SubscribeGourmet Nutrition
One of the biggest challenges facing the health-conscious individual is finding ways to consistently prepare healthy meals and snacks. Check that… healthy, meals and snacks that TASTE GOOD. Determined to improve my own culinary skill set (which ranges from mediocre to deplorable), I began reading Gourmet Nutrition – The Cookbook for the Fit Food Lover (Dr. John Berardi, Michael Williams & Kristina Andrew). Here are my thoughts:
I think this book is a winner, plain and simple. I have certain criteria when it comes to cookbooks and this one certainly satisfies all of them. Here are some of its features:
- Great appearance, layout and pictures: Not that aesthetics should matter, but I am a visual person and I need to have at least a rough idea of what my culinary experiment should look like. (Note: The actual product doesn’t look nearly as decadent as the picture, although I suppose I could go and buy some mini umbrellas for my pina colada smoothies)
- Good Science: John Berardi is one of the best in the business when it comes to delivering evidence-based content. This book is no exception as he, Williams and Andrew combine to produce a scientifically delectable tool.
- Complete content: Recipe categories include; Breakfasts, Shakes and Smoothies, Meats, Poultry, Seafood, Accompaniments, Snacks, Salad Dressings and Condiments. Each of the categories has a good variation of dishes.
- Each recipe has a detailed nutritional breakdown that includes even omega 3 and 6 values. It also gives half and full portion values.
- Each recipe is designated as either an "anytime" meal or a "post-workout" meal.
- Side pairing suggestions are offered for main course dishes.
- Meals are generally easy to prepare and don’t require a whole lot of time
The problem is that none of the above matters if the recipes don’t taste up to par. I can honestly say I’ve put some of the recipes to the test with some reasonable success. My wife (who snickered when she saw the book) loves the meals and snacks we’ve made so far (too bad there’s no recipe for crow). Also, my 2 year old hasn’t thrown a single item at me – also a good sign!
On the downside, vegetarians will find this book limiting as the main dishes are predominantly meat and/or seafood based.
Consistently eating healthfully requires a commitment of time and no book on its own will be able to transform people’s mindsets. With any healthy eating endeavor, one needs to be willing to put the time into shopping and preparing.
In general, the active, motivated individual will find this book very helpful if not indispensable. So whether you are looking for fresh ideas or a fresh start to healthy eating, Gourmet Nutrition is certainly worth looking into.
As to regards eating healthily your right on the money there it takes a great deal of mental discipline,to implement it but worth it in the long haul, and no book will help you with what you eat diet or no diet you have to be committed.
ReplyHey some more recipes never hurt. I love cooking.
ReplyThis is awesome because I love cookbooks with nutritional info for the recipes. Most of the more gourmet recipes that I've found don't have the nutritional info with them...it seems like the only recipes I can find with nutritional data are lowfat or low calorie ones. I'll have to check this book out!
ReplyWonderful review! Thanks!
ReplyI bought the first edition of this book a while back and it is amazingly amazing, lol! The recipes are easy to make, delicious and vast. Dr. John Berardi is a reknowned nutritionist, especially in the field of sports nutrition. This book is a definite must-have.
Replyi'm a chef so i'm all about good flavor- the unfortunate thing is that in most cases, higher fat just tastes better- i'm anxious to see a book about gourmet food that isn't going to show on your waist line!!
ReplyI had the original Gourmet Nutrition book, and I really liked it. I think I used the peanut butter/chocolate protein/flax seed recipe the most. My wife is on weight watchers, so we mostly use recipes from her books, though.
ReplyWhat's with "not that aesthetics should matter"? Have you run this by Martha Stewart? It's human nature to be influenced for good or ill by how things look.
Aesthetics DO matter, big time.
ReplyI bought the book nearly as soon as it was released.
I have the original Gourmet Nutrition 1.0 that comes with the Precision Nutrition system and have been very pleased with it! The recipes are GOOD and even hubby approves! In fact, he thought one of them, the Turkey Sausage Casserole must be something too decadent for him to be eating, LOL!
I've just had time to try a few recipes from GN v2.0 and honestly, those have all been good so far too! The layout of the book and color pictures are lovely and even if I wasn't doing Precision Nutrition, I'd like this cookbook!
You aren't only getting healthy food, but many of the recipes are really easy and quick to prepare, which is great in a hectic life! It's gotten me all excited about cooking again, in fact!
I agree with thehealthblogger, it's a must have alright!
ReplyI think I will have to seriously consider buying this one. I was convinced right after the words "Pina Colada Smoothie".
However, I get most of my recipes online now, haven't bought a new cookbook for years. Cooking Light Magazine often has great recipes, and they are all available online. I really love it when they take decadent old classics like Mac and cheese, Chicken Parmesan, and lighten them up. (The chicken was "breaded" in toasted panko, and then baked instead of fried. The tomato sauce was fresh and homemade. You didn't need more than a light grating of cheese on top just to justify the name. Yummy) A few years ago they featured a coconut cake on the cover that I made to take to a New Year's Dinner, it was to die for. And the calorie count really was a lot more reasonable than most alternatives, except maybe angel food.
ReplyThanks for the recommendation, i.ve been looking long and hard for a decent health food book, this one sounds really good. It really is about belief is it not? what you believe is what you'll get.That's probably why one's
Replymentality is the first thing to address where change is required. thanks again.
Pineapple 1/2 cup
Banana 1
Coconut milk 1/2 cup
Vanilla whey protein 2 scoops
Chilled green tea 1 cup
Ice 1 cup
Blend until smooth consistency. If you had a rough day, replace green tea with Bacardi rum.
ReplyHey, thanks Mike. That will add some variety to my morning smoothie.
ReplyWhat is precision nutrition?
angela
ReplyYay! This was great to read. I've been making a real effort to cook more the past few months, but I need a few more healthy recipes that are gourmet-ish in my repertoire. I'm eating too much butter :)
ReplyMake sure to get off the fast food and only eats organic food. Organic compared to non-organic is 10 X the vitamins and minerals from fruits and veggies alone. One of the best things I like to do is have a tablespoon of Coconut oil with green tea in the morning and night. I like to juice pure vegetables almost everyday it makes me feel great.
ReplyGreat, will help me alot.
ReplyI think this book helps take away the excuse that many people say that healthy meals can't taste good which is why they don't make them.
Reply