#1 AMAZON BESTSELLER - PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY NATIONAL BESTSELLER - Discover an easier, more balanced way to meal prep as you whip up 100 fresh and healthy dishes that happen to be gluten-free, from the creator of the popular blog and YouTube channel Downshiftology.
"Lisa has revolutionized meal prep to be approachable, fresh, and easy, and her cookbook has everything you need to make healthy eating a breeze."—Emily Mariko, TikTok creator
Before Lisa Bryan began meal prepping several years ago as a way to save time and money, she quickly became tired of eating boring leftovers and wasting food. At the same time, she also wanted to "downshift" the too-fast pace of her life. So she flipped the script on meal prep by focusing on individual ingredients.
By prepping a handful of healthy ingredients at the start of the week, she learned that she could enjoy a variety of meals and snacks without getting bored. And she found she could control what she ate with more clarity: It became easy to eat more vegetables and simple proteins, eliminate processed foods and gluten (to manage her celiac disease), and reduce refined sugar. Her debut cookbook is packed with 100+ simple and ingenious big-batch recipes that can either be frozen or repurposed into totally different, delicious meals.
A dinner of Coconut Chickpea Curry with rice can be enjoyed the next day as a tostada at lunch, and a side of peas and crispy prosciutto becomes breakfast when you add a jammy egg on top. The recipes are all free of refined sugar, many are naturally anti-inflammatory, and dairy is minimal and optional. Lisa's approachable method for eating well and preparing meals with ease will inspire home cooks to downshift their lives, too, by making healthy meals without a fuss.
I have to tell you. I hate cooking. HATE it. I never dreamed I would read a cookbook for the fun of it (much less, a 300 page one). But I literally read this one from front to back in one sitting.
At first I was intrigued. Then I was scared and overwhelmed - but only briefly. Then I was fully invested. Finally, by one of the last chapters, “side dishes and building blocks” I could actually understand how this could maybe, possibly, all start to come together to be a GENIUS way of meal prepping. After finishing it, I felt like I was one with the vegetables. In tune with the proteins, and less scared of trying new things involving ingredients I maybe hadn’t thought of using in the ways suggested. And instead of overwhelming myself, the idea of just double-batching as I try the recipes and freezing (with labels! That’s important!) is a simple way to go forth, stock, and conquer.
Many of the base ingredients are repeated with a twist so you don’t have to go insane-on-the-hunt for obscure things. I read through each recipe and ALL (with the exception of maybe 4 that sounded gross to me) both looked delicious and seemed easy enough for a monkey (myself) to make.
I can’t tell you if I will be successful in my cooking endeavors. But I can tell you this was a fun book to read through, and if nothing else, it will inspire you and make it feel possible.
Read a recipe book from cover to cover! Something I had never done until a few years ago! And this one is great. A special thanks goes to my youngest sister for introducing me to Lisa Bryan and her healthy cooking as well as meal preparation ideas. I may be too varied a cook for the preparation but love the concept especially for a few meals during the week and staples. I marked all the recipes I want to try and there are MANY! If you live to cook, or maybe even if you don’t, but want to prioritize healthy eating, check this book out!
You should know going into it that the approach is prep a bunch of different stuff and then combine at meal time. You might have a prepped & cooked meat dish, salad, and another veg, and then you pull them out to make a buffet-style meal. The author says she tries to prep with categories in mind: Protein, veggies, starch, snacks, breakfast. And then you can combine whatever you have from the different categories.
This is a good way to plan the meal prep process in my opinion. Make sure you have a couple different things available in each category, and you will be good for the week! This is a similar concept to The Vegan Week , where the author suggests "a grain, a green, a bean, a sauce" to help strategize meals.
