keep it off. Speaking of success stories, I consider myself one, too.
The Original Skinnytaste Success Story
I was one of those skinny teens who could eat whatever I wanted and never gain a pound
(I actually used to try to put on weight). But like all good things, it didn’t last. Once I was in my twenties, those days of eating whatever I wanted without worrying about weight gain soon came to an end, as pregnancy, children, a slower metabolism and a love for eating out led to weight gain. Like many, I turned to lots of fad diets, which inevitably didn’t stick. My turning point was trying Weight Watchers, which is really more of a lifestyle than a diet. The programme gave me the tools to learn how to eat right, which helped me form a healthy relationship with food.
But still I found myself faced with a huge hurdle: I couldn’t find any healthy and tasty recipes that supported my lifestyle. Sure, there were plenty of so-called ‘diet’ recipes out there, but many of them used processed foods or they tasted, well, diet-y. I realized that Weight Watchers – or any other diet plan, for that matter – wouldn’t work for me unless I found a way to love the food I was eating.
I’ve always loved to cook, and I love a challenge, so I set my mind to figuring out how to make some of my favourite meals lighter. I was thrilled when I discovered that many of my favourite dishes could easily be tweaked to lower the fat and calorie content. But here’s the thing: it wasn’t enough that the dishes tasted good and were good for me – they also had to appeal to my family. After all, having to make a meal for myself and then a separate meal for the rest of the family was not an option. Really, who has the time for that?
Happily, my kitchen experiments worked. I uncovered the secret formula to kitchen and waistline success: if you skinny-fy (that is, put a healthy spin on) dishes you already love, you’ll feel satisfied as you slim down – no sacrificing or deprivation necessary. And a big bonus, my family loved the meals I prepared.
Needing a place to house all of my skinny creations, I started skinnytaste.com purely for fun. As a graphic designer, my blog allowed me to marry several of my passions: creating fabulous skinny meals, design and photography. As my blog grew more popular, the feedback started pouring in. It was incredibly gratifying to read weight-loss stories from Skinnytaste fans and receive heartfelt letters from people who were slimming down cooking my recipes (and loving them!). I was touched by their praise, and this motivated me to keep my pots in action! Skinnytaste.com is now my full-time job – one that I love. (Can someone please pinch me?)
So, What’s Your Excuse?
Now that you know a little about me, let’s talk about you. What is keeping you from whipping up healthy, homemade meals? If you’re not sure, take a quick look at some of the following reasons people struggle to embrace cooking. Do any sound familiar? This book is going to help you get beyond those excuses.
You Don’t have the Time
I hear you – really, I do. For those who just can’t seem to find the time, I’ve created loads of recipes that you can pull together in 30 minutes or less – those recipes are all labelled with a
It’s Too Much Work
The little effort I put into prepping and cooking my meals is nothing compared with the rewards. Nothing makes me happier than having my family and friends sitting around my dinner table, laughing, eating and enjoying my food. I want you to get to a point where you’re comfortable enough in the kitchen that cooking becomes not only easy but also enjoyable. You can get there, and I’m here to help.
It Costs Too Much
At first glance, the meal deal at your local fast-food joint seems to be the better buy. But fresh ingredients go beyond one meal – you can stretch them out over the course of several days or more in a variety of meals. Another problem: many people buy fresh ingredients, only to throw them out because they go bad too fast. If that happens to you, I can see why you think it’s more expensive to eat healthfully. I’ll show you how to buy the right things and plan ahead so you use it all without wasting.
You Don’t Know the Difference Between Grilling and Braising
Not a kitchen pro? Don’t sweat it. You’ll find a number of simple dishes with easy-to-follow, step-by-step directions for cooks of all levels. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they provide some of the best lessons.
Healthy Food Sounds About as Appetizing as Eating Paper
I don’t know about you, but crispy Buttermilk Oven ‘Fried’ Chicken (here), creamy Too- Good-to-Be-True Baked Potato Soup topped with bacon (here) and cheesy Loaded ‘Nacho’ Potato Skins don’t sound like diet food at all. Lucky for you, I’m completely obsessed with figuring out ways to make the dishes I just can’t live without skinnier and healthier, and yet unbelievably tasty. I also stay away from artificial ingredients and fake sweeteners and, instead, use what the earth has provided: quality ingredients, fresh herbs, spices and seasonal produce that will tantalize your taste buds.
My Family Won’t Eat Healthy Stuff
Can’t get anything green past your two-year-old? Have a meat-and-potatoes husband who won’t even entertain the idea of chicken, or, gasp, fish? Or maybe your family eats pretty healthfully but doesn’t need to lose any weight? There is something for everyone in this book, from picky kids to those with upscale palates. And I haven’t forgotten those with food allergies or eating limitations. Gluten-free recipes are marked
But it’s not all about the recipes. This book is filled with easy-to-understand advice that simplifies healthy eating and cooking. And as a special bonus, I’ve partnered with registered dietitian Heather K. Jones to provide healthy food facts and useful nutritional information, so you can feel good about enjoying the recipes you love.
So step into my kitchen and cook yourself skinny with me!
A Note About This Edition
The nutritional information included in this book has been calculated using the original US cup measures and ingredients. For this UK edition the cup measures have been converted as accurately as possible, but there may be a degree of variation in the nutritional values if the UK metric measures are followed. In some cases an alternative ingredient has been suggested. If these ingredients are used, the nutritional values included will no longer be valid.
Recipe Key
Look for these helpful icons throughout the book:
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