont really care for the majority of the recipes, I will try one or two and read all the other info. Thanks for the free book and for saving me from some severe anger if I had actually purchased it.
July 22, 2013
This is a delicious book! Both the photography and recipes are good enough to eat! It makes the idea of losing weight and getting in shape a joy, not a challenge. I was the winner of this cookbook in a Goodreads giveaway (First Reads), and I am ecstatic because I think it is becoming one of my favorite kitchen and dieting tools!
December 28, 2015
Before I get into the review of this book, I just wanted to state that I won this book via a goodreads giveaway. I want to thank whatever powers that be that allowed me to chosen to receive this book. On a semi-more serious note, I want to state that my experience with cookbooks is highly limited. (Seriously, I don’t think I have even looked through one to any great extent… Let alone review one…) Anyway, I just wanted to apologize in case anyone finds this review in poor taste (ha – see what I did there?)
I also have no interest in fasting. I know, sounds like I joined a meaningless giveaway on my part, right? Wrong. I have wanted to become healthier and saw this as an additional piece of motivation.
I have yet to actually try any of the recipes, but wanted to review the overall book within itself. (So I apologize (again) is you were looking for some good dinner ideas via a review blog post…)
The images within this book are amazingly vivid. Seriously – I was drooling over many of the salmon-filled images. The bright and colorful pictures are reflected by the vivid descriptions of not only what goes into the meal but also why parts of the meal are considered healthy, etc.
The first few chapters of this book go through some of the basic ideas of the diet itself. I was pleasantly surprised that the authors took into consideration the fact that not everyone is able to follow the same routines/diets/etc. From what I have learned from diets (I’ve never been on one personally) is that the diets themselves are very strict. This book’s opening chapters create a very warming and welcoming atmosphere and I found that I actually felt more relaxed about looking through the recipes – I definitely had a more open mind after reading how understanding the authors are.
I will admit that I did not read over each recipe in great detail. (Go ahead, ask me about what recipe was on page 53 – I have no idea.) BUT what I did notice was that each recipe had a section that sort of explained what was healthy about the meal, etc. and I tended to look at those more than the recipe themselves. If (and when) I try some of these I will definitely be interested in the recipes’ “stories” (or “reasoning’s”) that go along with them.
Overall, I give the book 4/5 stars. Good book overall! I think it could help a lot of people who are trying to eat healthier (even if they do not plan on fasting).
Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
Taylor
Have questions, comments, requests, etc.? Feel free to contact me at taylorreadingblog23@yahoo.com
I also have no interest in fasting. I know, sounds like I joined a meaningless giveaway on my part, right? Wrong. I have wanted to become healthier and saw this as an additional piece of motivation.
I have yet to actually try any of the recipes, but wanted to review the overall book within itself. (So I apologize (again) is you were looking for some good dinner ideas via a review blog post…)
The images within this book are amazingly vivid. Seriously – I was drooling over many of the salmon-filled images. The bright and colorful pictures are reflected by the vivid descriptions of not only what goes into the meal but also why parts of the meal are considered healthy, etc.
The first few chapters of this book go through some of the basic ideas of the diet itself. I was pleasantly surprised that the authors took into consideration the fact that not everyone is able to follow the same routines/diets/etc. From what I have learned from diets (I’ve never been on one personally) is that the diets themselves are very strict. This book’s opening chapters create a very warming and welcoming atmosphere and I found that I actually felt more relaxed about looking through the recipes – I definitely had a more open mind after reading how understanding the authors are.
I will admit that I did not read over each recipe in great detail. (Go ahead, ask me about what recipe was on page 53 – I have no idea.) BUT what I did notice was that each recipe had a section that sort of explained what was healthy about the meal, etc. and I tended to look at those more than the recipe themselves. If (and when) I try some of these I will definitely be interested in the recipes’ “stories” (or “reasoning’s”) that go along with them.
Overall, I give the book 4/5 stars. Good book overall! I think it could help a lot of people who are trying to eat healthier (even if they do not plan on fasting).
Thanks for reading!
Sincerely,
Taylor
Have questions, comments, requests, etc.? Feel free to contact me at taylorreadingblog23@yahoo.com
November 23, 2013
I won a copy of this cookbook though a goodreads giveaway. First off, I should mention that I was not previously familiar with the FastDiet which is the companion book to this cookbook. After flipping through the FastDiet cookbook, I would consider looking into its predecessor.