Pros: - The beginning has a list of common vegetables and different ways to prep & store them. - The hearty salads section - not all veggies do well sitting together for a couple days and lots of meal prep influencers forget that - Gluten and sugar free - Good photos for every recipe - Focus on fresh, whole ingredients
Cons: - Lots of spiralizing and veggie-ricing - The "Quick Assembly meals" section is so random (it has like... a chaotic energy) it should have just been left out and the recipes put into other categories - 5/15 breakfast recipes were oat based, which may not be a con for you, but I don't eat oats so it seems kinda oat heavy. - I think the author should have really stuck with the organizational concept of "protein, veggies, starch, snacks, breakfast." It is arranged like a traditional cookbook (3 sections of main dishes, salads, desserts, breakfast, random sides, plus a few other random sections), which doesn't align that well with seeing the bigger picture of meal prep components.
Overall I think this is a pretty useful meal prep book for me, considering it is all gluten-free. It has bright, colorful photos and plenty of new dishes to try.
I’ve followed Lisa’s channel for a while and love her approach and attitude to nutrition and cooking, which is most definitely evident in her book. I bought my own copy after borrowing from the library because I continue to reference it in the short time and enjoy the meal prep format she employs. I can’t wait to give many of these recipes a try and relearn meal prepping with this knowledge in mind!
Bought this book less for the meal prep info and more for the inspiration on foods to have ready to go and to mix and match. I love the recipes, already planning on making a few next week and the photos are gorgeous. Very happy I got this book.
Very excited to be celebrating Lisa's cook book release! It's been inspiring to watch the transformation journey of this book come together threw her Downshiftology youtube channel & I'm delighted to have saved a few new irresistible recipes to try out later.
1.5 stars rounded up - and rounded up ONLY because there was 1 recipe included that I could try because it seems quick, easy, and doesn’t have 5000 off the wall, expensive, and/or difficult to source ingredients.
The first 20% of this book was a disaster from a format and “what the hell is going on?” perspective. The whole 100% of this book was yet another skinny white chick gatekeeping health and wellness. It’s great that she had the means to quit her job and go on this “journey of wellness” and find a diet that is both time consuming and cost prohibitive to those who are not nearly as privileged as her.
I guess if we all lived near a Whole Foods/ample farmers markets and had the cash (and time) to spend at each, we, too, could reach her level of perfection.
Cookbooks like this piss me off. The white privilege is galling.
What a beautiful and captivating book! I want to try so many exciting and delicious ideas right away. I've been following Downshiftology for a while, so this book came with enormous expectations. As always, Lisa brilliantly shows a lot of her ideas here. Meal prep is one of my favorite things to do in the kitchen, and I've learned a lot from her about improving my cooking strategies without sacrificing fun. Enjoying cooking is truly an art, and with this book, I expect to unlock the next level. Thoroughly recommended; I'll try to update this review according to the recipes I try.
“... she flipped the script on her meal prep by focusing on individual ingredients. By prepping a handful of healthy ingredients at the start of the week, she learned that she could enjoy a variety of meals and snacks without getting bored”
Uniquely organized cook book. Has tons of helpful tips about storing veggies and I loved the meal prep ideas (laid out a week of things to prep and various meals to make from the prep). Recipes have additional information about storage, reheating, tips, and health info.
I've been following Lisa's YouTube channel and blog ever since she released her first meal prep video almost 5 years ago. I can safely say Lisa changed my life. I fell in love with cooking and experimenting in my kitchen. And her first cookbook is just the icing on the cake. Every recipe looks amazing and I can't wait to try them all. I highly recommend giving this book a try if you're looking for easy to follow recipes that are packed with flavor.
# A Smart and Delicious Approach to Healthy Meal Planning
**★★★★★**
*Downshiftology Healthy Meal Prep* is an excellent cookbook for anyone who wants to make healthy eating more convenient, organized, and enjoyable. With more than 100 make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meal ideas, this gluten-free collection offers plenty of inspiration for preparing nourishing homemade food without making everyday cooking feel overwhelming.
What I appreciate most about this cookbook is its practical approach to meal preparation. Finding time to cook nutritious meals every day can be challenging, especially when balancing work, family responsibilities, and other commitments. Having recipes that can be prepared ahead makes a tremendous difference, helping readers spend less time in the kitchen during busy weekdays while still enjoying delicious homemade meals.
The variety of recipes is another wonderful feature. The combination of make-ahead options and quick-assembly meals provides flexibility for different schedules and cooking preferences. Whether preparing lunches for the week, organizing family dinners, or looking for convenient meals to enjoy throughout the day, there are plenty of ideas to explore.
I especially appreciate the gluten-free focus, which makes this collection a useful source of inspiration for readers who prefer or require gluten-free cooking. The book also encourages thoughtful ingredient choices and better planning habits without making healthy eating feel restrictive.
Another highlight is how approachable the meal-preparation concept feels. Beginners can develop confidence in organizing their weekly cooking, while experienced home cooks can discover fresh combinations and practical ways to simplify their routines.
Overall, *Downshiftology Healthy Meal Prep* is a valuable addition to any cookbook collection. Its convenient recipes, thoughtful organization, and emphasis on wholesome homemade meals make it a wonderful resource for everyday inspiration. Anyone looking to spend less time preparing daily meals while enjoying flavorful, gluten-free food will find plenty to appreciate in this cookbook. Highly recommended!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **A Must-Have Cookbook for Healthy and Stress-Free Meal Prep!**
*Downshiftology Healthy Meal Prep* is an excellent cookbook for anyone looking to make healthy eating easier, more organized, and more enjoyable. The collection of more than 100 make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals offers plenty of inspiration for preparing delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen every day. I especially appreciate the gluten-free focus, which makes this book a helpful resource for readers looking for practical meal ideas that fit their dietary preferences.
The recipes are approachable, the meal prep concepts are easy to follow, and the variety makes it simple to plan satisfying breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks throughout the week. The emphasis on preparing ingredients ahead of time is particularly useful for busy individuals and families who want homemade meals even on hectic days.
What makes this cookbook stand out is its practical approach to everyday cooking. It encourages better planning, reduces last-minute stress, and helps make nutritious meals more convenient. Whether you're new to meal prepping or already have an established routine, you'll find plenty of useful ideas to incorporate into your weekly schedule.
Overall, this is a valuable addition to any healthy cooking collection. It's practical, inspiring, and ideal for anyone who wants to save time while enjoying flavorful, homemade meals. Highly recommended!
*Downshiftology Healthy Meal Prep* is an excellent cookbook for anyone looking to make healthy eating easier, more organized, and enjoyable. I love the focus on make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals, which can be especially helpful for busy people who want to prepare delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen every day.
The variety of recipes makes this cookbook appealing for everyday cooking, whether you are planning meals for the week, preparing lunches in advance, or looking for simple dinner ideas. The gluten-free approach is another welcome feature for readers who prefer or need gluten-free options. I also appreciate the practical idea of preparing ingredients ahead of time to save effort and make mealtimes less stressful.
What makes this book stand out is its emphasis on building a sustainable meal preparation routine rather than making healthy eating feel complicated. It encourages better planning, greater variety, and more confidence in the kitchen.
Overall, this is a valuable addition to any home cook’s collection, especially for those who appreciate practical recipes and efficient meal planning. I would happily recommend it to anyone seeking fresh inspiration for convenient, wholesome meals throughout the week. A well-deserved five stars!
Downshiftology Healthy Meal Prep by Lisa Bryan is a total game-changer for anyone wanting to eat well, save time, and eliminate the stress of weeknight dinners. Lisa’s signature "building block" method completely transforms meal planning—instead of spending hours cooking full pre-portioned meals that get tired by day three, she teaches you how to prep versatile components that easily combine into fresh, delicious dishes all week long.
What makes this cookbook exceptional is its accessibility and balance. Every single recipe is 100% gluten-free, yet the dishes are so flavorful and satisfying that the whole family will love them regardless of dietary restrictions. From vibrant salad dressings and perfectly cooked proteins to quick-assembly bowls, Lisa makes wholesome, real-food cooking effortless and enjoyable. The photos are stunning, the prep timelines are genuinely practical, and her tips on food storage and safety are invaluable.
If you want to simplify your routine, nourish your body with vibrant gluten-free meals, and fall in love with meal prepping, this cookbook is an absolute must-have for your kitchen!
