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Cook Yourself Thin: Skinny Meals You Can Make in Minutes
Lose weight without losing your mind!
Cook Yourself Thin is a healthy, delicious way to drop a dress size without all the gimmicks. The ladies of "Cook Yourself Thin," a new Lifetime reality show, offer 80 easy, accessible recipes in this companion cookbook that teaches readers how to cut calories without compromising taste. For some of us, losing weight has always been a struggle. The figuring out how to cook healthy, low-fat foods that won't leave you hungry, bored, or running for a gallon of ice cream! Cook Yourself Thin shows how to cut calories, change diets, and improve health without sacrificing the foods we love. Cook Yourself Thin is not a fad diet. It gives skinny alternatives to your cravings. You can't live without your chocolate cake or mac 'n' cheese? You don't have to! (See Deep Dark Chocolate Cake, page 197.) There's never enough time to cook? Cook Yourself Thin keeps it simple─with easy instructions and fun recipes you'll want to make again and again. What are you waiting for? Cook Yourself Thin!
Cook Yourself Thin is a healthy, delicious way to drop a dress size without all the gimmicks. The ladies of "Cook Yourself Thin," a new Lifetime reality show, offer 80 easy, accessible recipes in this companion cookbook that teaches readers how to cut calories without compromising taste. For some of us, losing weight has always been a struggle. The figuring out how to cook healthy, low-fat foods that won't leave you hungry, bored, or running for a gallon of ice cream! Cook Yourself Thin shows how to cut calories, change diets, and improve health without sacrificing the foods we love. Cook Yourself Thin is not a fad diet. It gives skinny alternatives to your cravings. You can't live without your chocolate cake or mac 'n' cheese? You don't have to! (See Deep Dark Chocolate Cake, page 197.) There's never enough time to cook? Cook Yourself Thin keeps it simple─with easy instructions and fun recipes you'll want to make again and again. What are you waiting for? Cook Yourself Thin!
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2009
72 people are currently reading
1678 people want to read
About the author
Candice Kumai
12 books63 followersCandice Kumai is an American author and chef. Kumai is based in New York City.
Candice was born in California to a Japanese mother and Polish-American father. Kumai worked as a model when she was a teenager. Later, she trained as a professional chef in Southern California, cooking on the line at several restaurants.
Candice was born in California to a Japanese mother and Polish-American father. Kumai worked as a model when she was a teenager. Later, she trained as a professional chef in Southern California, cooking on the line at several restaurants.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 6, 2009
The subtitle of this book is "A delicious way to drop a dress size." Well, I confess that I have never worn a dress. So maybe I don't qualify to review this book? However, I think that this is a useful cookbook--whatever your gender!
There are some nice upfront items (some cookbooks have these, while others do not). On pages 41-43, we have a calories guide, so that the reader can get a sense as to which kinds of food are lower calories than others. For instance, among the category "Rice, pasta, and beans," I tend to use Jasmine rice (174 calories). Much better than baked beans (346 calories) but not as low as egg noodles (109 calories). Etc.
But it's the recipes that I especially look forward to. Just an example or two:
"The better for you breakfast sandwich." Forget an Egg McMuffin. Try one of these. English muffins surround the innards of this breakfast sandwich. Poach eggs (with some vinegar); slice some cheese and thinly slice ham; bake until the muffins are toasted. Sautee slices of tomato. Assemble by putting tomato and egg on top of the ham and cheese.
A main meal? "Steak with cauliflower 'mash' potatoes." One creates rosemary salt, cauliflower mashed potatoes (I've tried a recipe much like this, and it worked well), and flank steak. Serve the steak over romaine lettuce, cover with the mashed potatoes and tomato and drizzle with pan juices (reinforced with balsamic vinegar).
So, this should not just lead to a dropped dress size--but also pant size for men. Lots of fun recipes (although I wish there were more).
