Why Dr. Mark Hyman’s New Cookbook Transcends Generations
I have reviewed a few cookbooks on this blog – most recently Kris Carr’s Crazy, Sexy, Kitchen – and I didn’t anticipate featuring another anytime soon. Then, I ended up with a copy of Dr. Mark Hyman‘s newest effort, The Blood-Sugar Solution Cookbookand I had a change of heart.
Why? Because this book transcends generations.
I found it informative for myself and my own family, and it allowed me to spark a conversation with my Baby Boomer parents about their health as well.
Until I received a copy of this book I didn’t know much about Dr. Hyman, nor did I know a thing about The Blood Sugar Solution, his New York Times #1 Bestseller. Dr. Hyman gets down to business immediately in the Introduction, sharing eye-opening statistics (“in 1900 only 2% of meals were eaten outside of the home; today that number is over 50%”), and stating his thoughts about our need for a “Cooking Revolution.”
Thus far – the BSSC was unfolding like a compelling documentary. (Note: I found it VERY interesting that Europeans spend 20% of their incomes on food, while Americans spend only 9%! I am sure that Canada’s numbers are similar, and we all complain about high prices.)
As I continued on with the book, I began to wonder if it would be relevant to my personal situation. After all, I’m 29 – no diabetes, no high blood pressure, a pretty good diet – but Dr. Hyman summed it up best when he said, “The Blood Sugar Solution is all about the root cause of chronic disease…” And the reality is, now is the time for prevention.
The book covers a wide range of important subjects – how to stock your fridge and pantry, how to eat mindfully, details about the Glycemic Index, why you should cut out gluten and dairy. A very comprehensive guide to making a major lifestyle change.
When I hit the recipe section I was excited (and relieved) to see that generally, I cook my meals aligned with the principles he discusses in the book – meaning that my family is on a good path of prevention.
I cooked up Dr. Hymans Chinese Fried Quinoa and the Lemony Greek Pan-Roasted Chickpeas the first night I received the book, and as suspected, they were a hit. Super easy, super healthy, and super affordable.
I’m looking forward to diving in to The Blood Sugar Solution Cookbook further, and believe this is a truly good option for any age group. As I mentioned, I was able to speak with my parents about their health thanks to this book, and I’m sure it would help you do the same if you have some concerns.
You can visit Dr. Hyman’s site here to learn more about The Blood Sugar Solution Cookbook.
Disclosure: I was provided a copy of the cookbook from Dr. Hyman, and as always, the thoughts and opinions shared on this post are my own.
Meatless Monday ~ A Variety of Quinoa Dishes
Adzuki Bean & Quinoa Burgers ~ She Let Them Eat Cake
Last week we introduced a new feature, and a new writer – “Your Body is a Temple” written by my personal health guru Maggie Savage from She Let Them Eat Cake & the newly launched The Balanced Platter. Maggie shared her Top 5 Power Foods, which include dark leafy greens and coconut oil. “Your Body is a Temple” will return in February with another inspiring post which will help you on your journey to optimum health.
Today we return to Meatless Monday after a bit of a hiatus, and Quinoa is the star of the show. I admit, I am not in love with quinoa like so many are. I understand the health benefits – the fact that it is a complete protein for instance – however, it is still a bit of a struggle for me to enjoy it (and I am not a picky eater).
The recipes included look great, and many use the quinoa in clever ways. I plan to give one of them a try tonight!
What are your thoughts on quinoa? Do you love it?
Lentil & Quinoa Vegetable Soup ~ Weekend Notes
Quinoa with Roasted Root Vegetables ~ What Would Cathy Eat?
Andean Bean Stew with Squash & Quinoa ~ Kate in the Kitchen
Creamy Chipotle Sweet Potato & Quinoa Casserole ~ Mary Makes Dinner
(A few adjustments and could be dairy-free!)
Spaghetti Squash Quinoa Bake ~ Artsy-Foodie
Meatless Monday ~ Vegetarian Variations of Italian Dishes
Eggplant Parmigiana ~ Jamie Oliver
Way back, I kicked off a Meatless trip around the world starting in Ethiopia and featuring classic dishes with a vegetarian twist. With the American Thanksgiving, a weeks holiday, and a cookbook giveaway thrown in the mix, the trip around the world took the back-burner for a while, but today it is back in full force!
In the past I have shared my Italian heritage, and because of this many of my comfort foods include dishes from Italy. I know I am not alone in my love for this type of cuisine, it is popular all over North America and many other areas as well.
