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The Shredded Chef: 120 Recipes for Building Muscle, Getting Lean, and Staying Healthy
If you want to know how to build muscle and burn fat by eating healthy, delicious meals that are easy to cook and easy on your wallet, then you want to read this book.
Do you lack confidence in the kitchen and think that you just can't cook great food?
Are you not sure of how to prepare food that is not only delicious and healthy but also effective in helping you build muscle and lose fat?
Are you afraid that cooking nutritious, restaurant-quality meals is too time-consuming and expensive?
If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, don't worry--you're not alone. And this book is the answer: With it, you can cook fast, healthy, and tasty meals every day (and on a reasonable budget) that will help you build muscle or lose weight, regardless of your current skills.
The Shredded Chef is more than just a bunch of recipes, though. It's going to teach you the true scientific basics of gaining muscle and losing fat, because bad diet advice is an epidemic these days.
In this book, you're going to learn how to eat right without having to obsess over every calorie. These 9 scientifically proven rules for eating are the foundation of every great physique, and they have nothing to do with following weird diets or depriving yourself of everything that tastes good.
And the recipes themselves? In this book you'll find 114 healthy, flavorful recipes specifically designed for athletes that want to build muscle or lose fat. Regardless of your fitness goals, this book has got you covered.
Here's a "sneak peek" of the recipes you'll find inside:
18 fast, delicious breakfast recipes like Peanut Butter Power Oatmeal, French Muscle Toast, High-Protein Banana Oatcakes, Lean and Mean Zucchini Hash Brown, Macho Mexican Scramble and more. Whether you're trying to burn fat or build muscle, you'll find recipes that will help you get there.
18 mouthwatering chicken dishes like Chicken Stroganoff, Tasty Thai Chicken, Jerk Chicken Stir Fry, Honey-Garlic Chicken, and more. Forget boring chicken dishes, even when cutting!
14 tasty beef recipes like Low-Fat Russian Beef Stroganoff, Lean Bison Burgers, Vietnamese Beef Noodles, Meathead Meatballs, and more. Enjoy beef like never before with these creative recipes and you'll even find low-calorie beef dishes designed for losing weight!
10 savory fish and seafood recipes like Turkey Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Provencal Baked Halibut, Salmon Burgers, Tasty Tuna Melt, and more. Never again settle for flavorless, unappetizing fish and seafood--these recipes will have you singing praises for the sea!
7 hearty, healthy pasta recipes like Chicken Pesto Pasta, Asparagus & Goat Cheese Pasta, Classic Pasta Bolognese, Beef Lasagna, Chicken Fettuccine with Mushrooms, and more. Each of the pasta dishes are high in protein, making them great muscle-building treats.
14 awesome side dishes like Wasabi Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Fries, Hot 'n Healthy Brown Rice, Zucchini Risotto, Couscous Salad, and more. You're going to love mixing and matching these side dishes with the entrees and discovering your favorite combinations!
5 delectable desserts like Key Lime Pie, Peach Cobbler, Chocolate Protein Mousse, Banana Cream Pie, and more. These sugar-free desserts will satisfy your sweet tooth without the calorie overload!
And more! (I haven't even mentioned the recipes for pork, salads, protein shakes, protein bars, and snacks...)
SPECIAL BONUS FOR READERS!
With this book you'll also get a free 31-page bonus report from the author called "Muscle Meals: How to Use Nutrition to Maximize Your Muscle and Torch Your Fat."
In this bonus report, you'll learn the truth about "good" and "bad" carbs and exactly which you should eat and which you should avoid, and 5 snacks that are delicious, easy to make, and that can help you build muscle and lose fat.
Do you lack confidence in the kitchen and think that you just can't cook great food?
Are you not sure of how to prepare food that is not only delicious and healthy but also effective in helping you build muscle and lose fat?
Are you afraid that cooking nutritious, restaurant-quality meals is too time-consuming and expensive?