There are some nice upfront items (some cookbooks have these, while others do not). On pages 41-43, we have a calories guide, so that the reader can get a sense as to which kinds of food are lower calories than others. For instance, among the category "Rice, pasta, and beans," I tend to use Jasmine rice (174 calories). Much better than baked beans (346 calories) but not as low as egg noodles (109 calories). Etc.
But it's the recipes that I especially look forward to. Just an example or two:
"The better for you breakfast sandwich." Forget an Egg McMuffin. Try one of these. English muffins surround the innards of this breakfast sandwich. Poach eggs (with some vinegar); slice some cheese and thinly slice ham; bake until the muffins are toasted. Sautee slices of tomato. Assemble by putting tomato and egg on top of the ham and cheese.
A main meal? "Steak with cauliflower 'mash' potatoes." One creates rosemary salt, cauliflower mashed potatoes (I've tried a recipe much like this, and it worked well), and flank steak. Serve the steak over romaine lettuce, cover with the mashed potatoes and tomato and drizzle with pan juices (reinforced with balsamic vinegar).
So, this should not just lead to a dropped dress size--but also pant size for men. Lots of fun recipes (although I wish there were more).
April 20, 2013
Dieting is so, so hard, partly because most diets require one to completely abandon all the foods we hold near and dear. But what if we could skim calories from our favorite comfort dishes or best-loved meals? Wouldn't that make it so much easier?
That's what the three authors of Cook Yourself Thin -- Harry Eastwood, Candice Kumai and Allison Fishman -- have done. No odd tofu-quinoa dishes here; instead, you get slimmed-down versions of eggs Benedict, banana-chocolate chip muffins, smoothies, French onion soup, pasta primavera, quiches, Cobb salad, Spaghetti Carbonara, mac and cheese, Huevos Rancheros, cakes, and more. You'll be able to prepare luscious dishes with half the calories of the fat- and sugar-laden originals. How nice to have this cookbook's help in peeling off those excess pounds!
At just $1.99 for the Kindle version, unless you're a lottery winner, this will be the best $2 you've ever spent!
That's what the three authors of Cook Yourself Thin -- Harry Eastwood, Candice Kumai and Allison Fishman -- have done. No odd tofu-quinoa dishes here; instead, you get slimmed-down versions of eggs Benedict, banana-chocolate chip muffins, smoothies, French onion soup, pasta primavera, quiches, Cobb salad, Spaghetti Carbonara, mac and cheese, Huevos Rancheros, cakes, and more. You'll be able to prepare luscious dishes with half the calories of the fat- and sugar-laden originals. How nice to have this cookbook's help in peeling off those excess pounds!
At just $1.99 for the Kindle version, unless you're a lottery winner, this will be the best $2 you've ever spent!
January 25, 2010
EDIT on 1/25/10:
I tried making the raspberry/white chocolate chip brownies with butternut squash instead of butter. No one but me would eat them. I think my husband took a tiny bite and had already decided he hated them, and my 3 year old saw raspberris in the middle and declared they were yucky. But my baby ate some! And I thought they were totally acceptable. Not eat the whole pan in one sitting amazing, but acceptable as a substitute. However, the grated squash left the texture (although not the taste) of shredded squash in the brownies. I would suggest the following if you make this recipe - cook the 2 cups of squash so that it's soft, then puree it up. THEN add it to the brownie batter. Also, the cook time said 20 minutes. I cooked about 30 minutes in a 8 by 8 pan and it was still a little too gooey in the middle. Maybe spread it out in a bigger pan, or cook longer. There! I reviewed a recipe. Yeah!
My original review:
It's hard to review a cookbook - wouldn't it depend on the recipe you're eating whether it is good or not? However, this book does have several chapters in the beginning on topics such as kitchen equipment, what type of eater you are, calorie counts, etc... So technically, I felt it counted enough as a book to review.
I did copy some recipes to try, however, it's not really a cookbook of "healthy" meals (in my opinion), it's a cookbook of lower calorie versions of popular meals, that may or may not be healthy.
