Saturday, January 31, 2015

Clean Slate ~ Book Review



Clean Slate: A Cookbook & Guide
Reset Your Health, Detox Your Body & Feel Your Best
ISBN: 978-0-307-95459-6
$17.10 (paperback)
$11.99 (kindle)

About the book:
It’s time to hit the reset button. This book emphasizes eating clean, whole, unprocessed foods as part of a primarily plant-based diet, with delicious and healthy recipes that make it easy to do just that. Refreshing juices and smoothies, savory snacks, protein-packed main dishes, and even delectable desserts will keep you satisfied all day long; among them are plenty of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergen-free options, each identified by helpful icons. Comprehensive, informative, and utterly satisfying, Clean Slate is the complete go-to guide for boosting your energy and feeling your best.

More than just a cookbook, Clean Slate, from the editors of Martha Stewart Living,provides you with the nutritionally sound information you need to shop for and prepare food that nourishes body and mind. You’ll find guidelines for restocking your pantry with whole grains, beans and legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats; glossaries of the best sources of detoxifiers, antioxidants, and other health-boosting nutrients; and menus for a simple 3-day cleanse and a 21-day whole-body detox, with easy-to-follow tips and strategies for staying on track.
 
Get inspired by more than 160 beautifully photographed recipes organized into action-focused chapters, including: 

My thoughts:
I have a confession. I LOVE just sitting and looking at cookbooks. I don't actually cook out of them much anymore as my fibromyalgia advances and I don't have much energy but this book caught my eye because of the cover and the text on the front. 

I choose this book for a couple of reasons. 
1) I feel better when I watch my processed foods and while I don't do it 100% (and not even 80%) I do feel better when I cook my own food and eat healthier. It seems to help me control my symptoms & I'm not nearly as tired.
2) As the years have gone by I've gained weight and as I've gained I've gotten sicker and I'm ready for that to end. The phrase "Detox Your Body" caught my eye and I'm wondering if Detoxing will help me feel better in the long wrong as the chemicals & preservatives in processed foods, our everyday produce and meats leaves. I've been told it will - and it just might.

When I took it out of the package I was excited to find a book that was interesting, beautiful and caught my attention. I immediately fell in love with this book. It's truly beautiful. I don't say that lightly - the pictures are gorgeous and the information that is contained is interesting, well written and concise. It is not a DIET book - but more of a lifestyle change type of book. You will not find a book full of dry scientific facts like "why this works and why you shouldn't have.....". 

I found several weeks of menus - there is a 3 day and a 21 day Detox plan that is easy to use. The detox itself uses a variety of smoothies & salads that are filling and has enough flavor so you don't get bored. I think the thing that most impressed me is 10 pages of Smoothies with easy recipes that don't need special ingredients - there are mangos, pineapple, apples, kale - and that most dreaded veggie in MY house BEETS! Ugh. 

Breakfast was my favorite chapter and I even purchased some Quinoa to use to make Cardamom Quinoa Porridge. I haven't tried it yet - but will soon. I found chicken and fish and several side dishes I want to try.  One thing I always look for in a cookbook anymore (I am dairy, whey & soy intolerant & Baby is Gluten Free) is whether the recipes are labeled vegan, dairy, nut or gluten free. I found plenty of anti-inflammatory ingredients & recipes that will help with the pain and discomfort of a Chronic Pain condition. =D 

A few good recipes:
Replenish: Get off to a good start
Whole-Wheat Waffles with Strawberries and Yogurt; 
Poached Eggs with Roasted Tomatoes
 
Reboot: Drink to your health
Grapefruit, Carrot, and Ginger Juice;
Green Machine Smoothie
 
Recharge: Load up on vegetables
Roasted Mushroom Tartines with Avocado; 
Steamed Vegetable Salad with Macadamia Dressing 
 
Reenergize: Choose your snacks wisely
Warm Spinach-White Bean Dip; 
Trail Mix with Toasted Coconut
 
Restore: Make meals with substance
Wild Salmon, Asparagus, and Shiitakes in Parchment; 
Grilled Chicken with Cucumber, Radish, and Cherry Tomato Relish
 
Relax: Have a little something sweet
Dark Chocolate Bark with Hazelnuts; 
Berry-Almond Crisp

I'm planning on trying out the 21 day detox program and will let you know how I do. The only reason I'm waiting at this point is that I don't have a juicer for the smoothies. 

Anyone have any suggestions for a good juicer that is $50 or less? (that is easy to clean?)

Disclaimer: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest review. Regardless I only recommend products or services I have personally read or used & think my readers will enjoy.

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