If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, don't worry--you're not alone. And this book is the answer: With it, you can cook fast, healthy, and tasty meals every day (and on a reasonable budget) that will help you build muscle or lose weight, regardless of your current skills.
The Shredded Chef is more than just a bunch of recipes, though. It's going to teach you the true scientific basics of gaining muscle and losing fat, because bad diet advice is an epidemic these days.
In this book, you're going to learn how to eat right without having to obsess over every calorie. These 9 scientifically proven rules for eating are the foundation of every great physique, and they have nothing to do with following weird diets or depriving yourself of everything that tastes good.
And the recipes themselves? In this book you'll find 114 healthy, flavorful recipes specifically designed for athletes that want to build muscle or lose fat. Regardless of your fitness goals, this book has got you covered.
Here's a "sneak peek" of the recipes you'll find inside:
18 fast, delicious breakfast recipes like Peanut Butter Power Oatmeal, French Muscle Toast, High-Protein Banana Oatcakes, Lean and Mean Zucchini Hash Brown, Macho Mexican Scramble and more. Whether you're trying to burn fat or build muscle, you'll find recipes that will help you get there.
18 mouthwatering chicken dishes like Chicken Stroganoff, Tasty Thai Chicken, Jerk Chicken Stir Fry, Honey-Garlic Chicken, and more. Forget boring chicken dishes, even when cutting!
14 tasty beef recipes like Low-Fat Russian Beef Stroganoff, Lean Bison Burgers, Vietnamese Beef Noodles, Meathead Meatballs, and more. Enjoy beef like never before with these creative recipes and you'll even find low-calorie beef dishes designed for losing weight!
10 savory fish and seafood recipes like Turkey Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Provencal Baked Halibut, Salmon Burgers, Tasty Tuna Melt, and more. Never again settle for flavorless, unappetizing fish and seafood--these recipes will have you singing praises for the sea!
7 hearty, healthy pasta recipes like Chicken Pesto Pasta, Asparagus & Goat Cheese Pasta, Classic Pasta Bolognese, Beef Lasagna, Chicken Fettuccine with Mushrooms, and more. Each of the pasta dishes are high in protein, making them great muscle-building treats.
14 awesome side dishes like Wasabi Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Fries, Hot 'n Healthy Brown Rice, Zucchini Risotto, Couscous Salad, and more. You're going to love mixing and matching these side dishes with the entrees and discovering your favorite combinations!
5 delectable desserts like Key Lime Pie, Peach Cobbler, Chocolate Protein Mousse, Banana Cream Pie, and more. These sugar-free desserts will satisfy your sweet tooth without the calorie overload!
And more! (I haven't even mentioned the recipes for pork, salads, protein shakes, protein bars, and snacks...)
SPECIAL BONUS FOR READERS!
With this book you'll also get a free 31-page bonus report from the author called "Muscle Meals: How to Use Nutrition to Maximize Your Muscle and Torch Your Fat."
In this bonus report, you'll learn the truth about "good" and "bad" carbs and exactly which you should eat and which you should avoid, and 5 snacks that are delicious, easy to make, and that can help you build muscle and lose fat.
314 pages, Paperback
First published February 29, 2012
2525 people are currently reading
1120 people want to read
About the author
Michael Matthews
43 books431 followersHi,
I’m Mike and I’ve been training for nearly a decade now.
I believe that every person can achieve the body of his or her dreams, and I work hard to give everyone that chance by providing workable, proven advice grounded in science, not a desire to sell phony magazines, workout products, or supplements.
I’ve helped quite a few people achieve their health and fitness goals, and at their urging, I am sharing what I’ve learned and know works here in this website, and in my books.
So if you’re looking to get in shape and look great, then I think I can help you. I hope you enjoy my website and books, and feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions and I’ll do my best to help.
Sincerely,
Mike
http://www.muscleforlife.com/
I’m Mike and I’ve been training for nearly a decade now.
I believe that every person can achieve the body of his or her dreams, and I work hard to give everyone that chance by providing workable, proven advice grounded in science, not a desire to sell phony magazines, workout products, or supplements.