The recipes still have sugar, white flour, fake sugars, salt and other nasty stuff like that. But if you're going to make a meal filled with those things, these recipes will help you use LESS.
It reminds me of Weight Watchers, where it doesn't really teach a person to eat healthy, just to eat fewer calories. So if you have no interest in your healthy, simply in eating fewer calories, it's a good book. And sometimes, that's all I want. I want cake, but it would indeed be nice to have cake with less calories.
I tried making the raspberry/white chocolate chip brownies with butternut squash instead of butter. No one but me would eat them. I think my husband took a tiny bite and had already decided he hated them, and my 3 year old saw raspberris in the middle and declared they were yucky. But my baby ate some! And I thought they were totally acceptable. Not eat the whole pan in one sitting amazing, but acceptable as a substitute. However, the grated squash left the texture (although not the taste) of shredded squash in the brownies. I would suggest the following if you make this recipe - cook the 2 cups of squash so that it's soft, then puree it up. THEN add it to the brownie batter. Also, the cook time said 20 minutes. I cooked about 30 minutes in a 8 by 8 pan and it was still a little too gooey in the middle. Maybe spread it out in a bigger pan, or cook longer. There! I reviewed a recipe. Yeah!
My original review:
It's hard to review a cookbook - wouldn't it depend on the recipe you're eating whether it is good or not? However, this book does have several chapters in the beginning on topics such as kitchen equipment, what type of eater you are, calorie counts, etc... So technically, I felt it counted enough as a book to review.
I did copy some recipes to try, however, it's not really a cookbook of "healthy" meals (in my opinion), it's a cookbook of lower calorie versions of popular meals, that may or may not be healthy.
The recipes still have sugar, white flour, fake sugars, salt and other nasty stuff like that. But if you're going to make a meal filled with those things, these recipes will help you use LESS.
It reminds me of Weight Watchers, where it doesn't really teach a person to eat healthy, just to eat fewer calories. So if you have no interest in your healthy, simply in eating fewer calories, it's a good book. And sometimes, that's all I want. I want cake, but it would indeed be nice to have cake with less calories.
May 24, 2016
Good recipes
This book has good recipes that are worth trying. Some are intriguing like the Portobello Benedict. Some of the diet information may be outdated in light of recent diet studies and many of the recipes may not be suitable for people following gluten free lifestyles. But overall, an enjoyable read.
This book has good recipes that are worth trying. Some are intriguing like the Portobello Benedict. Some of the diet information may be outdated in light of recent diet studies and many of the recipes may not be suitable for people following gluten free lifestyles. But overall, an enjoyable read.
June 30, 2010
It should be titled, "Cook Yourself Broke" due to quantity of ingredients that almost every dish calls for.
December 13, 2019
This is a good book if you are looking to integrate weight loss and better health into a "normal" everyday lifestyle.
That said, I don’t agree with the conventional wisdom which it quotes as its foundation. That is, "dieticians and nutritionists agree that low-fat, low-calorie cooking skills, along with a basic knowledge of food labels and portion sizes, are the key to keeping slim".
I agree with the second half of that statement but not the first. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 20 years ago in 2000. The advice from doctors, nutritionists and dieticians was rote and conventional in being against "fat" and any form of "sugar". And none mentioned exercises except in the sense of being "active" i.e. taking walks. I realised that they had no real idea and that I had to work it out for myself.
I did work it out. I had an annual medical last week. The doctor said that if he did not know that I had been diabetic then he would not be able to tell from my latest results. All "normal", in fact, all far better than "normal" - blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, cardiovascular fitness, etc.
I eat all full-fat products, and a lot of extra fat, and also "sugar" in the form of sugar that comes in real food e.g. fruit, and I don’t focus on "low calorie". I focus on good quality calories, good quality fat, and I combine that with the author's suggestions of knowing food labels and watching portion size. I do one more thing, I balance overall intake against my energy consumption. After 20 years I know how to balance food intake against calories burnt.
