The Sparkpeople Cookbook

Book excerpt: From the team that brought you the New York Times bestseller The Spark This practical yet inspirational guide, which is based on the same easy, real-world principles as the SparkPeople program, takes the guesswork out of making delicious, healthy meals and losing weight-once and for all. Award-winning chef Meg Galvin and SparkRecipes editor Stepfanie Romine have paired up to create this collection of more than 160 satisfying, sustaining, and stress-free recipes that streamline your healthy-eating efforts. With a focus on real food, generous portions, and great flavor, these recipes are not part of a fad diet. They aren't about spending money on obscure ingredients, eliminating key components of a balanced diet, or slaving away for hours at the stove. They are about making smart choices and eating food you love to eat. But this is more than just a collection of recipes—it's an education. The SparkPeople philosophy has always been about encouraging people to achieve personal goals with the help and support of others. And this cookbook works in the just the same way. Along with the recipes, you'll find step-by-step how-tos about the healthiest, most taste-enhancing cooking techniques; lists of kitchen essentials; and simple ingredient swaps that maximize flavor, while cutting fat and calories, plus you'll read motivational SparkPeople success stories from real members who have used these recipes as part of their life-changing transformations. In addition, you'll find: • Results from the SparkPeople "Ditch the Diet" Taste Test, which proves that you don't have to eat tasteless food to lose weight. • 150 meal ideas and recipes that take 30 minutes or less to prepare—plus dozens of other meals for days when you have more time. • Two weeks of meal plans that include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. So whether you're a novice taking the first steps to improve your health or a seasoned cook just looking for new, healthy recipes to add to your repertoire, this cookbook is for you. Learn to love your food, lose the weight, and ditch the diet forever!