Power Foods: 150 Delicious Recipes with the 38 Healthiest Ingredients: A Cookbook

by Whole Living Magazine

Many of our favorite ingredients—such as berries, tomatoes, and nuts—are among the healthiest foods on earth, and by simply incorporating more of them into our everyday meals, we can all lead healthier lives. Here are 150 fantastic ways to help you do just that. Organized into chapters on breakfast, snacks, sandwiches, soups, salads, main dishes, side dishes, and desserts, the recipes are accompanied by simple instructions and beautiful photographs to keep you inspired to eat well at any time of the day. Stay motivated with tempting recipes such as:
 
Breakfast: Pecan Pancakes with Mixed Berry Compote; Mushroom and Scallion Frittata
Starters and Snacks: Sweet Potato Hummus; Beet Chips
Sandwiches and Wraps: Salmon Salad and Curried Egg on Multigrain Bread; Kiwifruit Summer Roll
Soups and Stews: Golden Pepper Soup; Chili with Chicken and Beans
Salads: Quinoa and Corn Salad with Pumpkin Seeds; Endive, Avocado, and Grapefruit Salad
Main Dishes: Citrus-Roasted Salmon with Spring Pea Sauce; Soba Noodle, Tofu, and Vegetable Stir-fry; Turkey Cutlets with Tomatoes and Capers
Side Dishes: Cauliflower and Barley Salad with Toasted Almonds; Edamame Succotash
Desserts: Lemon Cream with Blackberries; Double Dark Chocolate and Ginger Biscotti
 
Beyond these wonderful recipes, the editors of Whole Living magazine include research-backed information about the health benefits and disease-fighting properties of 38 power foods, along with nutritional data and helpful tips on storing, preparing, and cooking them. In this one-stop resource, you’ll learn all about stocking a healthy pantry, eating seasonally, understanding food labels, and when it’s best to splurge for organic ingredients.

These 38 Power Foods are:
·          Asparagus
·          Artichokes
·          Avocados
·          Beets
·          Bell Peppers
·          Broccoli
·          Brussels Sprouts
·          Carrots
·          Kale
·          Mushrooms
·          Spinach
·          Sweet Potatoes
·          Swiss Chard
·          Tomatoes
·          Winter Squash
·          Apricots
·          Berries
·          Citrus
·          Kiwifruits
·          Papayas
·          Pears
·          Brown Rice
·          Oats
·          Quinoa
·          Dried Beans
·          Green Peas
·          Soybeans/Edamame
·          Almonds
·          Pecans
·          Pistachios
·          Walnuts
·          Flaxseed
·          Pumpkin Seeds
·          Eggs
·          Yogurt
·          Sablefish
·          Rainbow Trout
·          Wild Alaskan Salmon
 
 
With 150 quick, flavor-packed recipes using the 38 healthiest foods nature has to offer, Power Foods makes eating well simple—and more delicious than ever before.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Nonfiction, Health, Nutrition, Foodie

384 pages, Paperback

First published December 28, 2010

Reviews

[Stef · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. In a previous season of my life I would have loved it, but now having to deal with multiple food allergies in the family, changing health concerns, there's just too much here that my family can't eat. Grains, dairy, eggs, nuts.... all good stuff, but I'm the only one who would be able to enjoy the recipes prepared as written, I'll have to make many adjustments for the others, which means I might as well begin with a different recipe altogether. Good info on the nutritional value of each food though.

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice cookbook. It begins by presenting the editors' perspective. The authors note that (Page 10): "In 'Power Foods,' we'll show you how 'delicious' and 'nutritious' can actually go together, and that healthy living doesn't have to be challenging." Page 11 provides "the golden rules" for healthy eating, among which are: choose a wide variety of unprocessed foods, shop locally and eat seasonally, buy organic, limit salt intake, and so on. Sensible rules that we all know--but often ignore.

Starting on page 17, the book notes examples of power foods, some of the most potent foods in terms of their impacts on health. Veggies? Think asparagus, artichokes, broccoli, carrots, spinach, and tomatoes, among others. Fruits? Apricots, berries, citrus, and a handful of others. Grains and legumes? Brown rice, oats, quinoa (technically, not a grain--but close enough according to the authors), soybeans, etc. Nuts and seeds? Among the champs are: almonds, pistachios, walnuts, flaxseed, and pumpkin seeds. Eggs, yogurt, and fish? Eggs, sablefish, wild Alaskan salmon, and a couple others.