NEVER-THE-LESS I recommend the book as it touches on all these things that I do in the details inside. It will help you adjust your diet and make it sustainable, and swap out empty calories for good calories. It is all very sensible.
The recipes are enough to keep you interested in your food. I love the steak with cauliflower mashed potatoes as a change from my usual way of eating steak. And it’s hard to go past vanilla cupcakes.
Enjoy!
That said, I don’t agree with the conventional wisdom which it quotes as its foundation. That is, "dieticians and nutritionists agree that low-fat, low-calorie cooking skills, along with a basic knowledge of food labels and portion sizes, are the key to keeping slim".
I agree with the second half of that statement but not the first. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 20 years ago in 2000. The advice from doctors, nutritionists and dieticians was rote and conventional in being against "fat" and any form of "sugar". And none mentioned exercises except in the sense of being "active" i.e. taking walks. I realised that they had no real idea and that I had to work it out for myself.
I did work it out. I had an annual medical last week. The doctor said that if he did not know that I had been diabetic then he would not be able to tell from my latest results. All "normal", in fact, all far better than "normal" - blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, cardiovascular fitness, etc.
I eat all full-fat products, and a lot of extra fat, and also "sugar" in the form of sugar that comes in real food e.g. fruit, and I don’t focus on "low calorie". I focus on good quality calories, good quality fat, and I combine that with the author's suggestions of knowing food labels and watching portion size. I do one more thing, I balance overall intake against my energy consumption. After 20 years I know how to balance food intake against calories burnt.
NEVER-THE-LESS I recommend the book as it touches on all these things that I do in the details inside. It will help you adjust your diet and make it sustainable, and swap out empty calories for good calories. It is all very sensible.
The recipes are enough to keep you interested in your food. I love the steak with cauliflower mashed potatoes as a change from my usual way of eating steak. And it’s hard to go past vanilla cupcakes.
Enjoy!
July 7, 2019
This cookbook is not my usual style at all. I grabbed it because 1. I was in a hurry at the library with kids underfoot and 2. It reminded me of a cookbook I loved when I was still trying to be the all American soccer mom and cared 3. I’m losing weight and thought it might have some keto friendly recipes. I gave it a shot anyway.
It screams bourgeois from the photo layout, the intro of each member of the team, the writing style, to many of the ingredients, at least in my opinion anyway. Not that it’s a bad thing it’s just not my thing. I am a more barefoot and beer and less heels and spritzer kinda person. I didn’t expect much in all honesty, but was pleasantly surprised with much of the content. I did find the eater ID quiz helpful in that it confirmed my shift in eating styles the last year or so. (Diabetics beware though on the suggestions, some are just not good for us.) Many of the recipes look very tasty and not complicated to the average cook. While there were a few ingredients that aren’t readily accessible in my area, or within my budget, not as many as I expected. Many recipes can be easily tweaked to be more keto friendly if they aren’t already, especially the dessert section. (That’s always a huge plus.) I can easily see making many of the recipes for my family, or if not, they aren’t hard to whip up for myself. Which is a huge factor when you have 3 kids at home.
I gave it 4 stars because of the lack of nutritional information outside of calories, my own style preferences, made it mildly annoying. However, the quality of the recipes and the information the ladies give to those who are primarily choosing to count calories is quite helpful.
It screams bourgeois from the photo layout, the intro of each member of the team, the writing style, to many of the ingredients, at least in my opinion anyway. Not that it’s a bad thing it’s just not my thing. I am a more barefoot and beer and less heels and spritzer kinda person. I didn’t expect much in all honesty, but was pleasantly surprised with much of the content. I did find the eater ID quiz helpful in that it confirmed my shift in eating styles the last year or so. (Diabetics beware though on the suggestions, some are just not good for us.) Many of the recipes look very tasty and not complicated to the average cook. While there were a few ingredients that aren’t readily accessible in my area, or within my budget, not as many as I expected. Many recipes can be easily tweaked to be more keto friendly if they aren’t already, especially the dessert section. (That’s always a huge plus.) I can easily see making many of the recipes for my family, or if not, they aren’t hard to whip up for myself. Which is a huge factor when you have 3 kids at home.