Downshiftology Healthy Meal Prep is a wonderful cookbook for anyone who wants to eat healthy without spending hours in the kitchen every day. The recipes are fresh, flavorful, practical, and easy to prepare ahead of time, which makes busy-week meals so much more manageable.
I especially love the variety of make-ahead and quick-assembly options. Everything feels thoughtfully designed for real life, with simple ingredients and clear instructions. The gluten-free focus is another big plus, and the recipes prove that healthy meals can still be satisfying and delicious.
This is the kind of cookbook you’ll actually use regularly rather than leave sitting on the shelf. It’s full of helpful ideas for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks, making meal prep feel much less overwhelming. Highly recommended for anyone looking for convenient, wholesome, gluten-free meals! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely loved this cookbook, I read it beginning to end. I took thorough annotations and notes on my iPhone. I saved pretty much all recipes except for maybe five in total. The photography was amazing and there was a photo of each recipe for every single recipe, which was helpful.
I also liked how the book was divided into categories from breakfast, to durable salads, meaty mains, desserts, etc. — and it ended with quick healthy recipes for vinaigrette and sauces. It was a very comprehensive cookbook.
I also learned a lot about how to properly store and use the freezer for bulk, healthy dishes. 100% recommend this cookbook and following Lisa Bryan on social.
★★★★★ Downshiftology Healthy Meal Prep is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to make healthy eating easier and more convenient. The variety of make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals makes planning meals for busy weekdays much less stressful. I especially appreciate the gluten-free focus and the practical approach to preparing delicious meals ahead of time. The recipes offer plenty of inspiration for keeping meals interesting while maintaining a balanced routine. Overall, this cookbook is a great addition to any kitchen and a helpful guide for anyone who wants to save time, stay organized, and enjoy homemade meals throughout the week.
Healthy does not have to be expensive, but this one has so many ingredients that I would have to go to a specialty store to find, that it is not a practical book for me. The instructions in the beginning are decent, but other books, and even using search engine can help you with that. I also was not happy with set up of book. I tried to open it for a table of contents, and I could not find one in my book. I gave it three as there were a couple of good recipes, and the beginning, but not full points because of the two items I mentioned.
This is exactly the cookbook you would expect to come from Lisa if you watch her Downshiftology YouTube channel. It is positively bursting with bright, colorful, gluten-free recipes (including a picture for every one).
The only thing holding me back from a five star rating is the beginning section, which is essentially a produce primer. While the information is useful enough, I could have easily done without it.
I discovered Lisa a few years ago on YouTube and was immediately impressed with her meal prep ideas, recipes, and approach to nutrition. I’ve used a bunch of her recipes, but have yet to do the actual meal planning. I’m at stage in my life where I could benefit from the meal planning, so I’m about to begin.
This book is pretty much what I expected it to be. It’s practical and well thought out, just like her videos. I have a bunch of new things to try, and I’m ready to try out food prepping.
Every recipe we’ve tried from this book has been excellent!
I struggle to figure out my menus quickly and love it when that mental work is already done for me. That’s why I wish there were more meal plans to show how to use the recipes for a weekly meal prep. (There are four plans in the book.) If there were more meal plans, and if most of the recipes were included in those meal plans, I’d give this book five stars.
This is a beautiful food prep/cookbook to read and look at. Lisa Bryan’s approach to preparing good is really quite ingenious. I especially love the tips on individual ingredients that might have intimidated me when looking at them in the grocery store. Very inspired to try these tips for prep and organizing and trying new ingredients and combinations.
Some easy recipes, some require a few more ingredients, but none that require a specialty shop. The first third of the book talks about how tos shop, store and cook particular vegetables, as well as equipment. A few pages showing meal prep ideas and then the recipes. Pictures galore and calorie count, etc. all in all a nice book.
This cookbook focuses on make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals that can simplify a busy week. Its gluten-free approach and emphasis on preparation may appeal to readers who want to organize meals before the week begins. A useful source of inspiration for building a more consistent and manageable cooking routine.
Easy to follow along. Recipes are fairly simple. I enjoyed how the author separated the cookbook into sections. Lots of the recipes include ingredients most people already have cooked with and probably already have in their kitchens.