This cookbook is great and provided me with great stuff for my husband and I to eat. Trying to get Coach D to eat healthy is kinda hard. So if I fill him up on these great dishes, maybe I can keep him healthy. Most of the recipes are easy and quick to fix.

I haven't really tried many recepies in this cookbook. I'm a really picky eater so this cookbook doesn't really help me. But I stil thought some of the recepies had some really good ideas.

6/23/2008

THE BIGGEST LOSER COOKBOOK
More than 125 Healthy, Delicious Recipes
Adapted from NBC'S Hit Show

By Chef Devin Alexander, et al

(picture jacket here)

A review by Marty Martindale

The whole Biggest Loser concept is good, it seems, for these times, in that they have dealt with not only the food and its recipes, but a pyramid, general instruction for good sense and several graded workouts with Bob Harper and students on CD. This is a good program for these times when weight seems a problem for too many.

The Biggest Loser Diet is "calorie-controlled, carbohydrate-modified, fat-reduced and high in protein (which controls hunger.)" They want you to eat three meals and two snacks each day. "The 4-3-2-1 Biggest Loser Pyramid" is four tiers, the base, or largest is fresh fruits and vegetables, the next level is protein foods, seafood, cheese, beans, fish and yogurt. The second from the top level is whole grains, your breads, cereals and wheat pasta. The top level, or "The Extras" are sweets with a 200 calorie daily limit. They have an equation for your calorie quota: if you weigh between 150 and 300, multiply your weight by seven, and this is the number of calories you should keep your maximum to. Some simple pointers: No white potatoes, limit amount of starchy vegetables such as pumpkin, winter squash, sweet potatoes and yams. Avoid dry fruits. Choose whole fruits over juices. Vary your proteins and limit red meat servings to two a week. Avoid processed cold cuts. There's a few more guidelines, but nothing too restrictive, really common sense.

They divide the recipe section into Breakfasts, Hearty Snacks, Sandwiches-Soups-Stews, Sides & Salads, Main Courses and Sweet Snacks. Here's some examples:

MANGO STRAWBERRY BREAKFAST SUNDAE: Calls for orange juice, ice cubes, honey and high-fiber, low-sugar cereal

SUNRISE OATMEAL: Orange juice, oats, blueberries, water and orange extract

BRIAN'S BREAKFAST SCRAMBLE: Green bell pepper, onion, tomato, egg whites, and Cheddar cheese

COCKTAIL-HOUR TUNA TARTARE: Mango, cucumber, lime juice, cilantro, green onions and sesame oil

JESSICA'S "THE RANCH" BLT WRAP: Turkey bacon, wheat tortilla, Galeo's Miso Caesar Dressing, lettuce and tomato

PB & J SPIRALS: Wheat flour tortilla, peanut butter and strawberry all-fruit spread

PAM'S COTTAGE CHEESE MARINARA: Cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese and spaghetti sauce

JEN'S ASPARAGUS GUACAMOLE: Add sour cream, guacamole seasoning mix and tomato.

INDIAN CHICKEN SALAD POCKETS: Mayonnaise, lime juice, curry paste, cucumber, red onion, wheat pita and lettuce

MATT'S GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH: Rye bread, Cheddar cheese and oil spray

PARMESAN-PEPPER SWEET POTATO FRIES: Olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne and ketchup, if desired.

DANA'S SPINACH AND FETA BROWN RICE: Onion, garlic and feta cheese.

PARMESAN-ROASTED CAULIFLOWER: Parsley, garlic powder and olive oil

FRESH AND COLORFUL JICAMA SLAW: Cucumber, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil and red pepper flakes

BROCCOLI SALAD WITH SWEET VINAIGRETTE: Orange juice, plain yogurt, mustard, orange marmalade and red onion

HOT AND COLD BROWN-RICE SALAD: Chicken, broccoli florets, bell pepper, red onion, Italian dressing, and balsamic vinegar

DARI'S PICANTE CHICKEN: Picante sauce, cream cheese and Cheddar cheese

HEATHER'S MEXICAN ROLLUP: Ground turkey, extra-lean, wheat tortilla, sour cream, romaine, tomato and salsa

ANGEL HAIR WITH ROCKIN' RED CLAM SAUCE: Onion, garlic, baby clams, tomatoes, oregano, olive oil, red-pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese

ICED BUFFED MOCHA: Powdered coffee, chocolate soy milk, vanilla yogurt, Splenda, fat-free whipped topping and cocoa powder

RASAH AND EDWIN'S WARM GRAPEFRUIT DESSERT: Add ground cinnamon and bake.

TIFFANY'S CANDIED ALMONDS: Butter spray, almonds, cinnamon and Splenda

In a world where too many are jeopardizing their health by carrying too much weight, the whole Biggest Loser program, the exercises, advice and recipies are well worth considering.

You can reach Marty Martindale at Food Site of the Day.

Special interests: Healthy Living

This book if far more that I expected it to be, far more than a cook book! It has so much information before you ever get to the recipes it is amazing. It is an overview of how the system works for Biggest Loser. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to adopt a healthier lifestyle!