Then, recipes by "genre." This section begins with breakfasts. I really enjoy a good frittata--although I haven't done so for awhile. So the two recipes here are making me think I ought to revisit this delightful dish--Frittata ranchera with black bean as well as Mushroom and scallion frittata. Starters and snacks: Yum. Steamed artichokes with two dipping sauces (tarragon-yogurt sauce and a spicy aioli). With edamame (from soybeans) as a key ingredient, there is a soy-wasabi spread that looks to be spicy--and tasty. Sandwiches and wraps. We are trying to incorporate more tofu dishes into our rotations of dinners. Here, an open-faced tomato sandwich with herbs and creamy tofu spread is alluring. Then, there is Grilled mushroom (using portabellas) burgers with white bean spread.

Soups and stews? Try Mushroom soup with poached eggs and parmesan cheese. The photo on page 157 looks so tempting! As we are trying more tofu dishes, so--too--are we assessing recipes containing quinoa. Intriguing recipe: Quinoa and corn salad with toasted pumpkin seeds.

Anyhow, you get the idea. The creators of this volume attempt to show that using healthy foods can be wed to eating tasty meals. Overall, I think that this cookbook works and its recipes make the case for healthy eating that will also be enjoyable eating. . . .

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite cookbook! (This is saying something because I have a lot!!) Not only are the photographs stunning and the recipes mouthwatering, but this book also includes information about all of the ingredients in a beautiful and easy to use format. The first 65 pages of the book describe all the healthy ingredients and lists the health benefits, how to buy and store each ingredient, preparation tips, and other fun ideas! Then there are tons of awesome recipes, with a picture of EVERY DISH!! At the end of the book, you will find information on the basics...oils, alliums, herbs, spices, and alternative sweeteners! Plus, a glossary of terms and a nutritional index!! This book is truly a phenomenal source and impressed me more than words can describe! The recipes are healthy, imaginative and inspiring! It was exactly what I was looking for at this point in my life! Here is a list of the 38 Power Foods: Asparagus, Artichokes, Avocados, Beets, Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Kale, Mushrooms, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Winter Squash, Apricots, Berries, Citrus, Kiwifruits, Papayas, Pears, Brown Rice, Oats, Quinoa, Dried Beans, Green Peas, Soybeans/Edamame, Almonds, Pecans, Pistachios, Walnuts, Flaxseed, Pumpkin Seeds, Eggs, Yogurt, Sablefish, Rainbow Trout, and Wild Alaskan Salmon.

[Jeslyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, a cookbook that I read like a novel, and it makes all the difference. Power Foods does an excellent job of meshing medicine, nutrition, and culinary endeavors - arranging the book into "bios" on each of the 38 power foods identified (sorted by veg, fruit, grains, etc.); the recipes themselves; and "the basics" (regulars for the pantry, glossary, nutritional index, etc.). Vitamins, minerals, fiber, etc. are highlighted in each of the ingredient bios, as well as how these attributes impact illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, etc. These are revisited in the recipe introductions, explaining the collective benefit of the ingredients on our health. The photos are beautiful, recipes are very simple, sugars are kept to a minimum, and there were very few recipes I wasn't interested in trying. Fantastic!

[Krystal Esmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some really good recipes in this book. Most of them were simple enough to recreate on my own. I love that this book talked about the benefits of each particular food before they just dove into the recipe, that was really helpful. I loved all of the vibrant, colorful pictures of the food dishes. Overall, this book was pretty good. I would probably read it again and I would recommend it to foodies.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

We've only made two of these recipes so far, but they've both been really good: roasted brussels sprouts, pear, and shallots with lemon juice (pear never would have occurred to me) and soba noodles with veggies and yuuuuuum dressing. I will be re-requesting this from the library!

(Oh, and only four stars because halfish of these include fish and meat. Sad for me!)

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book!!! Such great information and the recipes look great. I really like that each power food has a page or two that give tons of information about that food and then all the recipes that use it are listed there as well. Beautifully put together.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent recipes, easy to follow and many of the same ingredients are used in a lot of the recipes so you don't feel like you are buying a bunch of something just to use it once. Good descriptions of all of the "power foods" as well...

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have made several recipes from this book and have liked all of them. They use fresh ingredients and are not too fussy.
I plan to make several more and have bunches marked with sticky notes to be sure to come back to use again.

[Amanda Boehm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read with great pictures and recipes with nutrition facts. Each "power food" is featured in the front of the book with details about the food item, its health benefits, and how to prepare, store, and purchase it.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I get this book from the library so often, I should buy it. I love the tomato sauce and guacamole. It’s a favorite for new, healthy recipes.

