Nourish Your Body: ‘The Good Energy Cookbook’ Inspires Wellness

‘The Good Energy Cookbook’ is a comprehensive guide to transforming your life and maximizing your metabolism. Photo: Amazon.

Cookbooks that are focused on healthy eating empower individuals to make nutritious choices without sacrificing flavor. They often feature fresh, whole ingredients, offering a variety of recipes that cater to different dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. These cookbooks emphasize balance, portion control, and mindful cooking techniques, making healthy meals accessible and enjoyable. With vibrant photographs and practical tips, they inspire readers to explore new ingredients and cooking methods. From wholesome breakfast options to satisfying dinners, these cookbooks not only promote better health but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for nourishing food, helping readers create delicious, guilt-free dishes every day.

Amanda Holsen is a nutrition enthusiast and dedicated researcher specializing in metabolic health and dietary science. With a background in health coaching and a deep understanding of metabolic principles, Holsen combines scientific insights with practical strategies to promote optimal well-being. In her latest book, “The Good Energy Cookbook: Achieve Lasting Weight Loss and Power Up Your Metabolism with Health-Boosting Recipes inspired by Dr. Casey Means,” Holsen offers a comprehensive exploration of metabolic diet principles, drawing on her extensive research and personal insights into effective nutrition strategies. (Amazon, 2024)

Review:
“The Good Energy Cookbook” is a refreshing addition to the world of healthy cooking. This vibrant collection not only prioritizes nutritious ingredients but also emphasizes the concept of “good energy” in food choices, making it a compelling read for health enthusiasts and culinary novices alike.

In the Introduction, Holsen explains what metabolic health is and the key components, including Blood Sugar Regulation, Lipid Metabolism, Cellular Energy Production, Inflammation and Metabolic Health, and Hormonal Balance. She also explains the impact of poor metabolic health, the factors that influence it, and the 5 biomarkers that damage our health.

The author combines her passion for holistic wellness with practical cooking advice, sharing recipes that cater to a variety of dietary preferences. From energizing breakfast items like Avocado & Spinach Smoothie Bowl to wholesome dinner options like Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry with Tofu, the cookbook balances flavor and health seamlessly.

Chapters include:
Introduction
Power Up Your Morning: Energizing Breakfasts
Midday Boost: Wholesome Lunches for Lasting Energy
End the Day Right: Satisfying Dinners for Restoration
Snack Smart: Guilt-Free Bites for Anytime Cravings
Sweet but Smart: Metabolic-Friendly Desserts
Ready, Set, Go: Meal Prep for Busy Days
Meal Plan
Conclusion

Highlights:
Introduction: The Allies of Health where the author of defines the types of foods that “optimize bodily functions, reduce inflammation, balance blood sugar, and support overall wellness.” She explains what they are and how to add them to our daily meals.
Introduction: Tune In: Trusting Your Body’s Signals because it helps explain physical vs emotional hunger and gives tips help your body understand fullness and hunger, such as slowing down while eating and practicing mindful eating, which basically means paying attention to your food without any distractions like television or phones.

I especially like Holsen’s approachable style. Her friendly, encouraging tone invites readers into the kitchen, making the preparation of wholesome meals feel accessible and enjoyable. Beautifully photographed, each page is a feast for the eyes, showcasing the colorful, nutrient-rich meals that inspire creativity. I can’t wait to make the Matcha Bites with Coconut & Chocolate.

Overall, “The Good Energy Cookbook” is more than just a recipe book; it’s a guide to fostering a positive relationship with food. Holsen’s philosophy encourages readers to nourish their bodies while enjoying the process, making it a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their culinary repertoire.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Juicing Made Simple: A Review of ‘The Complete Diabetic Juicing Cookbook for Beginners’

“The Complete Diabetic Juicing Cookbook for Beginners” is the ultimate guide to better health and weight management. Photo: Amazon

Evelyn Roux is a nutritionist and dietician with over 15 years of experience helping busy moms navigate the world of nutrition and wellness. With a diploma in nutrition and food science, she honed her skills and knowledge in creating practical, family-friendly meal plans and strategies that fit seamlessly into hectic lifestyles. Her passion for nutrition began after watching her mom struggle for years to control her weight. Her book new book “The Complete Juicing Cookbook for Beginners: Your Essential Guide to Delicious, Low-Sugar Juice Recipes to Manage Blood Sugar and Achieve Your Weight Goals” empowers readers to take control of their health without sacrificing the joy of delicious drinks. (Amazon, 2024)

“The Complete Juicing Cookbook for Beginners” is an indispensable guide for anyone needing information about diabetes management while seeking nutritious, delicious juice options. It introduces you to the power of juicing that can help you “fuel your body, stabilize your blood sugar, and revitalize your health.” The author begins with outlining the different types of diabetes, the impact that commercial juices have on blood sugar levels, and the benefits of low sugar juicing. Along with recipes, she gives information on how to choose the right equipment, how to prepare the ingredients, and choosing the right juice to fit your lifestyle.