I flipped through this about 5 times, and only about 2 or 3 recipes looked good to me, and I'm not a picky eater--believe me! Stick with Weight Watchers cookbooks, they're way better!

I like the real life approach to these recipes. They rarely get mired down in tons of ingredients and spices. They are simple and the ones I've tried are tasty.

What a great book! I'm a big fan of Devin Alexander's recipes so I picked up this book and I'm totally loving it. Mostly healthy and fast (and yummy) recipes in this cookbook.

I have a couple of quibbles that forced me to give the book 4 stars instead of 5. As another reviewer said, a grocery list would have been nice. But my biggest issue is that the recipes are not broken down into the Biggest Loser 4-3-2-1 pyramid that is mentioned in the front part of the book. I have to break the recipes down myself, which is a real pain!

Also, a little too much info about the Biggest Loser contestants in the cookbook....I've never even seen the US version of the show, so it was neither helpful nor inspiring to me to read that a specific recipe was a contestant's favorite. However, I understand that this is in fact a "Biggest Loser" cookbook, so I can't complain about it all that much!

But still, great recipes and I look forward to more of Devin's books!

I like the book the one problem that keeps this from being a great cookbook is no shopping list. I have noticed with newer cookbook (I'm a chef) is that they have a shopping list. As life is these days it would be great if it had a quick list. Even better would be a button and you could order everything online that you would need.

Not only am I a Biggest Loser fan, but I am now a fan of the Biggest Loser Cookbook. I was a little hesitant about buying the book. I have a ton of cookbooks at home and only get one or two recipes out of them. So far I have enjoyed many of the recipes out of this book. The pictures are wonderful, and the recipes are easy to follow. I like the fact that my 9 year old daughter enjoys the food out of this cookbook as well. She even likes picking out recipes for me to cook for her! There is nothing "Bland" in this cookbook. I can't believe that these foods are low fat and healthy. I made the meatloaf recipe the other day. I gave a portion to my mother. She called back after she had it for dinner and told me that it was the best meatloaf she ever had. It does take some planning and time to get these recipes together. Most of the ingredients are easy to find. I think this book would be good for anyone who just wants to eat healthier. I don't have a lot of weight to lose, about 30 lbs, and since I've been cooking all my meals from this book, about 3 weeks, I have already lost 7 lbs. This book is a keeper.

I absolutely loved this book. There are plenty of recipes that I will be cooking. The hints about cutting back and substituting certain items because of sodium or caleries was very helpful.

The day I finished reading it my aunt looked through it and found many recipes that she liked. I gave her my book and ordered another one.

I just wanted to see the table of contents or a sample recipe . But noooooo. Just blah blah. How can I buy a cookbook without good info?

I Use this Book Daily for all my meals. I wish I would have bought it sooner. The Recipes are Wonderful. I have yet to find one I did not like. The Recipes are very easy to follow. I recommend this Book Highly. I have lost not only weight but inches. You can not go wrong buying this Book. If your serious about losing weight this is the book for you. Happy Weight Loss.The Biggest Loser Cookbook: More Than 125 Healthy, Delicious Recipes Adapted from NBC's Hit Show

Some of the recipes are really good - of the dozen or so that my husband and I have tried, there was only one that we said we wouldn't make again - I was really surprised that a "healthy" eating cookbook would offer so many options that taste good and easy to make. I also liked that they included the nutrition information on every page, and most have pictures with them. Overall, I am pretty pleased with this recipe book.

I purchased this as I am trying to increase my cooking skills and improve my health through eating right. I really enjoy the show, and there are several really good recipes, but that are many that were a disappointment. You also need to be careful with calories and fat content on several of the recipes. My recommendation is to purchase Chris Carmichael's book "5 Essentials for a Winning Life". It has some challenging recipes, but they are very good and you can feel the difference when you eat correctly.

I guess the main thing to remember is that everyone is different, so what works for me may not work for you. Good luck with your goals!

Love it. According to my husband I have a slight addiction to cookbooks but this cookbook I would not have looked at since I'm not looking to be the Biggest Loser. My coworker (who is a fitness attict) brought it in to work and I started to look at it. I was hooked and had to purchase it myself. I have made 3 meals so far and they are healthy, SIMPLE, and small portion sizes so you don't always have to cook a meal for 8. This cookbook is for anyone who wants to cook a nutritious meal that they do not have to feel guilty about in the morning. Then I also have the Paula Deen collection for the other days!!

This is a good book. Lots of great recipes and snack ideas for those trying to loose weight.

Lots of great ideas in this book, its not a diet book, it will help you change your eating habbits. A number 1.

The McDonald's French Fries are phenomenal. I haven't tried anything else yet but I know that, for me, the fries are worth the cost of the book and then some.
I absolutely hate fries from anywhere else...McDonald's are so crunchy. I've never been able to get fries at home to crisp up like theirs. Devin gives you the secret and they're actually healthy for you!
Devin, thanks a million. You've saved my health. Now I keep some potatoes frozen and ready to go now whenever I get in the mood for something crispy and salty.