There are actually quite a few meatless dishes popular in Italy as well, both using veggies, and with fish or seafood. Today for Meatless Monday I thought we’d share some delicious veggie options from the different regions of Italy, hopefully they will inspire you to join in with the Meatless Monday movement and go meat-free one day a week!
Rice Stuffed Tomatoes ~ Le Delicieux
Zucchini Boats ~ Home Cooking in Montana
Caprese Panini ~ Amazing Sandwiches
Vegan Meatballs & Spaghetti ~ Work Life Joy
Gluten-Free Vegetarian Lasagna ~ Gluten Free Goddess
Seitan Scallopini with Lemon-Olive Sauce ~ Fat Free Vegan Kitchen
Meatless Monday ~ A Round-Up Of Vegetarian Main Dishes For Thanksgiving
Pumpkin Sweet Potato Lasagna ~ Holy Cow Vegan
Last Monday we skipped the recipe round-up in favor of an amazing Vegan Cookbook giveaway featuring Spork-Fed. Spork-Fed was written by by sisters Jenny Engel and Heather Goldberg, owners of Spork Foods in LA. You still have plenty of time to enter, contest ends Nov. 30th.
Today we are getting back to Meatless Monday recipes, and in honor of the US Thanksgiving holiday this week I am whipping up a batch of Thanksgiving recipes for you. 
You may remember a similar post back in October, where I provided a many different vegetarian options for the Canadian Thanksgiving. Today’s post will contrast our previous post in that the recipes you find here today are main events for the Thanksgiving meal. These are dishes that can replace meat at any holiday table.
Even if you do cook a turkey and make one other main such as the ones listed here, you may be surprised how many meat-eaters reach for the vegetarian option!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Nutloaf – The Kitchn
Dairy-Free stuffed Portobello Mushroom Caps ~ Got No Milk
Portobello Wellington - Virtually Vegan Mama via Made Just Right
Curried Quinoa Stuffed Pumpkins ~ The Joy of Clean Eating
Vegetarian Garden Loaf with Maple Apricot Glaze – Gluten-Free Goddess
A Meatless Monday (Vegan) Cookbook Giveaway! ~ Spork-Fed By Jenny Engel & Heather Goldberg
Last week I stumbled upon a documentary that I had watched quite a while back called Rebecca’s Wild Farm. The documentary focuses on Rebecca Hoskins, a farmer’s daughter from the UK who takes over her family’s conventional livestock farm. The film documents Hoskins as she faces the challenges that have arisen for conventional farmers in the face of industrialization.
She learns of the “peak oil” concerns, and is introduced to the Permaculture concept by visiting active farms.Most importantly, she explains where our food comes from and how it gets to our plate from a farmer’s perspective.
Simultaneously while Rebecca’s Wild Farm was on the television, Anthony Bourdain was special preparing a locally grown and raised holiday feast. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Perhaps I am just more aware than ever, but it does appear to me that even the mainstream media is focusing on the fact that we need to make some changes to our eating habits.
As I have mentioned in the past, this is why I love Meatless Monday and blog about it every week. It is just one small thing that you can do yourself that has a major impact. Nancy Callan, member of the Board of Directors of Earthsave provided the following information on impact;
“More greenhouse gasses can be prevented by going meatless one day a week than by eating locally seven days a week.”
That is pretty amazing no?
Today for Meatless Monday, I wanted to take a brief break from my usual recipe listing and share a cookbook giveaway! A vegan cookbook. Sure, it isn’t called “Vegan Monday”, but it is simple to add a little dairy in to a vegan dish if you wish to.
Spork-Fed is a newly released vegan cookbook written by sisters Jenny Engel and Heather Goldberg, owners of Spork Foods in L.A.. The sisters provide cooking lessons, in-home consultations, cooking parties, and more. Their fans include Emily and Zooey Deschanel (who wrote the foreward), Gene Baur, President and Co-Founder of Farm Sanctuary, and Skinny Bitch author Rory Freedman.
The book has been receiving rave reviews by readers for it’s yummy dishes, and gorgeous photos to go along with each recipe. There are also gluten-free recipes included! (You can view the book trailer here!)
TO ENTER
1. Leave a comment on this blog stating your favorite cookbook. Vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free/dairy-free, any healthy book that you love best!
2. Become a fan of The Conscious Perspective on Facebook
Contest begins November 14, 2011 and ends November 30th at 11:59pm!
The contest is now closed. Congratulations to Teslaca!
THANK YOU FOR ENTERING!
Photos: Courtesy of Spork Foods Facebook
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