The Food You Crave: Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life

Healthy Attitude for a Healthy Appetite

Ellie Krieger is different from the exercise fanatics and diet gurus out there in that she doesn't promise you'll lose 10 pounds or two inches off your waist if you adhere to a strict regimen over the course of a week. Instead, she provides all the tools you'll need to develop a healthy attitude toward eating that doesn't sacrifice flavor or require intensive labor. The crux of her approach is common-sensical: fresh ingredients, lots of whole grains, reasonable portions. But while the idea seems easy enough, Ellie makes it even simpler by outlining what ingredients to keep in stock (for a quick meal anytime) and what small but oh-so-important finishing touches change a dish from bland into brilliant. So far, I've made about a dozen of the recipes in this book (including 4 alone for one meal), and all have been met with rave reviews from the appreciative attendees. I recommend a meal consisting of the Oven-Fried Chicken, Garlic Fries, Zucchini Parmesan Crisps, and finishing off with the Ricotta Cheesecake with Fresh Raspberries. Let your oven do all the work, and stop worrying about your waistline! I am a fan of Ellie's television show and completely agree with her food philosophy. If we all learn to love the way food tastes, instead of over-processing and masking it in fats and chemicals, then we can once again relish our meals instead of feeling guilty about them. Ellie will show you how in this book full of great recipes. Not only does she transform comfort foods like mashed potatoes and meatloaf into her better-for-you versions, but she also provides recipes inspired by a variety of cuisines ranging from Asian, Greek, and Middle-Eastern and covering every meal, including side dishes and desserts. Don't expect a strict plan or any guaranteed weight loss. Ellie herself doesn't tout the 'Never' approach and teaches us all that foods belong in three categories: Usually, Sometimes, and Rarely. The main reason most diets fail is because they are unrealistic and too limiting. Ellie's approach is different it shows you a better way to eat 'The Food You Crave.' Anyone who wants to learn how to prepare delicious AND healthful foods should pick up a copy of this book!

10 out of 10 people found this review helpful.

Heart-healthy and diabetic-friendly!

I bought this for my bride for Christmas and it has proven to be the best cookbook she owns (she's a foodie with about 50 titles under her kitchen peninsula). It's an easy to use, go-to cookbook that has yielded 3-4 meals each week since the holidays, each one delicious and healthy. I am a diabetic with a stent and a bypass so my diet is a priority to good health. Whether your diet goal is to reduce calories, fat, carbs, or sodium, these recipes will deliver the goods in tasteful fashion. Be warned, this is "from scratch" cooking, but for my wife, who works all day in a test kitchen, this book has renewed her lifelong joy of cooking. Buy it now for the foodie in your life.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Delicious, HEALTHY recipes

The Food You Crave has tons of wonderful recipes that are easy and comprehensive. The book includes tradition recipes done with a healthful spin - like chicken fingers, garlic "fries", and pancakes - which all taste delicious! I have served many of the recipes to people who aren't health conscious, and they were thrilled with the food. Best of all, each recipe has a full nutritional profile, which is essential for anyone who wants to know what they're eating.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Good Book, but fancier recipes

I have both books "The Food You Crave" and her other book "So Easy". I like this book, however, the meals are more involved [than "So Easy"]& less typical...more "fancy". Not necessarily foods I would try to feed my 1 &2 year old, let alone my hubby: ) I have tried some of the recipes & they are good, but I've used my "So Easy" cookbook tons more. Much more family friendly meals and they are amazing!! If you are considering both books, I would suggest the "So Easy" book first, if you're looking for something geared for fast, family friendly, nutrient packed, low calorie, and DELICIOUS!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

great gift

I had given this book to my grandmother for mother's day. She loves watching Ellie Krieger on foodnetwork because she makes healthy food and with my grandmother being diabetic I thought this was the perfect book. Needless to say she loved it and uses it pretty often.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

My picky eating, 7 year old loves her cooking.

I disovered her show, Healthy Appetite a while back, and to date, I've made 6 of her recipes and even my picky eating, 7 year old son enjoyed every one of them. I am eating the minestrone soup right now 'made by my lovely wife'. If you have a kid who likes chicken nuggets, get the crispy chicken fingers recipe now! For desert, try the Apple Muffins. I can't wait to get this book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Outstanding and Flavorful

Know this isn't a diet book.. it's a healthy lifestyle cookbook with a variety of ideas and flavorful ways to improve our cooking at home. These aren't bland and boring recipes, they are full of flavor and easy to make. Yum!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Healthy, Tasty Food!

This book will make a healthy food convert out of you without any bitter feelings of deprivation. The objective of the book is to take food you crave (such as pancakes, pasta, even sinful desserts) and recreate them in a healthier way without sacrificing any of the taste. So whether you happen to be lusting after creamy mashed potatoes or chocolate pudding, Ellie provides healthier alternatives that will satisfy your cravings. It is chockfull of creative recipes that are full of flavour and straightforward to prepare. The photography is fresh, and each recipe comes with a complete nutritional analysis. It also contains a list of essential nutrients for a healthy diet, along with suggested pantry items.

I have tried a number of recipes (almost the entire breakfast section!) and some of my favourites include the Chickpea & Spinach Salad with Cumin Dressing, as well as the Fish Tacos with Chipotle Cream.

