Review: The CarbLovers Diet Cookbook & Giveaway

• February 23rd, 2012
• Posted in Eat, Reviews
• 11 Comments

In the midst of Paleo, Atkins, The Dukan Diet, The HCG diet, cayenne pepper lemon water detox mumbo jumbo, it’s refreshing to see a “diet” advocating carbs. In all honesty, I wouldn’t be surprised if the promotion of carbs “freaks you out.” I see this in my office—all the time. Awesome, educated, savvy women come in—starving—because they’re on this or that diet, hungry all day, and then caving at night … because they’re hungry! … And HELLO whatever is in the fridge and cupboards! And—it’s usually not-so-hot carbs—processed, refined, fiber-lacking, sugary carbs. These are NOT the carbs neither I nor the CarbLovers Cookbook recommend. But, what’s fascinating is that part of the reason this late-night binge is happening is because the body has been deprived of enough proper carbs throughout the day.

Your brain and central nervous system need a minimum of 130 grams of carbohydrate per day to function properly, and your muscles need glycogen (from carbs) to power you on through workouts. So—when you block them out all day, you will crave them!!!! You need carbs to exercise, think properly, power your central nervous system, improve digestion, control blood sugar levels, quiet your hunger hormones, and increase your feel-good neurotransmitter, serotonin. Plus, fruit, vegetables, non- and low-fat dairy, beans, legumes, lentils, quinoa, brown rice, oatmeal, and sweet potatoes are all carbs!!! If you’re not eating these nutrient-packed, fiber-filled, antioxidant, phytochemical, prebiotic promoting foods—what are you eating??? That’s the real question.

It’s About the Right Carbs in the Right Amounts

The deal is you need to choose the right carbs (think whole grains, fruits, veggies, lentils, beans, oats, etc.), in the right amounts, at the right times. The real problem is that most choose the wrong carbs—white bread, white pasta, pastries, large plain non-whole grain bagels, sodas, French fries, sugary treats … and the list could go on and on—in the way too wrong amounts. Carblovers has you eating the right carbs in the right amounts (with the proper protein and fat ratio as well) in serious delicious recipes!

I really love, love, love this cookbook! My favorite parts are: the Build Your Carblovers Kitchen section; The Slim Way to Organize Your Kitchen; and Carblovers Cooking 101. My favorite recipes (seriously hard to choose from) are: Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Salted Caramel Topping; Huevos Ranchreros; Buckwheat Crepes with Orange-Ricotta Filling; Honey-Glazed Roasted Root Vegetables; and Maple-Glazed Cod with Baby Bok Choy. Mmmmm!

Can We Really Eat Carbs!!!???

I had the fabulous opportunity to interview Carblovers co-author Ellen Kunes, Editor in Chief of Health magazine and the Editorial Director of Health.com. And here is what she had to say. Love it!

1. What inspired the Carb Lover’s Diet?

I wrote this book for people (like me!) who wanted to lose weight for good without giving up their favorite foods. I wanted to create a science-based, food-focused plan that dieters could enjoy for the rest of their lives.

2. Do you find women or men gravitate more towards the book and why do you think this is so?

While everyone loves carbs, women have a special affinity for them. When high-fat, high-protein diets like Atkins came out, men we’re like, “Great, we get to eat bacon and eggs for breakfast and steak for dinner!” Women were less thrilled, because to many of us a great pasta or a perfectly cooked baked potato is the ultimate comfort food. We just can’t be satisfied with bacon for every meal.

3. When you say “carbs,” what type of carbs are you promoting?

 The carbs in The CarbLovers Diet Cookbook are some of the healthiest foods on the planet. They are loaded with nutrients, fiber, and a natural ingredient called Resistant Starch, which has been proven in hundreds of studies to curb your appetite, boost your metabolism, and help you get healthier and slimmer.Resistant Starch is similar to fiber and it’s in a lot of low-glycemic foods like beans and whole grains. It’s 100% safe and natural.

4. How do protein and fat fit in the Carb Lovers diet?

CarbLovers recipes do have a formula developed by our team of registered dietitians.  Each one has been created to pack the optimal ratio of nutrients that research shows help to melt fat, curb hunger, rev your metabolism, and promote overall good health. And yes, fat, protein, even treats like wine and chocolate all fit on this plan.

5. What would you say the top 5 carb lovers staples are?

There’s an incredible range of foods that are allowed on CarbLovers—too many to list here—but if you are asking about high Resistant Starch foods, bananas, whole grains (especially corn and barley), potatoes and sweet potatoes, and beans are at the top of the list.

Giveaway!!!

Leave a comment and be entered to win a copy of this fabulously healthy delicious cookbook! The winner will be announced 3/2/2012!

What’s your favorite carb????