Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
How to Cook Yourself Sexy
What are you wearing when you feel the sexiest? For some of you, it's a cheeky cocktail dress; for others, it's jeans and a tank top; and yet others will say it's a boyfriend's sweats and T-shirt. Maybe you feel sexiest in nothing at all! Whatever you're wearing, genuine sexiness is all about what's underneath. It's how you carry yourself... with confidence! And I know that for many of you, the most intimidating place in your home is the kitchen. Allow me to share the technical skills, secrets, tips, and tricks that will make you feel like a top chef--and cook yourself sexy with amazing nutrients and ingredients that will keep you strong and healthy as well as fine and lovely.
The sexiest bodies don't happen overnight. They aren't in a pill or a shake, and they are definitely not delivered wrapped in cellophane to your doorstep. The sexiest bodies I know belong to people who work for them. They don't eat garbage, and they wholeheartedly commit to some sort of physical activity. Eating well isn't enough to be your best self--ahem, Miss Lazybones, you'll have to get off the couch and move. But I think you'll be surprised at how good it feels, and once you start seeing results in the mirror, you'll never want to stop!
Of course, this book isn't a guide to deprivation or perfection--it's about eating! You can eat absolutely delicious, butter-dripping, crispy fried, pan-seared, chocolate-smeared, indulgent food! This is no gimmicky plan. This is a cookbook that will give you the tools (and the recipes) to get healthy, gain confidence, and become the sexiest you have ever been.
Lust Versus Love: Don't Settle for a One-Night Stand on Your Plate
Ever wake up, roll over, clutch your stomach, and think, "Oh my God, I can't believe I ate all of that last night"? Sister, we've all been there. But there's no need to panic or feel sick to your stomach. Okay, you might feel icky for a little bit. Then take a deep breath and let it go. We need to distinguish food lust from food love.
Listen, I know that lust tends to be an incredible, uncontrollable, impulsive feeling, and sometimes you just have to give in! But if you let your cravings control you, eventually you'll start making bad choices. Never fear: I've created some lust-worthy desserts and treats that should satisfy even your most desperate cravings, like my Grilled Mushroom and Leek Flatbread Pizza (page 130) and Dark Chocolate-Orange Cake (page 222). Otherwise, it's time to start practicing food love.
Love is a beautiful thing, a feeling of bliss! But, like lifelong relationships that blossom out of the best friendships, true love isn't always achieved in a hot minute. Sometimes it takes a little while to see the love that's right in front of your face. Learn to love the right foods, and they'll return your affection--even the ones you weren't so sure about! Try my Kale and Fennel Caesar (page 99) for a delicious, unexpected wow factor that you're sure to fall head over heels for.
Adopt a Sexy Culture as Your Own
Okinawa, Japan, is considered a "Blue Zone"--meaning Okinawans may have one of the highest life expectancies in the world. In 2000, their life expectancy averaged about 78 years for men and 86 years for women. Okinawans suffer from common diseases at much lower rates than people in Western cultures, perhaps because they focus their efforts on prevention versus battling or treating their health problems. And a healthy, delicious diet is the best preventive medicine!
The more I studied my Japanese ancestry and cuisine, the more I began to realize, this is genius! My grandmother's generation ate as a family. They ate to nurture. They ate until they were 80% full and no more. They did not waste anything. They did not overconsume. They simply ate real, unprocessed and wholesome, foods. Living to nurture one another was a ritual, a family affair, a way of life, and one I have tried to incorporate in my cooking and eating habits. I dine out with friends or host fun, fabulous dinner parties with some of my DIY cocktails. I make food part of the whole experience, not just something to shove in my mouth.
I also grew up in sunny Southern California, where being fit was a way of life. I could wake up and go for a jog, surf, or swim. My friends would meet for a game of tennis, yoga, or a dip in the ocean. A sedentary lifestyle wasn't an option. Plus, there was always a bit of a healthy competition between the ladies. Everyone wanted to make sure that her body was in pristine shape because everyone else's was. Even if you don't live in a warm climate, you can keep a Cali mind-set--where every day is bikini weather!
DO AS CALI GIRLS DO
• Make exercise a priority, and make it fun! Find activities you love, and get your friends to join in. A little competitive jogging-or speed shopping-never hurt anyone. (Well, maybe your wallet.)
• Get outside! Studies show that even 15 or 20 minutes in the sun can help boost your mood. Just be sure to slather on that sunscreen.
• Think bikini. Picture the sun shining on a beautiful beach, and your hot bod in an adorable two-piece. Visualizing your goals can help keep you motivated.