Another great cookbook you will like!

I found this cook book very easy to use. It demonstrates easy, how-to-use demonstrations of almost every recipe. For someone who doesn't know how to cook, it is a great book for them to have. Also for "great cooks" too. This is a better way of eating and cooking for a more healthful life. I found the recipes very easy to follow. Most of the ingredients you already have in your pantry. There are a few ingredients that you probably will have to go out and buy, but it is worth it. I have so many cook books already, but if you want oner with a purpose, this is it! I definitely will put this book in my library of cookbooks. This one is a keeper for me! Don't be afraid that the recipes are not very tasteful and delicious, because they are. There isn't any "foreign" taste in here, just very delicious, everyday meals you would ordinarily make. They are just healthy, and you would never know it. You won't be sorry if you get this cookbook. If you want to be more health conscious and get you family eating a more balanced meal which is also healthy, this book is for you.

A great companion to "So Easy"

This book was given to me as a gift. I received Ellie's other book "So Easy" at the same time. They both have great recipes and good heart healthy cooking ideas. Like Ellie, I am also a registered dietitian and I have recommended this book to several of my patients that need "heart healthy cooking" ideas. She demonstrates in the book how easy it is to prepare healthy food that also tastes good. The recipes are easy to follow and use standard ingredients. This book is for people who want good tasting food that is easy and quick to prepare. I recommend this book as a companion the "So Easy" cookbook for complete set of Ellie's delicious recipes.

Amazing

I am usually the type to buy a cookbook and only look at it once or twice. Since I have bought this one, I find myself reaching for it constantly. I have made several dishes and ALL were delicious and easy. I honestly LOVE this cookbook!!!!!

great gift

I gave this book to my wife for Christmas. She loves watching Ellie Krieger on foodnetwork because she makes healthy food and with my wife being diabetic I thought this was the perfect book. Needless to say she loved it and uses it pretty often.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Absolutely Delicious Recipes!

I decided to expand my repertoire a little when it comes to reviewing and every now and then, review another passion of mine...great cookbooks. For someone who used to mistakenly put cabbage, instead of lettuce, on her nephew's sandwich, and stuck a whole can of tomato soup in the microwave without water, something finally clicked when I moved to Philadelphia. No longer does my poor husband get a 3-course meal of meat, potato, and vegetable served 15 minutes apart. Now I pride myself on being able to put a delicious, healthy meal on the table in less than 30 minutes.


Ellie Krieger's "The Food You Crave:Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life" is by far, my favorite cookbook. Ellie is a Food Network personality, but first and foremost, a nutritionist. She believes that food can be healthy and full of flavor if you just make some minor adjustments. Shop the perimeter of your grocery store, and revel in all of the delicious fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, seafood, and dairy. Who wants to eat the "chemistry experiments" in the middle of the store? If you can't pronounce it, don't put it in your body.


My favorite recipes include Apple-Pecan Muffins (with applesauce substituting for butter), Scrumptious Scramble, Blueberry Blast Smoothie (which my husband asks for all the time), the Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Dip (which I use with chicken), Lemon Pepper Grilled Shrimp, Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce, and Vanilla Hot Cocoa (once you taste this, your days of drinking the powdery stuff will be over).


Many recipes include a picture for easy following. Here's to your health. You will not be disappointed.


MY RATING - 5

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http://www.1776books.blogspot.com

ellie krieger is a goddess!

This book is great. I had to start to focus on certain parts of my diet, and this book does a great job of breaking things down for u. throughout ellie explains the differences and benefits of different foods and what these foods can do to help ur body be as efficient as it should. I love ellie and i will probably buy anything she writes.

This is a great find

I got this cookbook two weeks ago and have cooked numerous recipes already. It's a terrific find. I was expecting some flavor to be compromised because the food would be healthier; but Ellie has done a great job of boosting flavor. Everything tastes fresh and bright. The Chocolate Mousse is very rich. A Chickpea Salad with Cumin Dressing is satisfying and quick to make and her Scallops with Succotash and Parsley Drizzle really flavorful. So many cookbooks on the market just duplicate each other. This truly has unique recipes. Ingredients are easy to find and the food is flavorful and satisfying. I'm lovin' this cookbook in every way.

More than expected

I bought this cookbook as a gift for my granddaughter who is a doctor and is always looking for healthy food recipes. She loves this book and thanks me quite often for it. She says the recipes are easy and the most delicious healthy recipes she has come across in a long time. She has become an avid fan of Ellie and now tapes her show each Saturday. The book is also attractive to look at. It makes a nice presentation.

Not for everybody

We've tried about 6 recipes from this book and absolutely loved 2. Not every recipe has a picture.

Great Cookbook

Great Cookbook with easy to follow directions, easy to find ingredients and great tasting healthy meals

An excellent addition to my cookbook library

I thoroughly enjoy this book and have even given to friends as gifts. The recipes are delicious, healthy and use real ingredients which makes it so easy to use. It has encouraged me to prepare my food in new healthy ways and to truely savor what I eat. I have even prepared some of these recipes for my pickiest friends without telling them it was healthy food and they all loved it!

The Food You Crave by Ellie Krieger

Really, really good cookbook. Every receipe I've tried has been excellent.
Highly recommended.