[Katelyn Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I must agree with the previous reviews - this cookbook is outstanding!! Flops on the breakfast category, (at least for me, haha), but other than this, healthy dining looks the best I have ever witnessed!
An essential cookbook, give it a try. ^~^

[Sheena Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

150 recipes using 38 "healthiest ingredients"
First section has information and storage for each power food, recipes follow.
Recipes are all straightforward, not too many odd ingredients. Lots of photos.

[Dray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like power foods, I eat them almost everyday. I found this compilation a little meh, no real exceptional creativity or "juice", despite several beverage offerings. Not a bad book at all but considering the topic it read almost like sunset digest.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and easy look at foods that will give you a healthier lifestyle.

[Kecia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Beverly B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first cook books I've ever bought myself. Full of healthy recipes and tons of nutritional information. Great reference book to have!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A food looking collection of easy to make recipes for eating healthier and seasonally. Martha for the win again.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book when I participated in Whole Living's 28-Day Action Plan. The recipes in Power Foods focus on fresh, healthy ingredients. In particular, they revolve around 38 "power foods," which have high nutrient contents. The first 50 or so pages of the book are reference and explain in detail the "power foods" as well as other health and nutrition information. I've tried a number of recipes so far and have yet to be disappointed. Many of the recipes on here can be found on either wholeliving.com or marthastewart.com, but it's nice to have them in one place. Some recipes are quite easy, while others are a bit more difficult and/or time intensive. If you're looking to eat healthier and learn more about some unique (but not hard to find) ingredients, this book is a great start.

[xq · Rating 4 out of 5]

i kept getting up from reading to fix stuff in my kitchen after i read this. like apparently you're supposed to refrigerate pistachio nuts. and eggs keep longer if you put them in the middle of your fridge (door is the warmest). who knew? or maybe i'm just slow.

the recipes were all really tasty-sounding and not too complicated with beautiful food photography/styling. also, no crazy ingredients, thank you cooking gods. can't wait to try some of these out!

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The page upon page of beautiful pictures for each recipe were great, but overall, this cookbook comes up short for me. Nothing especially new or revelatory -- I use these ingredients and combinations already with more complicated seasonings.

However, if you're new to cooking generally or are freshly attempting to bring more fresh fruits, vegetables and grains into your meals this can be helpful and inspiring.

[Tina Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have tried about half of the recipes in this book. They are easy, fun and healthy. My husband who is far from the health nut even loves them. The best aspect of the book is the sections where food is explained from what it looks like and how to use it to the actual "power" each food has in our bodies.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks, Alison, for bringing this book to my attention. It's beautiful, with colorful pictures of every recipe. I already like most of their 38 power foods and can't wait to try sablefish, add quinoa to granola, and, since I just opened a gallon of olive oil and think my oranges might be ripe, I'll try the orange walnut olive oil cake with yogurt.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like cookbooks and I like to read about what is good for me. This book had both and that made it a good one. Don't just tell me what's good for me, tell me how to make it taste good! This book does. Picked out lots of recipes. Perfect right before going to the public market. I recommend it. Nice and easy and yummy.

[Elisa Garza · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book gets 2 stars for being beautiful and having an easy-to-read encyclopedia of foods. Every recipe I tried from this (6 or 7 of them) was just gross - my kids hated it, I hated it. Healthy food should not be unappetizing. Clearly the editors of Whole Living Magazine did not test these recipes. Do not recommend.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful photos, which I love. All ingredients I have on hand, which I also love. Prep time is minimal -- nice! So I should love this cookbook, but it falls flat. The recipes I made were blech. Boring and just didn't like them. Oh, well. Also, it's not vegetarian so there are a lot of fish, chicken and meat recipes.

[Fizzgig · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried five recipes out of this book and they were boring. It's not the lack of salt, sugar, or other diet no-no but just…blah… If you get this book, add extra flavorings like garlic, onion, cilantro, etc. I gave it two stars because it is well done for what it is, just the recipes leave something to desire.

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I loved how the begginging section was arranged by power food, so you can look immediately to the food itself for inspiration, and then go to the recipes that follow. I've made a few things from this cookbook and enjoyed them all.

[Liz De Coster · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pseudo-scientific "nutrition" information? Check. Vague claims that foods will "boost" bodily functions and "may" influence such-or-another medical condition? Check check. I was in it for the recipes, which were okay but no home runs I could see.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked their lists of the most "powerful" foods, though it's nothing I haven't heard before. I only marked two recipes to try out of it, but that's because I know what my family will and wont' eat. The book is well done with beautiful photos of every dish.