Omegas Do It Better
CONFESSION: I've been having an affair. I'm infatuated with omega-3 fatty acids. You should be, too! The average American adult gets less than 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids per day. That's it. And that's a huge shame, because omega-3s can do all sorts of amazing things for your body, like:
• Reduce inflammation, which is thought to be the base of many health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, some types of cancers, and arthritis
• Keep your heart and arteries healthy
• Aid in relieving joint pain . Reduce blood pressure and improve blood pressure response to stress
• Boost your brain, memory, and cognitive function. Emerging research shows that omega-3s help slow cognitive problems such as Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline
The Best Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
CHIA SEEDS: The wonder seeds! The richest source of omega-3s on Earth, they also have more calcium per serving than milk, twice the potassium of a banana, and three times as much iron as spinach. Chia seeds have a very subtle flavor. Sprinkle on your granola, yogurt, salad, or sandwich.
FLAXSEED: Just 1/4 cup of flaxseed contains about 7 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. Evidence shows it may help reduce the risks of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.
WALNUTS: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a diet including walnuts helped reduce total and LDL (bad) cholesterol; 1/4 cup of walnuts contains 2.8 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.
SALMON: The little fish that started it all. Opt for wild salmon instead of farmed whenever possible. Because of their superior diet, wild salmon are lower in fat and richer in omega-3s than farmed.
SARDINES: A superconcentrated source of omegas. Sardines are also rich in vitamin B12 (second only to calf's liver) and protein. Not only is this my favorite fish ever, it's also affordable! So stock up on sardines and save for more stilettos.
WINTER SQUASH: Rich in omega-3s, vitamins A and C, and fiber--that's a win- win-win.
TOFU: A 4-ounce serving of tofu will provide about 0.4 gram of omega-3s. While keeping all soy in moderation, you can still get your omega fix in a hit of tofu.
It's Time to Get Real
I want you to read the following words out loud: clean, real, unprocessed, untouched, raw, indulgent, rich. Doesn't that sound oh so sexy? Maybe you need to read that again, but this time, try using your sultriest voice. Yes!
Now read these words: chemically processed, lab tested, preservative laden, hormone injected, fillers. I don't think so. Not even my throatiest, Stifler's mom impression could make those words sound sexy.
I hope it's pretty obvious that real, clean, wholesome eating is the way to go.
It should come as no surprise that millions of people are diagnosed with heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity each year. Perhaps it may have something to do with our diets? As I've mentioned before, many of my Japanese ancestors stuck to a diet virtually untouched by processed foods and junk food fillers. And according to global studies, the Japanese live some of the longest, happiest, leanest lives on the planet. So I'm going to share their secrets and way of life with you.
Don't worry, my American roots still run deep--I love burgers, flatbread pizzas, salads, French fries, and plenty of chocolate! I'm just not going to stuff you until you're so full you can't breathe. I am, however, going to teach you about balance, moderation, and discipline the way that I've learned from my ancestors.
High Standards Apply
Just like men, food can be held to various standards, and yours should be top-notch! You'd never go out with a guy who was rude or careless-why would you ever eat something that made you feel just as bad? Here are a few rules to keep in mind, whether you're grocery shopping or going on a date.
BE PICKY. Look for substance and quality. Don't just give in to any cheap, quick, fake meal. If you're not sure, read the ingredients list carefully (i.e., get a second opinion!).
LESS IS MORE. It's okay to let go and live a little. Go ahead and dabble in a few guilty pleasures. But definitely don't get out of control with the main course. Leave a little room for something later.
CURFEW THAT APPETITE: It's never a good idea to be the last, lurking guest at a party, and the same goes for your plate. Eat too much after 9 p.m. and you might regret it the next morning.
SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE. There's no need to shove your face full of food. (It might be why there was no second date!) If you're looking for a long-term relationship, it's worth taking the time to get to know your food, enjoy the process, and savor every bite.
Use All Your Senses
Before every meal I cook, eat, or judge, on Iron Chef or just in my own kitchen, I smell my food. Before I serve anything up to my friends or myself, I take a taste. Before I pull my garlic-rubbed roast chicken or the fresh-baked blueberry spelt cake from the oven, I touch. Whether I'm deep- frying, pan-searing, roasting, grilling, braising, simmering, or boiling, I listen. I love to communicate with my food with more than just my taste buds, and I think it makes me a better cook and a more appreciative eater, and frankly, it's just more fun!
One of the best dates I ever had was with a lovely lad, a bottle of red, and four recipes. A few hours (and some cherries in port wine all over our hands and lips) later, we'd made my Roasted Garlic-Lentil Soup (page 127), Kale and Fennel Caesar (page 99), and Halibut en Papillote (page 169), followed by some amazing Port-Soaked Cherry and Dark Chocolate Brownies (page 229). Needless to say, it was a magical night! Cooking is a language all its own. Learn to communicate with your food, and see if it takes you on a sexy path of your own!
