Cooking that Counts: 1,200- to 1,500-calorie Meal Plans to Lose Weight Deliciously
Transform your weight-loss journey into something enjoyable with a collection of 150+ recipes that balance flavor and nutrition. This guide offers customizable meal plans designed to keep you within a 1,200-1,500 calorie range,ensuring you feel satisfied without compromising your goals. By focusing on whole, natural ingredients, it eliminates teh need for processed meals and pre-portioned snacks, giving you the freedom to cook at home while mastering portion control. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner, the step-by-step instructions and creative ideas make healthy eating feel effortless, helping you build sustainable habits that last long after the weight loss phase.
Designed for real-world adaptability, the book empowers you to make smart choices without feeling deprived. It includes practical tips for incorporating healthy, ready-made options into busy routines and expert guidance on shopping for fresh, affordable groceries. With serving suggestions for sides and a focus on full, balanced meals, it simplifies the process of staying on track while still allowing room for occasional treats like dessert or alcohol. The easy-to-use format ensures you can plan, prepare, and enjoy meals that align with your calorie goals, making it a reliable companion for long-term health and wellness.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: 150+ diverse recipes for variety and inspiration, portion control guidance integrated into each meal, flexibility to enjoy treats without derailing progress, practical shopping and prep tips for busy lifestyles, sustainable approach that avoids processed foods.
- Cons: Calorie ranges may need adjustment for individual needs, limited focus on dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten-free, keto), requires active meal planning for best results, not tailored for medical conditions like diabetes or food allergies.
Publication Date | January 3, 2017 |
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Language | English |
Print Length | 288 pages |
ISBN-10 | 0848749502 |
ISBN-13 | 978-0848749507 |
Item Weight | 1.75 pounds |
Dimensions | 8 x 0.8 x 9.1 inches |
Will It Waffle?: 53 Irresistible and Unexpected Recipes to Make in a Waffle Iron
This book transforms the ordinary waffle iron into a versatile kitchen tool, offering a playful yet practical approach to cooking. By leveraging the appliance's unique grid pattern, it turns everyday meals into creative experiences, from perfectly crisp bacon to gooey chocolate chip cookies. The methods are designed with real-world simplicity in mind-no oven required, minimal effort, and surprising results. Whether you're a parent seeking to entice a picky eater or a home cook craving novelty, these recipes blend innovation with familiar favorites, making the process as enjoyable as the final dish.
Each technique highlights the waffle iron's hidden potential, addressing common cooking frustrations. Waffled bacon avoids burnt edges, while eggs are cooked with a delicate, lacy texture thanks to the fat-rich surroundings. Leftover macaroni and cheese becomes a decadent grilled cheese with a golden crust, and meatballs develop a textured surface that holds sauce beautifully. Even dessert gets a quirky twist, with cookies that have a rustic, grid-imprinted finish. The book's charm lies in its problem-solving spirit, turning kitchen gadgets into a canvas for culinary experimentation and delight.
Pros
- Effortless Cooking: achieves restaurant-quality results with minimal hands-on time.
- Creative Techniques: turns leftovers and staples into gourmet dishes.
- Fun for Everyone: adds playful experimentation to meal prep, especially for children.
- No Oven Needed: simplifies the kitchen workflow for busy cooks.
Cons
- Appliance Dependency: requires a waffle iron with the right size and heat settings.
- Recipes Are Limited: focuses on waffle-iron specific items, not general cooking.
- Clean-Up challenge: sticky or messy ingredients may complicate post-cooking tidying.
Publisher | Workman Publishing Company |
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Publication Date | August 26, 2014 |
Edition | Illustrated |
Language | English |
Print Length | 224 pages |
ISBN-10 | 0761176462 |
ISBN-13 | 978-0761176466 |
Item Weight | 2.31 pounds |
Dimensions | 8 x 1 x 8.55 inches |
Part of Series | Will It. |
This will Make It Taste Good: A New Path to Simple Cooking
Vivian Howard's latest collection of recipes transforms everyday cooking into a joyful,accessible experience,offering 125 straightforward dishes that celebrate the simplicity of seasonal ingredients. From briny green sauces to spiced nuts and deeply caramelized onions, these "flavor heroes" act as reliable kitchen companions, elevating basic meals with bold, memorable taste. Designed for cooks of all skill levels,the book leans into familiar staples like chicken,broccoli,and sweet potatoes,while introducing creative twists that keep meals exciting. Howard's approach balances practicality with warmth, emphasizing efficiency without compromising quality.Whether you're short on time or curious about new techniques, the recipes invite experimentation, turning the kitchen into a space for creativity and comfort.
Each chapter revolves around a foundational flavor, offering both rapid fixes and adventurous projects to suit any mood or schedule. Think of them as the "belts" in your culinary wardrobe-simple, versatile, and always ready to elevate your plate. Many recipes are designed to be completed in under 30 minutes, while others encourage mindful preparation, like making fruit preserves or pickled tomatoes, that add depth to your cooking routine. The emphasis on vegetarian and gluten-free options ensures inclusivity, and the use of common ingredients makes it easy to replicate recipes at home. Howard's storytelling weaves through the pages, blending personal insight with practical advice, making every meal not just a dish but a meaningful act.
- Pros: Quick, easy recipes; versatile flavor heroes; inclusive dietary options; engaging storytelling;
- Cons: Limited focus on global cuisines; some recipes require advance prep; less emphasis on complex techniques.
Feature | Detail |
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Publisher | Voracious |
publication Date | October 20, 2020 |
language | English |
Print Length | 352 pages |
ISBN-10 | 0316381128 |
ISBN-13 | 978-0316381123 |
Item Weight | 2.9 pounds |
Dimensions | 8.9 x 1.3 x 10.6 inches |
experience Innovation
In the quest for kitchen perfection, 2023's must-haves offer a perfect balance of health, creativity, and flavor. whether you're meal-planning with precision, experimenting with waffle iron wizardry, or craving simple, flavorful joy, these picks cater to every cooking style and goal.