I gave it 4 stars because of the lack of nutritional information outside of calories, my own style preferences, made it mildly annoying. However, the quality of the recipes and the information the ladies give to those who are primarily choosing to count calories is quite helpful.
May 13, 2020
Now I have to choose some recipes and make sure I have all the ingredients. I would never have thought to put shredded beet in chocolate cake.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
April 11, 2024
My new guide book to a healthy eating lifestyle along with Intermittent fasting book. :)
June 18, 2013
Cook Yourself Thin was a cookbook that I downloaded on my Nook for a steeply reduced price. I was very excited because I had seen it in Barnes and Noble, but did not go near it because the last thing I needed was another cookbook on my shelf. Since summer is now in session, I will have time to search for healthier ingredients and put time into preparing body-friendly meals.
Reading the philosophy section, I was surprised that they had a quiz for the reader to take about their eating habits. The results were being an “On-The-Run-Eater,” “Sugar Fiend.” “Yo-Yo Dieter,” and “Comfort Food Craver.” Being the latter, I read over the advice and was ultimately surprised. They mentioned that we have good ideas about nutrition and how to create a flavorful meal. That’s me! Then, they also mentioned the downside, portion control being the biggest. That’s me, too (and rolling my eyes).
Continuing on with the philosophy, keeping portion size in mind, I continued to read the philosophy. They discussed common myths about dieting, the flaws of diet programs, how to keep a food journal just to learn about eating habits, and what a calorie is. There were suggested food lists, directions on how to read better labels, and the many different names of sugars. Towards this part of the philosophy section, I began rolling my eyes. Those of us who have ever dieted know all of this information. I quickly began skimming this section and moved on to the recipes.
Looking over the recipes, I flagged about ten that I would actually cook in real life and not the dream world in my head. The Skinny Down-Home Chicken Pot Pie was one recipe that I liked and this was for two reasons. The first was that it included food substitutions that I already incorporate into my diet, like using ground turkey over ground beef. Secondly, it called for ingredients that I already have in my fridge or could have bought easily on a grocery run trip.
There were two major faults I found with the recipes from this book. The first was a preference thing. Some of the substitutions are ones that are unique to certain diets, such as using ricotta cheese for whipped cream as is frequently done on the South Beach Diet. I personally detest ricotta cheese unless it is in a lasagna. Ricotta does not belong on top of my french toast.
The second issue I had was that the recipes included minute amounts of lots of ingredients, many of which are difficult to find. If I was living near a city, then this would be less of a problem. However, in the country, my grocery store is 35 minutes away. I am not going to make a special trip to the store just because I need two tablespoons of rice flour.
Overall, I think that this book has a lot of value because they are encouraging people to make smarter choices about their cooking. They provide some useful ways to incorporate helpful decision tools for the uneducated individual. However, readers should not expect to have their lives changed by the book. I don’t regret buying this because I got a decent bargain. However, I would be extremely disappointed if I paid full price for it.
Reading the philosophy section, I was surprised that they had a quiz for the reader to take about their eating habits. The results were being an “On-The-Run-Eater,” “Sugar Fiend.” “Yo-Yo Dieter,” and “Comfort Food Craver.” Being the latter, I read over the advice and was ultimately surprised. They mentioned that we have good ideas about nutrition and how to create a flavorful meal. That’s me! Then, they also mentioned the downside, portion control being the biggest. That’s me, too (and rolling my eyes).
Continuing on with the philosophy, keeping portion size in mind, I continued to read the philosophy. They discussed common myths about dieting, the flaws of diet programs, how to keep a food journal just to learn about eating habits, and what a calorie is. There were suggested food lists, directions on how to read better labels, and the many different names of sugars. Towards this part of the philosophy section, I began rolling my eyes. Those of us who have ever dieted know all of this information. I quickly began skimming this section and moved on to the recipes.