The recipes are thoughtfully put together to include low-glycemic fruits and vegetables, ensuring they won’t cause sudden spikes in blood sugar. From refreshing citrus blends to vibrant green juices packed with antioxidants, each recipe is easy to follow, accompanied by nutritional information per serving.

The book is divided into 17 chapters that include:

Introduction
Understanding Diabetes and Juicing
Benefits of Low-Sugar Juicing
Top Ingredients to Juice
Some Juicing Guidelines
Detoxifying Juice Recipes
Morning Juice Recipes
Post-Workout Juice Recipes
Soothing Evening Blends
Gut Health Juice Recipes
Chia Juice Blends
Nut Milk Juices
Nutritional Information Charts
Measurement Conversion Chart
Common Questions About Juicing for Diabetics
Conclusion
What to Do With Your Juicer Pulp

Overall, Roux emphasizes the versatility of juicing as part of a balanced diabetic diet, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned juicers alike. As someone who is conscious about reducing waste in the kitchen, I especially appreciate the chapter on what to do with the juicer pulp, which includes recipes for making smoothies, baby food, pet food, compost, veggie burgers, broth, and popsicles. Whether you’re looking to kickstart your mornings with a nutritious juice or incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, “The Complete Diabetic Juicing Cookbook for Beginners” offers a wide variety of options. It’s a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their health through mindful juicing practices.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

New book release: ‘Sweet Emotions’ by Kevin Bates

‘Sweet Emotions’ is the new cookbook/poetry book by Kevin Bates. Photo: Google

Kevin Bates was born in Beaumont, Texas and currently resides in Houston. A devoted reader and writer, he spends each day wandering in the world of words. As a kid, his mother brought him into this world of words. “She would read with her sweet angelic voice taking me so far away doing things I never done before living the adventures of the people she read about. Soon afterward when I asked her to read another, she would tell me to pick a book off the shelf & to read it myself.” Through reading, Kevin learned early that words are powerful when shared correctly through speech or in print. His mission is to share his message with you. His new book “Sweet Emotions” is a combination cookbook and poetry book. (Kevin Bates, 2023)

“Sweet Emotions” is a book created by me of the emotions that my mother’s cooking, love for cooking, and sharing it with others would bring. I hope everything within the covers of this book conveys those sweet emotions. My mother’s food always gave me an unbelievable rush and I could not wait for the next plate. After reading my words, I hope they do the same for you and leave you wanting the next poem to have the feeling of “Sweet Emotions.” The same goes for after you cook each recipe. This book takes you from your appetizers to your desserts.

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Book review: ‘Gumbo Love’ by Lucy Buffett

Lucy “LuLu” Buffett is a Southern businesswoman, author and entrepreneur best known for her Gulf Shores restaurant Lulu’s. She began by cooking her way from coast to coast before returning home to Alabama to open a modest little bayside gumbo and burger joint that doubled as a bait shop. Now she is a successful restaurateur with three locations: Gulf Shores, Alabama; Destin, Florida and North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where she serves over a million guests a year. Her adventures, culinary and otherwise, inspired her to write “Gumbo Love: Recipes for Gulf Coast Cooking, Entertaining, and Savoring the Good Life,” a cookbook that includes recipes from all over the Gulf Coast and incorporates Caribbean, Cajun, Cuban, Mexican, Old Florida and Creole influences.

In “Gumbo Love,” Lucy Buffett begins with a letter to readers where she explains that the book is a love letter to the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Her mission is to pay homage to the coastal Southern food culture and continue the conversation she began with her first book “Lulu’s Kitchen.” Along with over 100 recipes, she shares stories of her childhood growing up in Mobile, Alabama as well as the adventures she has had traveling as a cook, the times she spent working as a chef in New Orleans and her attitudes on life, which includes relaxation, gratitude and seizing the day. She shares her mother’s philosophy of “Life is short-east dessert first” so she begins with Chapter 1: Life Is Sweet: Eat Dessert First. Each subsequent chapter is a category of delicious recipes accompanied by colorful pictures: Starters and Snacks, Gumbo Love and other Heartwarming Soups, Main Dishes, Vegetables and Sides, Deep-Fried Favorites: A Southern Must, Salads, Sandwiches, Vacation Libations and Mocktails and Coasting the Gulf Party Menus.

