Barbie Casselman's Good-for-You Cooking: A Healthy Eating Guide

Description

256 pages
Contains Index
$19.95
ISBN 0-394-22327-6
DDC 641.5

Year

1993

Contributor

Photos by Hal Roth
Reviewed by B.J. Busch

B.J. Busch is associate librarian of academic and information services
at the University of Alberta.

Review

This is not, essentially, a cookbook, although a scrumptious-looking
leek and lentil soup graces the cover. While roughly one-third of the
book consists of healthy recipes, the remainder is basically a
nutritional guide and fitness adviser. As such, it is very useful for an
understanding of basic nutritional concepts: protein, carbohydrates,
fibre, fat, vitamins, and the like. The author, a Toronto-based
nutritionist and food consultant, presents a clear and comprehensible
explanation of these concepts, and dispels many myths about food choices
(e.g., that margarine is necessarily a healthier alternative to butter).
There is also an extensive section on “making smart choices” with
respect to understanding labels, eating out, and exercising. Casselman
is at times a bit preachy, which is not necessary given that those
interested in the book are likely already converted. There is also
considerable emphasis on weight control and dieting, and she offers
advice on suppressing cravings for sweets (e.g., try relaxation,
meditation, and sex!) and on avoiding tempting situations. The recipes
offer varied and interesting fare, and provide caloric and nutritional
information, including fat content and percentage of calories from fat.
Color photographs are interspersed throughout the recipe section, and
the indexes are quite extensive.

Individuals who either need or wish to adapt their cooking for a
healthier lifestyle, regardless of whether they must watch their weight,
will find this work very helpful.

Citation

Casselman, Barbie., “Barbie Casselman's Good-for-You Cooking: A Healthy Eating Guide,” Canadian Book Review Annual Online, accessed November 22, 2024, https://cbra.library.utoronto.ca/items/show/14203.