I’ve helped quite a few people achieve their health and fitness goals, and at their urging, I am sharing what I’ve learned and know works here in this website, and in my books.
So if you’re looking to get in shape and look great, then I think I can help you. I hope you enjoy my website and books, and feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions and I’ll do my best to help.
Sincerely,
Mike
http://www.muscleforlife.com/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 6, 2019
I just finished the book. The two recipes that I tried so far are simple, fulfilling, and delicious with easy to find ingredients.
I was looking for a book with a lot of simple 300 calories recipes and ended up with this one. So far it's better than I expected in some ways. The intro really went over the scientific reasons why your diet is not working. He actually brought out the scientific equations to assessing your calorie intake as well.
I thought that the calorie goal I calculated was going to be too low, but so far his meals are much more filling than I thought 300-500 calories meals could ever be.
I sort of wanted more snack recipes though. I snack a lot, so I need some good high protein low calorie choices. He only had a few snack recipes.
Since he didn't have any good snack recipes, I just ate whatever I wanted to for snacks almonds and grapes. I included his suggestion for dinner and lunch. I lost five lbs in two weeks.
I lost so much weight, that I was a little bothered and not that compelled to try new recipes later. The food was good, but it was like family size meals, so I just ended up eating the same meal all week.
I want a cookbook for single person who is dieting and has no effort to make something showy/detailed.
I was looking for a book with a lot of simple 300 calories recipes and ended up with this one. So far it's better than I expected in some ways. The intro really went over the scientific reasons why your diet is not working. He actually brought out the scientific equations to assessing your calorie intake as well.
I thought that the calorie goal I calculated was going to be too low, but so far his meals are much more filling than I thought 300-500 calories meals could ever be.
I sort of wanted more snack recipes though. I snack a lot, so I need some good high protein low calorie choices. He only had a few snack recipes.
Since he didn't have any good snack recipes, I just ate whatever I wanted to for snacks almonds and grapes. I included his suggestion for dinner and lunch. I lost five lbs in two weeks.
I lost so much weight, that I was a little bothered and not that compelled to try new recipes later. The food was good, but it was like family size meals, so I just ended up eating the same meal all week.
I want a cookbook for single person who is dieting and has no effort to make something showy/detailed.
March 4, 2018
I find it interesting that most people that have rated this lower than five stars have not even bothered to make any of the recipes. When I rate a book, I rate it on the value I receive from the book and not on the editing or picture placement. It is silly to downgrade a book of value for a couple of small mistakes. We are all human.
All of that being said, this is a very simple, commonsense approach to healthy eating. It does not get bogged down in the details. This is a very user-friendly approach to meal prep by organizing food choices based on health benefits.
Using this book of the past two months and changing little else I have lost 11 pounds. This is not the fastest loss in the history of man, but I am pleased with the results and will continue to use these recipes. The recipes are very good.
All of that being said, this is a very simple, commonsense approach to healthy eating. It does not get bogged down in the details. This is a very user-friendly approach to meal prep by organizing food choices based on health benefits.
Using this book of the past two months and changing little else I have lost 11 pounds. This is not the fastest loss in the history of man, but I am pleased with the results and will continue to use these recipes. The recipes are very good.
January 9, 2017
Full disclosure: I haven't made any of the recipes yet, so my rating is entirely based on the book itself.
Pros- the recipes seem easy and delicious, I like that each recipe has the macro breakdown, and the info at the beginning is helpful for people new to cooking or counting macros.
Cons- this book was HORRIBLY edited. I found several typos throughout, and at least one recipe I looked at had two of the ingredients completely missing from the ingredient list, so when you read the directions, you have no clue how much to add, assuming you even bought them in the first place. The pictures are misleading, as some of them have additional/different ingredients from what's listed in the recipe. And at least one picture was with the wrong recipe... there was a picture of the sausage, bean, and kale soup in the "vegetarian" section.
Hopefully the recipes themselves can redeem this book.
Pros- the recipes seem easy and delicious, I like that each recipe has the macro breakdown, and the info at the beginning is helpful for people new to cooking or counting macros.
Cons- this book was HORRIBLY edited. I found several typos throughout, and at least one recipe I looked at had two of the ingredients completely missing from the ingredient list, so when you read the directions, you have no clue how much to add, assuming you even bought them in the first place. The pictures are misleading, as some of them have additional/different ingredients from what's listed in the recipe. And at least one picture was with the wrong recipe... there was a picture of the sausage, bean, and kale soup in the "vegetarian" section.
Hopefully the recipes themselves can redeem this book.
June 15, 2020
The intro chapters are lengthy, but worth reading. They're a little repetitive if you've read some of Michael Matthews other books, but there is new and interesting information there, too. And the recipes are simpler than I expected, only using a few different ingredients, not involving a massive shopping list. And, most of the ingredients are staples from around the house as well. I tend to be a meat-and-veggies kind of person when I train, but this book of recipes is definitely going to make things more interesting.
I wish the Kindle version of the book had a linked table of contents for the recipes. There's no way to just see a list of all the recipes. You have to create bookmarks for each section (Breakfast, Salads, Sandwiches, etc.)
I wish the Kindle version of the book had a linked table of contents for the recipes. There's no way to just see a list of all the recipes. You have to create bookmarks for each section (Breakfast, Salads, Sandwiches, etc.)
November 10, 2017
Много специфичных для США продуктов, у нас их найти в принципе можно но смысл-то готовить из того, что распространено.
Но основная претензия даже не эта, а что рецепты очень специфичны и мне лично такого рода еда не нравится.
Впрочем, несколько интересных идей по сочетанию продуктов и способам приготовления я нашел, поэтому две звезды. Думаю, гораздо больше я бы получил, прочитав любую обычную кулинарную книгу.
Но основная претензия даже не эта, а что рецепты очень специфичны и мне лично такого рода еда не нравится.
Впрочем, несколько интересных идей по сочетанию продуктов и способам приготовления я нашел, поэтому две звезды. Думаю, гораздо больше я бы получил, прочитав любую обычную кулинарную книгу.
June 24, 2020
I really enjoyed the first half of the book. It provides a clear and easy to understand explanation about nutrition. That includes the basic calculation pattern when it comes to the macro nutrients, what they do to your body and how they affect your weight. It also gives you the ability to distinguish between higher and lower quality sources for different nutrients, while not pushing certain agendas of dieting (e.g. under no circumstances, eat A and make sure to consume B every time after working out) and instead staying close to what we know about the biology of the human body and what we have learned during the last thousands of years.
You will also receive a set of tips/good habits for cooking and a list of items that you should have available in your kitchen.
When I reached the recipe section, the book sadly took a turn downwards. The worst part is the absence of metric units in the ingredient lists. Most people on this world don't use the imperial system, so why not at least include both measurements?
The other problem its that it is really difficult to use the recipes to create meals which are high in carbs. Many recipes only describe components you can use in full dishes (Maybe add some pasta or rice to them? I don't know). Why not include recipes for a full dish instead. According to the formular this books provides, I'd have to consume about 400g of carbs every day (166g protein and 80g of fat) to reach a 3000kcal intake. I barely found meals which would reach this amount of carbs without absolutely exploding in the protein (and sometimes in the fat) sections as well.
Also, an image for every recipe would have been nice.
Hence I will probably use 1 or 2 recipes from this book, but not more. If you look for a recipe book, look somewhere else.
I'd give this book a 2,5/5 because the first half and the explanations are really good. But I'd call myself an intermediate athlete and I already knew most of those information. I bought this book expecting a cookbook. This is definitely something this book is not, for me.
You will also receive a set of tips/good habits for cooking and a list of items that you should have available in your kitchen.
When I reached the recipe section, the book sadly took a turn downwards. The worst part is the absence of metric units in the ingredient lists. Most people on this world don't use the imperial system, so why not at least include both measurements?
The other problem its that it is really difficult to use the recipes to create meals which are high in carbs. Many recipes only describe components you can use in full dishes (Maybe add some pasta or rice to them? I don't know). Why not include recipes for a full dish instead. According to the formular this books provides, I'd have to consume about 400g of carbs every day (166g protein and 80g of fat) to reach a 3000kcal intake. I barely found meals which would reach this amount of carbs without absolutely exploding in the protein (and sometimes in the fat) sections as well.
Also, an image for every recipe would have been nice.
Hence I will probably use 1 or 2 recipes from this book, but not more. If you look for a recipe book, look somewhere else.
I'd give this book a 2,5/5 because the first half and the explanations are really good. But I'd call myself an intermediate athlete and I already knew most of those information. I bought this book expecting a cookbook. This is definitely something this book is not, for me.
July 5, 2024
Mike is a Life Changer
I have been a Yo-Yo health addict for most of my life. My latest attempt started on January 14, 2024, and I had limited success. Finding Mike’s books, Bigger, Leaner, Stronger, and The Shredded Chef, has increased my success exponentially. Mike’s straightforward approach to nutrition and workouts, along with the quantified evidence, has given me the confidence and belief that this is my last Yo-Yo episode and I will achieve my health goals. Anyone, man or woman, who is looking to take control of their health, read Mike’s books. Thank you Mike.
I have been a Yo-Yo health addict for most of my life. My latest attempt started on January 14, 2024, and I had limited success. Finding Mike’s books, Bigger, Leaner, Stronger, and The Shredded Chef, has increased my success exponentially. Mike’s straightforward approach to nutrition and workouts, along with the quantified evidence, has given me the confidence and belief that this is my last Yo-Yo episode and I will achieve my health goals. Anyone, man or woman, who is looking to take control of their health, read Mike’s books. Thank you Mike.
August 19, 2018
Good book but expected more
It’s a decent book explaining everything about nutrition, things you’ll need in the kitchen and then suggesting some recipes, but honestly I expected more. Like teaching how to put ingredients together to hit your macros and switch them so that you don’t get bored, also meal planning, what to do when you get bored of a meal plan, etc. Good book but expected more
It’s a decent book explaining everything about nutrition, things you’ll need in the kitchen and then suggesting some recipes, but honestly I expected more. Like teaching how to put ingredients together to hit your macros and switch them so that you don’t get bored, also meal planning, what to do when you get bored of a meal plan, etc. Good book but expected more
November 26, 2018
Disclaimer, haven't read it till the end. I rarely put down books before finishing it, but this time I did. I was disappointed with this book. Feels like a lot of lazy marketing bullshit. A lot of invaluable content hoarded to make it thick. Repetitions, not much scientific backing, after a short-while felt like a waste of time.
May 25, 2025
Greatly informative, encouraging and down to.earth book
Michael really took the time to break it down how to havr/build a shred body, as long as we follow the program; therefore it boils down on me applying this amazing knowledge jnto practice and consequently see the desired outcome.
Michael really took the time to break it down how to havr/build a shred body, as long as we follow the program; therefore it boils down on me applying this amazing knowledge jnto practice and consequently see the desired outcome.
March 22, 2020
Great Information!
Not just a cookbook. Mike lays out information behind the nutrition. Great information for anyone that is just getting started or someone that needs a boost to their nutrition guidelines. I bookmarked a TON of information and recipes.
Not just a cookbook. Mike lays out information behind the nutrition. Great information for anyone that is just getting started or someone that needs a boost to their nutrition guidelines. I bookmarked a TON of information and recipes.
March 21, 2023
This book has a nice balance of recipes and writing/food health background. I've heard it all from Matthews before (I've read thinner leaner stronger), but was nice to read again. Probably won't do all the recipes, but got a couple ideas in any case.
March 26, 2018
Really good information and ideas but the recipes aren't as well crafted as I would like.
May 26, 2020
Great Book, the recipes are short and use minimal ingredients but have great flavor.
September 26, 2020
Proofreading could be better
When a key ingredient quantity is listed as ? it is hugely disappointing, especially when in a recipe for one of my favourite desserts - key lime pie.
When a key ingredient quantity is listed as ? it is hugely disappointing, especially when in a recipe for one of my favourite desserts - key lime pie.
January 22, 2024
Great recipes, have been a staple in our house for years. Also love that there are options between getting lean recipes, building muscle, etc. Makes it easy for couples to find the best ones.
October 26, 2025
I’ve made four dishes from this book and none of them tasted particularly great
March 4, 2017
Common sense and easily understandable.
March 5, 2017
No BS or shortcuts here! A must for anyone trying to get leaner
Good recipes. No bs approach to diet... just stick to the info on this book and you will be feeling great in no time!. I do recommend complementing these recipes with BLS training program. Also try other books by Mike Matthews you will not be dissapointed!
Good recipes. No bs approach to diet... just stick to the info on this book and you will be feeling great in no time!. I do recommend complementing these recipes with BLS training program. Also try other books by Mike Matthews you will not be dissapointed!
January 1, 2019
I am reviewing the 2016 edition, differently titled The Shredded Chef: 125 Recipes for Building Muscle, Getting Lean, and Staying Healthy.
Michael Matthews and his recipe developer have produced a really tasty batch of recipes to satisfy hungry lifters looking to supplement their gym gains while losing fat and gaining muscle.
In typical Matthews fashion, he doesn't expect the reader to trust him Just 'Cuz but details and anotates his nutrition philosophy, which echoes the received wisdom for bodybuilding and body-recomposition nutritional guidance:
Eat according to macronutrients, restricting calories, privileging accepted healthy sources of protein, focusing next on complex carbs, with sufficient but limited amounts of healthy fats last. Don't be afraid to supplement your diet with protein powders and low-fat replacement foods, but whole foods are better.
In his thorough introduction, he explains foundational cooking techniques and specifies the instruments and pantry items required to make his recipes.
He then offers the following recipe sections:
Breakfast
Salads
Sandwiches & Soups
Shakes & Snacks
Lean Meat
Poultry
Seafood
Vegetarian
Sides
Desserts
Each recipe has a clear ingredient list, by volume, and simple enumerated cooking and baking instructions, using techniques accessible to even never-cooked-before home cooks. Super importantly to calorie- and macro-counters, every recipe has a prominent calorie, protein, carb, and fat breakdown.
I have made the following recipes:
Huevos Rancheros
Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Pancakes
Classic Cobb Salad
Coconut-Crusted Chicken Salad
Slow-Cooker Italian Sloppy Joe
Slow-Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Healthy Avocado–Egg Salad Sandwich
Cuban Sandwich Quesadilla
Low-Carb Chocolate Espresso Protein Shake
Mike's Savory Burgers
Pollo Fajitas
Chunky Chicken Quesadillas
Simple Italian Parmesan Chicken
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Graham Cracker–Crusted Tilapia
Chile Relleno Casserole
They're genuinely tasty; they didn't taste Sad Diet Food Approximation to me.
THINGS TO CONSIDER: I'm not sure how compatible Matthews's nutritional methodology is with intuitive eating, since he places so much emphasis on macronutrients and portion sizes. That said, Matthews emphasizes that no food is forbidden and meals ought to be enjoyable as well as nutritious.
PRODUCTION QUALITY: The expository sections of the book are set in dense, tight text blocks without quite enough white space for the eye to take it in easily. The recipe section layouts are easily legible and beautiful, with the majority of recipes getting a full-color photo.
IN SUM: This is a fantastic resource for folks interested in weight loss and/or body recomposition.
Michael Matthews and his recipe developer have produced a really tasty batch of recipes to satisfy hungry lifters looking to supplement their gym gains while losing fat and gaining muscle.
In typical Matthews fashion, he doesn't expect the reader to trust him Just 'Cuz but details and anotates his nutrition philosophy, which echoes the received wisdom for bodybuilding and body-recomposition nutritional guidance:
Eat according to macronutrients, restricting calories, privileging accepted healthy sources of protein, focusing next on complex carbs, with sufficient but limited amounts of healthy fats last. Don't be afraid to supplement your diet with protein powders and low-fat replacement foods, but whole foods are better.
In his thorough introduction, he explains foundational cooking techniques and specifies the instruments and pantry items required to make his recipes.
He then offers the following recipe sections:
Breakfast
Salads
Sandwiches & Soups
Shakes & Snacks
Lean Meat
Poultry
Seafood
Vegetarian
Sides
Desserts
Each recipe has a clear ingredient list, by volume, and simple enumerated cooking and baking instructions, using techniques accessible to even never-cooked-before home cooks. Super importantly to calorie- and macro-counters, every recipe has a prominent calorie, protein, carb, and fat breakdown.
I have made the following recipes:
Huevos Rancheros
Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Pancakes
Classic Cobb Salad
Coconut-Crusted Chicken Salad
Slow-Cooker Italian Sloppy Joe
Slow-Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Healthy Avocado–Egg Salad Sandwich
Cuban Sandwich Quesadilla
Low-Carb Chocolate Espresso Protein Shake
Mike's Savory Burgers
Pollo Fajitas
Chunky Chicken Quesadillas
Simple Italian Parmesan Chicken
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Graham Cracker–Crusted Tilapia
Chile Relleno Casserole
They're genuinely tasty; they didn't taste Sad Diet Food Approximation to me.
THINGS TO CONSIDER: I'm not sure how compatible Matthews's nutritional methodology is with intuitive eating, since he places so much emphasis on macronutrients and portion sizes. That said, Matthews emphasizes that no food is forbidden and meals ought to be enjoyable as well as nutritious.
PRODUCTION QUALITY: The expository sections of the book are set in dense, tight text blocks without quite enough white space for the eye to take it in easily. The recipe section layouts are easily legible and beautiful, with the majority of recipes getting a full-color photo.
IN SUM: This is a fantastic resource for folks interested in weight loss and/or body recomposition.
November 15, 2017
I highly recommend to everyone who's trying to lose weight or build muscle that they read the first couple of chapters of this book. It explains in clear and concise language how food breaks down. It explains thing such as:
why you crave protein or carbs
why you need both and when
which fats are good, which are bad, and why you need both
which protein takes the longest to burn
what you need to eat before bed if you're hungry
what you need to eat when you first wake up
Basic and simple explanations for what to eat, when and why. It helps the average Joe understand the basics of the food that they're eating (or should be).
The last 3/4s of the book contains recipes for eating getting lean or getting big. It's simple recipes that you tweak in one direction or another depending on your goals.
This book is a fantastic read and I recommend it to all fitness beginners or pros.
why you crave protein or carbs
why you need both and when
which fats are good, which are bad, and why you need both
which protein takes the longest to burn
what you need to eat before bed if you're hungry
what you need to eat when you first wake up
Basic and simple explanations for what to eat, when and why. It helps the average Joe understand the basics of the food that they're eating (or should be).
The last 3/4s of the book contains recipes for eating getting lean or getting big. It's simple recipes that you tweak in one direction or another depending on your goals.
This book is a fantastic read and I recommend it to all fitness beginners or pros.
August 31, 2013
Healthy, Delicious and Nutricious! What more could you want!
Of the various "Healthy" recipe books I have owned or looked at owning this has by far been the easiest to make and best tasting recipes. Mike keeps the recipes simple (not overkill on ingredients) yet tasty. The intro written in The Shredded Chef intersted me in Mike's philosphy so I have picked up a couple more of his books and have read Cardio Sucks. Following Mike's ideas and recipes from The Shredded Chef I have lost over 30lbs and feel better than I have felt in 15 years!
I have ordered a customize meal plan from Mike and am looking forward to gettign started on that and the next sprint toward my goal weight! Thanks Mike for what you have put together for us that need the help! :o)
Alan
Of the various "Healthy" recipe books I have owned or looked at owning this has by far been the easiest to make and best tasting recipes. Mike keeps the recipes simple (not overkill on ingredients) yet tasty. The intro written in The Shredded Chef intersted me in Mike's philosphy so I have picked up a couple more of his books and have read Cardio Sucks. Following Mike's ideas and recipes from The Shredded Chef I have lost over 30lbs and feel better than I have felt in 15 years!
I have ordered a customize meal plan from Mike and am looking forward to gettign started on that and the next sprint toward my goal weight! Thanks Mike for what you have put together for us that need the help! :o)
Alan
December 10, 2021
125 Recipes dedicated to provide tasteful, nutritious, calorie conscious meals.
Good, however, could have been better if each meal had images for each step; and a summary of all the macronutrients for all the recipes, instead of directing readers to the writer's website all the time for additional material.
If I've never read any of the writer's books, this book will deserve a solid 4-5. It is very helpful if you've never read his other books, however, most of the informative contents at the beginning of the book were identical, almost copy-paste, to the "food section" in his other book "Thinner Leaner Strong". There are additional cooking and buying tips.
Good, however, could have been better if each meal had images for each step; and a summary of all the macronutrients for all the recipes, instead of directing readers to the writer's website all the time for additional material.
If I've never read any of the writer's books, this book will deserve a solid 4-5. It is very helpful if you've never read his other books, however, most of the informative contents at the beginning of the book were identical, almost copy-paste, to the "food section" in his other book "Thinner Leaner Strong". There are additional cooking and buying tips.
September 3, 2013
It's not often you run across a book focused on simple, natural and lean recipes, high in protein for the bodybuilder. This is that book. Of the 120 recipes included, I've noted about 75 that interest me, from a pure taste perspective. Of those, to date I've made two of them, and loved both. It may seem blasphemous, but I don't like sweet potatoes--Mike's recipe for sweet potato muffins made me love them--with only a handful of ingredients (no sugar either). If this continues for the remainder of the recipes I've selected, a love affair has begun. Thanks Mike.
December 11, 2023
Was excited to get this book in the mail, but when I opened it, there was hardly in pictures of the food along with the recipe. How does a cook book not have pictures of the food you’re about to cook!! Like how am I supposed to know if I made it right??!! I’m not a chef that just knows this stuff! Plus it’s made healthier so how would I know if I look it up online if that’s really how it’s supposed to be in the end! Like did this guy make the recipes and say “that sounds good” and never made the food to take a picture of it?!!! Wtfunks!!
July 1, 2016
So many nommy things in this book. Not giving up my fats though. Not that I HAVE to, but ... yeah. Mike recommends a significant reduction. If they get in the way of my training, I'll consider it. Right now, they are helping me out. Still, I can tweak most of these recipes to fit my standards.
Lots of good information BEFORE the recipes as well. Definitely a book worth checking out for those into food and fitness. Now I want some pancakes ...
Lots of good information BEFORE the recipes as well. Definitely a book worth checking out for those into food and fitness. Now I want some pancakes ...
November 23, 2018
This is an excellent recipe book to use for those of you who want to track their calories and macronutrients. As someone who is going to go down that route, this provides not only an interesting selection of recipes for different courses during the day, but gives the information that I need to keep within my daily diet targets.
November 27, 2018
There isn't too much verbiage in this cookbook, you kinda have to experiment recursively with the recipes until you get them right. But my mind and health have improved after cooking these meals for a couple of months. You can implement this book into your culinary and fitness lifestyle. Don't be discouraged to try some of the exercises that may seem small because they are for sure filling.
July 11, 2016
Now start to cook
I cook but when is to cook lean my creativity go down. So this book helped me to wake up and create again I the kitchen and start to loose weight eating well and working out
I cook but when is to cook lean my creativity go down. So this book helped me to wake up and create again I the kitchen and start to loose weight eating well and working out
March 17, 2013
Good information. Awesome recipes. Great book!
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