Lucy Buffett’s love of cooking and appreciation for the Gulf Coast shines throughout the pages of “Gumbo Love.” More than a cookbook, it is a collection of stories, background on food and dishes and recipes that have shaped her life and livelihood. The gorgeous pictures make the food and locales come alive. It is understandable that she wants to share the recipes she loves to make, but a handful of them are restaurant quality with too many ingredients and too complicated for the average cook. Some of the easier ones are for Salads, Starters and Snacks and Sandwiches as well as the cocktail recipes. Standouts include Cuban Yellow Rice, page 181 and Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad page 229. In the Introduction, her ‘Ten Grateful Ingredients for a Bright Life and a Happy Kitchen’ is worth reading as is ‘How to Gumbo Lulu: A few notes on Gulf Coast Cooking Essentials.’ It also includes valuable ‘how to’ tutorials, such as ‘How to Shuck an Oyster’ on page 55. Overall, “Gumbo Love” is an impressive cookbook that will appeal to reads who appreciate excellent recipes and entertaining stories.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

‘Cowboy Barbecue’ by Adrian Davila

davilasalsas — Adrian Davila’s “Cowboy Barbecue” celebrates the culinary legacy of the original Texas Vaqueros. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Adrian Davila is a third generation BBQ restauranteur, BBQ Chef and Pit Master at the acclaimed Davila’s BBQ in Seguin, TX. He spent most of his youth in the restaurant’s kitchen mastering the techniques until he could prepare everything on the menu to perfection. In his debut cookbook “Cowboy Barbecue: Fire & Smoke from the Original Texas Vaqueros,” he shares authentic Texas barbecue with a uniquely Latin twist. It highlights the flavors and stories of the Mexican-American community from the simple, everyday cooking to the celebratory feasts that bring family and friends together. Co-authored with Ann Volkwein. (Countryman Press, 2018)

In “Cowboy Barbecue,” chef and restauranteur Adrian Davila celebrates traditions of Latin America and Texas, taking inspiration from the vaquero lifestyle and his own family history. His signature dishes trace their culinary roots back to the vaqueros, the Latino cowboys who once roamed the plains of Texas and Mexico. These vaqueros may have been the first “pit masters” who combined the local ingredients with the bright flavors of the Iberian Peninsula. For three generations, Davila’s BBQ has infused classic brisket, ribs and sausage with Latin flavors. Aside from grilling tips, he also offers techniques for smoking, cooking directly on the embers, underground, on a spit and more. Recipes include Mesquite Brisket, Vaquero Chili con Carne, Fire-Roasted Tomato, Onion and Serrano Salsa and more as well as more than fifty color photographs. Available on Amazon.

Book signing: ‘Taming the Feast’ by Chef Ben Ford at Hotel Emma

chefbenpic — This Friday May 19 Hotel Emma is hosting a book signing with Chef Ben Ford at Curio. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This Friday May 19 Hotel Emma at the Pearl is hosting a book signing with Chef Ben Ford. The community is invited to join Chef Ben Ford for a special book signing at Curio, the gift shop at Hotel Emma from 5:30p.m. to 6:30p.m. This event is free and open to the public and there is no need to RSVP. He will be there to sign copies of his first cookbook: “Taming the Feast: Ben Ford’s Field Guide to Adventurous Cooking” and guests will be able to enjoy some bites, a glass of wine and get to meet the chef and author. Guests may bring their own copy of the book or purchase one on site. (Hotel Emma, 2017)

Chef Ben Ford is known for wowing crowds with his over the top handcrafted feasts and now with “Taming the Feast” he presents a field guide to adventurous cooking. He gives step by step instructions with photos and illustrations so anyone can grill, smoke or roast outdoors or a smaller version of the feast in their own kitchens. Along with recipes, artisanal techniques and gorgeous photography, Chef Ford shares stories of growing up with his father Harrison Ford, then a carpenter, and his life as a chef at some of California’s best restaurants.

Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 448-8300

Book review: ‘Lulu’s Kitchen’ by Lucy Buffett

Lucy Anne Buffett, known mostly as LuLu and Jimmy Buffett’s younger sister, is a former personal chef who has cooked for high profile clients from coast to coast. She has two restaurant locations and her first cookbook, formerly known as “Crazy Sista Cooking” has been reprinted as “LuLu’s Kitchen: A Taste of the Gulf Coast Good Life.” It has been updated with a new introduction and new photography and includes authentic family recipes from her Alabama and Florida destination restaurants.

“LuLu’s Kitchen” is Lucy Buffett’s culinary guide to classic Southern coastal cuisine and contains more than 120 signature recipes. A note on the revised edition starts it off and is followed by a word by both Jimmy Buffett and LuLu. Recipe sections include: Gumbo Love & Other Deep South Soups, Sassy Salads, Sandwiches & Such, Perfect Sauces & Salad Dressings, Sweet Things, Child’s Play, Life Is Good Grits and Party Favors. Sprinkled in between recipes and cooking tips are family stories and the stories behind some of the author’s favorite recipes. This part cook book, part autobiography is filled with interesting stories, pictures and cooking tips.

Cookbooks come and go but this one stands out because it is more than just recipes. In the section titled LuLu Food Philosophy, LuLu writes about her love of cooking what she has learned throughout the years about cooking and life. It is a charming book that is easy to read and the recipes are simple enough for anyone to try. The author’s voice is friendly and the overall tone of the book is relaxed, much like the coastal food she writes about. It is recommended for fans of well-developed cookbooks and readers who appreciated multi-dimensional books.

*A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.

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