Although I did not read each recipe individually I saw quite a few that looked appetizing and manageable. There a some recipes that look simple to prepare while others include ingredients not likely to be found on the average person's shopping list. Nevertheless, I think there is a nice balance between the two.
The first few chapters were a nice bonus. It lays out the premise behind the FastDiet, nutritional information about certain foods and different tips and tricks for applying the method to your lifestyle.
Looking forward to trying some of these recipes. Overall, 4/5 stars for the book itself.
Although I did not read each recipe individually I saw quite a few that looked appetizing and manageable. There a some recipes that look simple to prepare while others include ingredients not likely to be found on the average person's shopping list. Nevertheless, I think there is a nice balance between the two.
The first few chapters were a nice bonus. It lays out the premise behind the FastDiet, nutritional information about certain foods and different tips and tricks for applying the method to your lifestyle.
Looking forward to trying some of these recipes. Overall, 4/5 stars for the book itself.
July 13, 2013
I don't cook a lot but I really enjoyed The FastDiet Cookbook by MiMi Spencer. It was colorful, and filled with easy to prepare meals that are calorie and portion controlled. The premise of The FastDiet is that two days a week you restrict your calories to around 500 calories for women and 600 calories to men. This is suppose to reduce your body fat. I have used The FastDiet Cookbook only to create meals and not followed the 500 calorie diet. However, I really like the cookbook because the meals are delicious and it helps me with visualizing portion control as the calories are listed next to each meal.
July 10, 2014
Disappointing meal ideas after incorporating 5:2 Fast Diet from original book by Mosley. The meal ideas in original book easy with everyday ingredients. This cookbook is collecting dust. Meal ideas are unappetizing, using little known ingredients to me… an average U.S'er. Not as user-friendly. Original book included calorie count for each ingredient, which I found helpful.
February 4, 2021
Il migliore aiutante nella ricerca di nuove idee per una cucina veramente Light!
Spiega l'approccio al digiuno intermittente, e raccogli consigli e ricette pratiche.
Il migliore testo che ho trovato riguardo a menù light
Spiega l'approccio al digiuno intermittente, e raccogli consigli e ricette pratiche.
Il migliore testo che ho trovato riguardo a menù light
March 23, 2017
一本比较简单的书，内容基本上是bbc节目的内容。概念很好，值得尝试
August 26, 2013
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. The beginning of the book explains the concept of the FastDiet, so it is easy to understand even if you haven't read the original book (I haven't). It also explains that you do not have to actually follow the FastDiet to enjoy these healthy recipes. This book has beautiful photographs throughout, which is usually what makes me want to try a recipe. So far, I have made one of the recipes, Roasted Vegetables with Spiced Balsamic Glaze, on page 94. Some of the recipes use specialty ingredients, but many can be made with typical healthy ingredients. For some of the recipes, more directions would be helpful to me.
July 29, 2014
Anyone who follows my reading list or who knows me at all, knows that I am a total foodie. Love to cook, love to eat and am a little bit of a food snob.
So----when I see a diet cookbook with food that actually looks good to me, I'm impressed. The FastDiet is basically a concept where you eat normally 5 days a week & do a modified fast (500-600 calories split between breakfast and dinner) on the other two days. This cookbook is for the 2 fasting days and the food looks good and interesting enough to hold my attention.
People who like more basic food or who are picky eaters or don't like to cook will not like this book.
So----when I see a diet cookbook with food that actually looks good to me, I'm impressed. The FastDiet is basically a concept where you eat normally 5 days a week & do a modified fast (500-600 calories split between breakfast and dinner) on the other two days. This cookbook is for the 2 fasting days and the food looks good and interesting enough to hold my attention.
People who like more basic food or who are picky eaters or don't like to cook will not like this book.
June 26, 2014
I am currently daydreaming about what I'm going to have for lunch today. This is generally the best time for me to look over cookbooks, because I'm more open to trying new things when I'm super hungry.
Not even one single recipe in here. Not even one. This doesn't even deserve a review, the recipes are so unappetizing.
Not even one single recipe in here. Not even one. This doesn't even deserve a review, the recipes are so unappetizing.
August 18, 2013
I won this cookbook on GoodReads First Reads. This is a great cookbook alot of good recipes. If you want to lose weight this cookbook is for you. The chicken recipes are wonderful.
July 15, 2013
Not many recipes that intrigue me.
October 11, 2014
Th recipes look delicious, so will try and see.
October 13, 2014
Recipes looked pretty good. I'd like to try this plan.
October 30, 2014
Reasonably written; weird idea.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews