The Official Bright Line Eating Cookbook: Weight Loss Made Simple

by Susan Peirce Thompson

New York Times best-selling author offers a one-of-a-kind program to help readers finally become happy, thin, and free! Sustainable weight loss expert Susan Peirce Thompson builds on the success of her Bright Line Eating Boot Camps and best-selling book The Official Bright Line Eating Cookbook! The Official Bright Line Eating Cookbook is designed to help readers transition to this transformative way of life as smoothly and solidly as possible. The first book gave explicit instructions as to what the guidelines for each meal are, but no specific suggestions as to what to actually cook. This book provides recipes, as well as tons of tips, tricks, and tools culled directly from the Bright Line Eating community, the "Bright Lifers" themselves! Because Bright Line Eating is unlike any food program out there, this cookbook will be unlike any seen before. It's broken down by warm bowls, cold bowls, and plates. There will be a large section on salad dressings--because Bright Lifers live and die by their dressing! there will not be any "cheat" foods, because those foods keep addiction alive in the brain, slow weight loss, and leave you vulnerable to old habits. Special   •  75+ delicious recipes
  •  Guidance for getting started and staying the course
  •  Tips and tricks for getting the most from the plan
  •  Jaw-dropping before-and-after stories and photos from successful Bright Lifers
  •  and more! This will be an invaluable companion to the first book, and, for some, an entry into Bright Line Eating and an entirely new way of eating.

Genres: Nonfiction, Cookbooks, Self Help, Health

368 pages, Paperback

Published October 19, 2021

Reviews

[Susan Oehler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been following the Bright Line Eating plan for 8 months and have lost 75 pounds. This is the easiest, healthiest eating plan I've ever tried and I've tried every diet out there! Cutting out sugar and flour seems so daunting at first, but once you've got them out of your system you stop craving them and also don't experience hunger. Eating fresh, healthy food is such a blessing - has wonderful effects on health and on general outlook. This cookbook explains the program and also gives you lots of ideas for meals.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan makes it sound so easy to give up sugar, flour, and snacks.

[Brian Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you and/or a loved one have ever struggled with your weight, I HIGHLY (!!!) recommend this book.

The fact is that losing weight is exhausting. By definition, it requires eating fewer calories than you expend, which forces your body to undergo the effortful task of harvesting fuel from within. Plus, since fat cells store our toxins, shrinking them dumps waste into our bloodstream, making us very tired. Not fun. Which is why I want you to have to do it only one more time—ever. Then I want you to stay at your goal weight for the rest of your life. It is truly, realistically possible.

Five years in, what we’re seeing is that Bright Line Eating (BLE) is unusually, outrageously successful for the people who continue to do it—the people who commit their food daily, keep their Bright Lines shiny, and surrender to the plan as it was designed. But if you cut corners at the beginning, or give it a good start and then succumb to the overconfidence bias and drift away, the weight will return, along with the disappointment, the joint pain, and the despair.

Those of us who succeed follow the formula. We trust the plan and do it. We let go of our old ways of relating to food, conceptualizing food, and using food. We realize that if we had known how to succeed we would have done it already. So we embrace this new way of eating wholeheartedly, allowing these new habits to reshape our brains. At the same time, we invest in this community. This places us in an environment where our new way, which flies in the face of our entire food culture, is normalized, reinforced, and refreshed all the time. Because society, which we are still a part of, works to erode our resolve DAILY. So we have to replenish it daily as well.

Starting right now, you are a part of this community. Let us help you become everything you were meant to be. Let us help you live Happy, Thin, and Free.

~ Susan Peirce Thompson from The Official Bright Line Eating Cookbook

I LOVE (!) Susan Peirce Thompson and her work. A few years ago, I read her New York Times best-selling book Bright Line Eating . ← A book that combines the science of willpower and nutrition?! I’ll take it!

In that book, we learn about the fact that Susan used to be obese and addicted to everything. As in… EVERYTHING. What makes her especially awesome is that she went antifragile on it and got a Ph.D. in Brain and Cognitive Sciences so she could understand what the heck was going on.

