Embarking on a dietary change can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance and recipes, it can be an exciting and delicious adventure. Several cookbooks offer approachable and sustainable methods for adopting healthier eating habits, whether you're interested in the Mediterranean Diet or simply want to revamp your favorite comfort foods. These cookbooks provide the tools and inspiration to transform your relationship with food and achieve your wellness goals.
The Mediterranean Diet Made Easy: A Beginner's Guide
For those new to the Mediterranean Diet, "The Mediterranean Diet Made Easy," authored by Registered Dietitian Brynn McDowell, is an excellent starting point. Released in December 2020, this cookbook focuses on simple, delicious recipes perfect for beginners.
Brynn McDowell is a Registered Dietitian who provides Mediterranean Diet recipes, tips and travel ideas. You can find out more about this creative author, recipe developer, food photographer at www.thedomesticdietitian.com.
A significant advantage of this cookbook is its focus on affordability. As Brynn McDowell, RD, explains, "A common misconception about the Mediterranean diet is that it’s expensive." The book provides expert tips on following the diet on a budget, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals.
Elena and Melisa Koyunseven, Founders of The Mediterranean Lifestyle Magazine, say “This book is a fantastic insight for those who would like to improve their health through the Mediterranean diet. It shaped me in to who I am today and sharing experiences around food was (and is) a significant part of my identity.
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Sample Recipe: Garlic Herb Flatbread
One recipe featured in "The Mediterranean Diet Made Easy" is Garlic Herb Flatbread. This homemade bread is made with yeasted dough, so it’s light and fluffy.
Another recipe from Cookstr is simple black bean soup. Elizabeth Shaw, RDN & Founder of Shaw’s Simple Swaps and author of Instant Pot Cookbook for Dummies says “If you’re looking for a lifestyle change that you can incorporate for the long haul, then this book is for you. I’ve recommended this diet for years and am excited to have this book to share with clients!”
The Dude Diet: Clean(ish) Eating for Everyone
"The Dude Diet: Clean(ish) Food For People Who Like To Eat Dirty" offers a refreshing approach to healthy eating by recreating comfort foods with nutrient-dense ingredients. The book was inspired by the author's experience overhauling her nutritionally confused roommate's diet.
The author observed that his primary food groups were meat, cheese, white bread, and Coors Light. She was worried about his long-term health.
Motivated by love (and her competitive nature), she committed herself to overhauling Logan’s perspective on eating well. Fully aware that he would never restrict himself to a life of steamed chicken breasts and broccoli, nor wanting him to, she decided to recreate his favorite comfort foods-I’m talking everything from lasagna and cheesesteaks to cocktails and cupcakes-using nutrient-dense whole foods. Her mission wasn’t to create recipes that were “good for being healthy,” but rather ones that were straight up delicious and elicited the same excitement freakouts associated with more fattening fare. And he did!
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The author began combining her knowledge of the basic principles of nutrition with her love for food and cooking, and after tons of trial and error - she was able to learn techniques to combine the best of both worlds.
It provides the building blocks for a healthy lifestyle-from kicking cravings and portion control to responsible boozing and the concept of No-Calorie Sunday-as well as 125 foolproof recipes, all of which can be accomplished with minimal kitchen equipment and culinary skill.
Since the book’s release in the fall of 2016, hordes of men, women, and children alike have enthusiastically embraced The Dude Diet. In a time when everyone and their mom seems to be promoting a new diet with a laundry list of restrictions (Paleo, and Keto, and Whole30, oh my!), The Dude Diet offers an accessible alternative for those looking to live well while without sacrificing the foods they love. As one Dude Dieter so eloquently stated: The Dude Diet is a lifestyle for the rest of us.
The Dude Diet Philosophy: No Deprivation
The core philosophy is that you can enjoy delicious, satisfying meals without sacrificing your favorite foods. The book is designed for anyone who wants to improve their health without feeling deprived.
As the author explains, the goal wasn't to create recipes that were "good for being healthy," but rather ones that were straight up delicious and elicited the same excitement associated with more fattening fare.
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The Dude Diet Dinnertime: Weeknight Winners and Fancypants Dinners
"The Dude Diet Dinnertime: 125 Clean(ish) Recipes for Weeknight Winners and Fancypants Dinners" is a sequel that focuses on crave-worthy dinner recipes made with mostly good-for-you ingredients. It offers a range of options for different occasions and skill levels, from burgers and sandwiches to one-pot meals and more elevated dishes.
In the wake of The Dude Diet’s release, the author has been lucky enough to meet countless Dude Dieters both in real life and online. The book is filled with crave-worthy dinnertime recipes made with mostly good-for-you ingredients, and there’s a little something for every type of occasion and Dude Diet chef-from bomb burgers and sandwiches and fuss-free one-pot meals to slightly elevated Dude Diet options for hot dates and dinner parties.