Looking over the recipes, I flagged about ten that I would actually cook in real life and not the dream world in my head. The Skinny Down-Home Chicken Pot Pie was one recipe that I liked and this was for two reasons. The first was that it included food substitutions that I already incorporate into my diet, like using ground turkey over ground beef. Secondly, it called for ingredients that I already have in my fridge or could have bought easily on a grocery run trip.
There were two major faults I found with the recipes from this book. The first was a preference thing. Some of the substitutions are ones that are unique to certain diets, such as using ricotta cheese for whipped cream as is frequently done on the South Beach Diet. I personally detest ricotta cheese unless it is in a lasagna. Ricotta does not belong on top of my french toast.
The second issue I had was that the recipes included minute amounts of lots of ingredients, many of which are difficult to find. If I was living near a city, then this would be less of a problem. However, in the country, my grocery store is 35 minutes away. I am not going to make a special trip to the store just because I need two tablespoons of rice flour.
Overall, I think that this book has a lot of value because they are encouraging people to make smarter choices about their cooking. They provide some useful ways to incorporate helpful decision tools for the uneducated individual. However, readers should not expect to have their lives changed by the book. I don’t regret buying this because I got a decent bargain. However, I would be extremely disappointed if I paid full price for it.
January 30, 2011
4.5 stars - I would have given it 5 stars, but the recipe instructions are kind of haphazard so if you don't know what you're doing in the kitchen you might get a little lost.
Otherwise, I thought the information in the intro was very helpful - they give you several ways to just check yourself to find out where you're falling off the calorie wagon and good suggestions to get yourself back on without depriving yourself of foods you love. The little ways to shave off fat and calories would be helpful for any recipe.
Also, the recipes were things I could actually see myself making and enjoying - and better yet, my kids would probably eat most of them! That's important since I refuse to cook separate meals for grownups and littles. Definitely worth a look see if you're trying to lighten your load without the misery of diet food.
Otherwise, I thought the information in the intro was very helpful - they give you several ways to just check yourself to find out where you're falling off the calorie wagon and good suggestions to get yourself back on without depriving yourself of foods you love. The little ways to shave off fat and calories would be helpful for any recipe.
Also, the recipes were things I could actually see myself making and enjoying - and better yet, my kids would probably eat most of them! That's important since I refuse to cook separate meals for grownups and littles. Definitely worth a look see if you're trying to lighten your load without the misery of diet food.
August 5, 2011
Well the quiz to find out what kind of eater I am was NO Surprise. I'm a comfort food eater. I eat to celebrate, grieve, calm down, etc...... I also love to cook. So I don't have to leave home to create food that is gonna stick to my hips forever.
I understand the game plan of the book: it isn't a diet; it is a lifestyle. Doesn't mean I'm gonna change though. And unless something really surprising happens, I don't see myself eating tofu or giving up vodka martinis/dirty with 3 olives.
I understand the game plan of the book: it isn't a diet; it is a lifestyle. Doesn't mean I'm gonna change though. And unless something really surprising happens, I don't see myself eating tofu or giving up vodka martinis/dirty with 3 olives.
February 23, 2014
I decided to read this book because I'm at a stage where I can't simply eat the things I used to! My metabolism has slowed down (gasp) and I am a real food snob so the recipes and eating plans in this book really tantalize my taste buds. I can't wait to try them to see if they live up to my expectations... especially the chocolate and cranberry biscotti *drool*. Another thing I enjoyed was the beautiful photography. The food styling was impeccable, I wish there were more photos in the ebook version!
January 7, 2016
This book is based on a Lifetime Television show.
There is not a lot that is new here, but it does advocate an approach to managing dietary intake by making gradual changes in one’s eating habits rather than drastic ones. By making changes that are smart and simple, change is more gradual and success is slower. But the results are longer lasting and one avoids gaining weight back after it has already been lost.
