Features
Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin April 1, 2002
Language: English
ISBN-10: 061822632X
ISBN-13: 978-0618226320
Product Dimensions:
9.2 x 7.3 x 1.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
Product Review
Another "cooking light for weight loss" cookbook? Upon first glance such a reaction is understandable, especially if you're not familiar with chef Kathleen Daelemans, who has been in the trenches of the weight-loss war and not only quickly commands attention with her writing but excites a mind and lifestyle change. Cooking Thin with Chef Kathleen freely shares the author's own experiences and struggles with weight as a child and an adult, and explains how this trained chef went from a size 22 to a 6. Daelemans has what it takes to be an empathetic role model for those who need to make changes to their diets for physical or mental health reasons. Her advice and recipes are aimed at real people. Her self-effacing stories are at times painful (such as babysitting the night she should have been going to the prom), but the road that led her to healthy cuisine and weight loss is almost comical (though she certainly didn't believe it to be too funny at the time). After the excitement of moving to Hawaii to launch an Italian bistro at a seaside resort, the author, then a robust 205 pounds, was deflated when she arrived to find she had been replaced and put in charge of the establishment's spa cuisine.
The 200 recipes, as expected, are a mixture of healthy ways to prepare beef, chicken, fish, and vegetables. She has even included some full-fat recipes, such as a rich Lemon and Pecan Loaf. These are accompanied with reminders that it is OK to indulge occasionally, but a trip to the gym or eating "light" during the other parts of the day are the necessary balances to achieve weight loss. Even if it is not weight loss, just a healthier approach to eating you seek, Daelemans's book will inspire and entertain. --Teresa Simanton
From Library Journal
Daelemans's Cooking Thin, the Food Network's first "healthy cooking" series, has just been renewed for a second season. The author, who lost 75 pounds after she was hired as chef of a luxury spa in Hawaii, knows whereof she writes, and her empathy and humor make for a very appealing book. She focuses on moderation rather than deprivation, and although her recipes are low-fat and low-calorie, she has not included the typical nutrition analyses that appear in most weight-loss cookbooks. The recipes are easy and include both make-ahead tips and suggestions for turning one dish into many. Testing the recipes was somewhat of a family affair there are tips from Mom and ratings from Dad, as well as some contributions from the author's siblings. Recommended for all subject collections.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Reader Reviews
I have been reading this cookbook like a novel. Kathleen is a great story teller and has realistic advice for the everyday person. If you are looking to lose 100 pounds in 2 days or build up to run a marathon this is not the right place. If instead you just want to eat healthier without remodeling your kitchen or your lifestyle I think you will find this book a good place for inspiration. I have tried a number of the recipes already and they are very easy to put together - no impossible ingredients or specialty appliances. Oh yeah, and they taste good too! Now I have to start on the desert chapter. That's a real test!
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