She’s now an Adjunct Associate Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the University of Rochester. (Note: Mr. Intrinsic Motivation (author of Why We Do What We Do ) Edward Deci is also at the University of Rochester. So is one of the world’s leading researchers on the science of relationships—a guy named Harry Reis with whom Sonja Lyubomirsky is writing a new book.)

Susan is an expert in the psychology of eating and is the creator of Bright Line Eating Solutions— a program (and community!) that has helped thousands of people live “Happy, Thin, and Free.”

The first 70 pages of the book are a really powerful overview of “The Revolutionary Neuroscience of Sustainable Weight Loss” that quickly unpacks “Why Bright Line Eating Works,” “How to Do Bright Line Eating,” and “The Science of a Simple Diet.”

Then we get recipes and techniques on everything from Breakfasts, Vegetables, Perfect Plates, Dressings and all that goodness. It’s the perfect complement to the core book. If you and/or a loved one have ever struggled with your weight, I HIGHLY (!!!) recommend Susan’s books and Boot Camp.

Some of my favorite big ideas from this book include:

1. It’s Not Just You - And... YOU CAN DO IT!!
2. The Stats - And the heroic (!) challenge.
3. The 4 S’s - Post Breaking the Bright Lines.
4. Optimus vs. Saboteur - To whom are you listening?

I’ve added The Official Bright Line Eating Cookbook by Susan Peirce Thompson to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at https://heroic.us.

[Martina B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Have Everything to Lose!

It can be done. This book shows you how and also gives you a meal plan for a year. If you are tired of being unhappy, look no further.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bright Line Eating allowed me to lose 30 pounds in 6 months. I’ve kept it off for 3 months and now ready to continue and lose 20 more pounds and enjoy living in my “right size body.” I thought that was impossible when I first read her book. No sugar, flour, snacks??? What? Weigh my food? Seriously? But wow yes, the new words in my vocabulary, automaticity, NMF (not my food), and lifestyle lessons that have nothing to do with what I eat every day have been life changing. This cookbook has delicious photos of what it can look like when you are not eating sugar and flour. At first it seems like you are giving up so much, all your favorites, but my tastebuds CAME ALIVE once I started eating this way. The menu ideas are great and I love the real people success stories and pictures throughout the book. Thank you Susan Pierce Thompson for creating this community. I’m not an official “Bright Lifer” nor did I join a “Boot Camp.” But I do enjoy her weekly vlogs in my email and follow lots of BLE hashtags on instagram for motivation and inspiration. I highly recommend this cookbook and seeking out the BLE community if you are serious about getting your health back.

[Kim Veach · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not at all what I expected, but that's not surprising since I hadn't read her Bright Line Eating book and didn't know what the program was about. Unfortunately, it's not a new way of doing weight loss - in fact, this book looks a lot like the Weight Watchers program with some South Beach Diet that I did in the '90s. Weighing and measuring your food, and eating very little starch (only at breakfast), and lots and lots of non-starching veggies pretty much sums up the whole plan.

If you are a Bright Line fan, then I'm sure this book is great. For the rest of us, I'll look elsewhere.

[Erin]

It’s strange to write a review for a cookbook, but the best part of this book, in my opinion, is all the stuff before the recipes that explains Bright Line Eating. I cut out sugar and flour 6+ months ago and have stuck with no sugar, though I do occasionally eat flour now.

I haven’t yet tried any of the recipes - I should crack it open again and check them out.

[Christina London · Rating 2 out of 5]

The layout is terrible and there aren't many recipes. I wouldn't call it a cookbook.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the simplicity of this book, the color, the truth and the inspiration from all the people who contributed to this book. I love the charts of the foods and where they stand and their measurements, and how this re-explains living Happy, Thin and Free (See Susan's other book) more thoroughly. I have been a no-sugar, no-flour person for 313 days but over the summer had gained back the 10 pounds I lost in the first month or two of BLE eating, because I wasn't measuring my foods and committing to three meals a day. I just got the cookbook, I'm using it and literally READING it, and am fully committed to doing this for life. My breakthrough was the mental part and the SLEEP I GET EVERY SINGLE NIGHT NOW, but whatever you need with your brain or your scale, please give this book a try and find out more about the BLE movement. This book even has like a year of meals and takes all the decisions/work out of it so you can make it happen!

[Luly Ceballos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read. It contains complementary information about BLE way of life, lots of inspiring stories and yummy recipes. I haven't read the previous book but with this information plus the videos I found online I could start this plan and it has been an eye opener. Just realizing that the amount of food provided is just enough is a shock. This book just explain in a very easy way different ways to enjoy fresh, simple and delicious meals with no complications. Much of the recipes are a foundation for experimenting if one is so inclined. Beautiful pictures too. Seventeen pounds down in two months with no struggling, just following the rules.

[Ruth Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is much more than a cookbook. This is an informative book by a neurospsych doctor who has poured her decade plus of research and personal experience into explaining the mechanism of addictions and implementing her comprehensive and simple plan to manage those addictions and find complete freedom around food. I’m 2 weeks into her plan and have eaten so much good food, including some amazing breakfast recipes from this book. I’m down 9.8 lbs in 14 days but the best part is the mental freedom.

[Janelle Trees · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan. Susan Pierce Thompson has a courageous academic and emotional intellect. I respect her for her honesty. By addressing emotional, psychological, even historic and political aspects of obesity with a simple diet that is affordable and easy to use in an automatic way, she is the nearest I've found to a solution for many people. More power to you, Susan.

[Hilda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fijn kookboek met simpele recepten. Een paar ervan zijn klassiekers geworden in mijn menu.
Het systeem van Bright Line Eating wordt nog eens uitgelegd.
Grootste tip vond ik om 3 dagen achter elkaar hetzelfde te eten. Super handig.
Enige nadeel: alles moet je omzetten van Engelse naar Nederlandse maten. Maar dat kan je omzeilen door je digitale weegschaal in te stellen in pounds.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so excited to have this cookbook. I’ve been following the bright line eating plan for seven months and have lost 55 pounds. This plan changed my life. The cookbook is an excellent addition to my library, full of great ideas for meals, meal plans, and easy recipes.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was trying to learn the details of this no sugar/no flour, weight loss method of eating, as well as see some of the recommended foods to potentially help my health coaching clients. This book is a good summary and the simple recipes are well layed out with lots of pictures.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libro de recetas siguiendo el método de BLE, en el que se puede ver cómo, con ingredientes bastante normales y que se pueden encontrar en multitud de sitios, se pueden conseguir recetas adaptadas a esta forma de comer. También hace un breve repaso de la filosofía del BLE y muestra casos de estudio

[Steven Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four this particular diet, it’s four out of five stars - only because I’ve already made recipes better staying on plan. But it did serve as a great guidebook. Overall as a cookbook- it would really be closer to three stars.

[Mary Ann Merlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This plan really works!!

Finally something I can stick with. My last diets, I now realize were not life style changes. This is something for life. Be patient. It took some time to get in to this mess; it's gonna take a little time getting out. Good luck !!

[Tracy Mallett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome collection of recipes!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An approach to healthy eating and weight control that starts from a different premise than most.
Well worth looking into

[Amanda Creighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The recipes are simple and therefore become an occasional go-to for my Bright Line meals. Nice to have things pre-weighed for me. I particularly enjoy the African Stew recipe.

[Kirstin Mullis · Rating 5 out of 5]

So thankful I found this book and the BLE community. Love, love, love! So many aha moments throughout.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a book I’ll live by, but a few helpful recipes. Definitely worth getting from the library.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am about two months into Bright Line Eating, and have reached my goal weight. I bought the book to improve on my commitment and use of BLE. The recipes in the book are helpful, the testimonials are inspiring and the repeated information is good to hear again. There is a lot of support with BLE from the videos to the Facebook page. It is great to have such a variety of support.

[Tearsa Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great information in weight loss and a simple plan to help you through that journey. Meals are simple and good.

[Regla Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to follow

It gives you great notes. Recipes easy to follow and I was able tweak my current recipes to be able to follow

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you are into the Bright LIne Eating system this book is for you. EAsy to follow.

[Kathaleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book to give you the tips and tricks on how to eat following the Bright Line diet. Recipes are helpful. It has meal prep advise and recipes and helpful advise for modifications.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really quick read. I would recommend reading her summary of her approach found in the cookbook, rather than her full book. It was good.

[Page Weed · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plan works, and this book helps me follow the plan.