This system incorporates the calorie counting approach and uses improved cooking methods.
There is not a lot that is new here, but it does advocate an approach to managing dietary intake by making gradual changes in one’s eating habits rather than drastic ones. By making changes that are smart and simple, change is more gradual and success is slower. But the results are longer lasting and one avoids gaining weight back after it has already been lost.
This system incorporates the calorie counting approach and uses improved cooking methods.
January 14, 2016
The recipes in this book are okay. I didn't read the first part, as I am on weight watchers and just wanted it for the recipes, but I don't know why you would have all of these recipes that will assist you in dropping a dress size and not put the nutritional info. Again, maybe it was omitted for some reason that I didn't read about - but for those wanting to drop more than a tricky 5 pounds so we can fit into our summer tennis whites, the nutritional information would have been a help. The recipes were okay, but nothing just screamed out COOK ME.
March 21, 2015
One case where the show is better than the book. There isn't anything wrong with the book, but if you read 'Cooking Light' or are interested in healthy cooking at all, you'll know most of this already. They do provide calorie counts, but other nutrition information isn't provided.
On the other hand, these recipes are good and family-friendly, so if you're new to the idea of healthy eating this is a good place to start.
On the other hand, these recipes are good and family-friendly, so if you're new to the idea of healthy eating this is a good place to start.
August 20, 2009
This is pretty basic stuff. Using healthy Greek yogurt and skim milk to bolster smoothies instead of ice cream; add things like spinach, zucchini and sweet potato to sweets to make them healthier; use lots of fresh herbs for flavor... Whatever. I was kind of disappointed, though I did like the look of the Chocolate Pavlova.
August 26, 2009
Has a lot of great ideas, tips, and recipes, and none of it seems too difficult. Almost a third of the book is devoted to information rather than recipes, which makes it easy to apply to all of your cooking. I liked the section on calorie counts for common foods, but I find it difficult to visualize what 3.5 ounces of pasta is.
June 30, 2010
This is the first in the series and the dinners take center-stage. Everything I've tried from this book is delicious: the sausage pizza, the sesame noodles, the carbonara, the buffalo chicken salad. All fabulous. It's amazing how a few changes to the ingredients saves the taste but slashes calories. Genius!
August 2, 2011
I've not made nearly enough of the recipes in this cookbook, but the one's I have made so far have made the purchase of this cookbook worthwhile. I've never had such wonderful pastas as the ones I've made out of here, and to realize that it is far less fattening than other similar dishes in other cookbooks just adds to the awesomeness!
November 20, 2011
I have see this show online and really liked the videos, so I thought the book would be worth purchasing. I was wrong. I did not really find anything above and beyond the show in this book. The recipes are very typical dishes. I will say that the reason it got 3 stars rather than 2 was the fact that it has some helpful skinny alternatives. Save your money and just watch the videos.
February 7, 2015
Not only does this book have several appetizing recipes for people looking to lose weight, it also has information on food storage, healthy cooking methods, and portion sizes. It also has sections devoted to what lower calorie foods you can substitute for the high calorie ones. It's not perfect, but compared to similar cookbooks, this one is actually really great.
October 6, 2010
I have given this book to many overweight friends to help them learn the most common unhealthy ingredients that can be easily suplemented in basic recipes. This is a must have book for fattys who just don't get it!!!
February 13, 2013
I haven't cooked all the recipes yet but everything I've tried so far is delicious! The dinners are packed with flavor (which makes me wonder if they're really very good for you). Favorites so far are the Mango-Glazed Salmon and Penne alla Not-ka.
March 1, 2010
A great book -- lots of great recipes, suggestions for swaps, a calorie counter and so much more!
September 27, 2009
There are some great recipes in here, but you can find them all online at the tv show's website.
October 31, 2009
Not so great. And left uninspired and not hungary. Never a good sign with a cookbook.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews