My brief story to health and Book Review of "Go Fresh: A Heart-Healthy Cookbook"

Before I start this review, I want to share why even reviewing a cookbook can help you.  Our society pushes fast food and junk (wrongly named food) at us ALL the time.   

Back in August 2011 I watched a video on "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" that got me really thinking then I read some some good material on food health and then video, "Forks Over Knives"). I saw that I needed to make some major changes in what I ate. 

Then in the coming months I also watched some other food documentaries including,  Food, Inc, Food Matters, Hungry for Change as well as others).

In 3 years I haven't returned to my junk food (but a little once in awhile, but for the most part I don't want it.  Some people look at me like a health nut or like I'm deprived BUT I love being 30-35 lbs. lighter, I love being able to cycle an avg. of 26 miles on one bike ride (2-4 times a week), I love not having GERD, I love not having RLS. I love having more energy (less fatigue), I love not getting a cold or flu (and no flu shots), I love having less issues with my blood sugar, and the list goes on. And most importantly God tells us in I Cor. 10:31 states "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." and also in I Cor. 6:19-20 states "do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." Can it really be any more clear that we should take care of our bodies!  So this book isn't the finally answer in my opinion but a GREAT start....read on.

MY REVIEW of "GO FRESH"

I've reviewed a lot of books, but this was my first cookbook.  I have tried a few recipes (very good) and have gone through the entire book.  I consider myself a very healthy eater, so I thought this would be a good book for me to review.  This is put out by the "American Heart Association," and while I don't agree with all their advice or ingredients used in some of their recipes, but I can easily substitute those items, so even with that I am very glad this book is out.  This book will help the average American to eat much healthier than they do now.  I believe if all people ate based on this cookbook we would be a healthier America. 

The cookbook starts with its first section of:

"Fresh, Fast, and Healthy" with some really good tips.  On page 18 I especially like their "Good Nutrition in a Nutshell" that alone would change the majority of Americans' eating habits.

The second section is "Recipes" starting on page 22 to page 299 (250 in all).  

The recipes are broken down into sections as follows: Recipes, soups, salads and salad dressings, seafood, poultry, meats, vegetarian entrees, vegetables and side dishes, sauces and condiments, breads and breakfasts, and desserts.  Also, in the recipes it is easy to follow and clearly gives all ingredients needed, servings, prep time, and cooking time. It also breaks down calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugars, and protein per serving.  Then, they have a really neat feature for each recipe called the "dietary exchanges." This tells you by number how many starches, vegetables, fruits, fat-free milk, fats, lean meats, other carbohydrates are in each meal so you can keep track and make sure your meals are balanced.

Then, there is the Appendix, again, some really helpful information broken down into 3 sections. 

A. At-a-Glance Food Storage Guide 

B. At-a-Glance Vegetable Cooking Times

C. Ingredient Equivalents

In the book last few pages is a helpful Index.

I give this book a strong 4 stars. 

I like it and look forward to making some meals from this cookbook.

I received a free copy of this cookbook from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.  I was in no way required to write anything positive, all thoughts and opinions expressed here are completely my own.