I had high hopes for this book and was not dissappointed! It has great recipes. I like the fact that most are for one serving as opposed to having 6 to 8 servings and then having to divide everything into one portion sizes. It will tell you just how their diet works and how to incorporate for yourself. I have been following it with much success!!

I am an incredibly picky eater and usually if I get 1 or 2 recipes out of a cookbook that I buy I'm pretty lucky. I'm pretty "plain jane" when it comes to food. The Biggest Loser Cookbook is the perfect book for me because it takes a lot of those basic meals that I love and makes them healthier. I've even learned enough from the book that I can make adaptions and play around with the recipes to create even more great meals for myself and my family.

Some of our favorite recipes from the book are the Open Faced Burritos, the Almost Fast Food Burger, the Picante Chicken, the roast beef sandwich, the breakfast sausages, and the turkey roll-ups. We haven't gotten through them all yet but we're working our way through the book.

I would DEFINITELY recommend this book if you're a picky eater or you're one of those people who doesn't like a lot of extra stuff in their food. These are simple, plain recipes that taste like a million bucks.

I know that some people have given this book a low review because of its lack of original dishes. The truth of the matter is that the book's purpose is to reinvent favorite flavors and dishes...not create new ones. I use the book quite often, and modify the dishes as I see fit which is great because there are times where I get the caloric values even lower while improving the flavor. The results are fantastic. Since mid-December of 2007, I've lost 87lbs!!! I keep my calories around 1200 a day and use the Biggest Loser Workout DVDs daily. I've gone from 420lbs. to 333lbs. No lie.
Justin

I've tried a few of the recipes in this book. Some were really good, so far only one I would not make again. Still not really what I was hoping for. It's lacking a bit in creativiy.

I read some negative reviews about this cookbook, but I still went ahead and made the purchase. I LOVE the show, Biggest Loser, and felt that I would be happy with the cookbook. I am glad that I took the risk. I love the book and use it a lot! The beginning part has a lot of information about the contestants from the first 2 seasons. Since I only have recently begun to watch the show, I found this to be very interesting. I have also used quite a few of the recipes and have NEVER been disappointed. In fact, the banana split recipe is waaaay too good to be good for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And, as an added endorsement, my family of big football players have greatly enjoyed the food and the health benefits from healthy eating! This book gets a big thumbs up from me!

Have made several recipes. They are easy to follow, taste good and don't take a lot of prep time. Great for a working individual!

This is honestly the BEST cookbook that I have ever owned. Most cookbooks I will use one or 2 recipes out of and thats it, but this one.. EVERY recipe that I have made so far (10 or so) has turned out PERFECT! Its so nice to have some healthy alternatives for my favorite foods AND some new things Ive never tasted before and have become an instant family favorite!
I would recommend this cookbook to ANYONE.. whether you need to lose weight or not. Its just great food! :O)

This book is sorely lacking in good "normal" recipes. It seems to reinvent wraps and omelets in a ton of different ways, but nothing really interesting or the recipes contain ingredients that I wouldn't have on hand. Chucked it away in the cupboard...what a waste

Good recipies. A little heavy on brand marketing, but there are other options in the stores.

A great cookbook anyone trying to eat healthy or lose weight should have in their collection. Not only are there great recipes, but also helpful tips.

This is a good book with good recipes. I have tried a couple already and they are actually good! I wish there were more recipes instead of reading about the different people from the tv show. Come out with another book please!

Being a fan of the show, I have lost approx. 56 pounds myself. I am always looking for new recipes, this has many! I would recommend this to anyone that wants to loose some weight or maintain your loss.

the photographs in this book are mouth-watering and the pages are filled with a wide variety of easy recipes. there's something for everyone. we've enjoyed many of them and look forward to more exploring. my husband, who doesn't need to diet, loves the sweet potato fries, as does my celiac/vegan daughter. i love the breakfast ideas and many quick snacks. full of great tips from the cast members and coaches. i actually bought a second and am sending it to my sister.

I found this book to be very motivating. Great for beginers or if you work out every day. Recipes are actually something everyday people would eat. I took this book to work and four people have asked me to order them a book.

I would highly recommend this book. It is put together in a fun way and the recipes from former contestants make it feel more doable. The meals are fantastic.

Received the product in great time, and it was in great shape! Mom loved her Christmas present!

This book has great recipes from real people. This makes it easy to follow the diet plan.

Actually has some good recipes in the book. Does contain a lot of verbiage about the show.

This cookbook helped me understand about specific foods and what food and exercise can do to change my life. Great receipes and the testimonials from the contestants of the greatest loser contest is very inspirational. I believe anyone can do it (lose weight) with the help of this book as well as, understand more about food and what different foods can do to help me towards my goal!

Cicero once said: "In nothing do men approach so nearly to the Gods, as in giving health to men."

Virgil said: "The greatest wealth is health."

So many of us take our health for granted. It's truly THE MOST IMPORTANT asset each of us have. I am posting this review to not only share my favorite, most important health books of 2007... but more important, to hopefully convince just one person to read a book that might strengthen their health and maybe help them live a little longer and a little healthier.

My Most Important Health Books of the Year...

* You: Staying Young - Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen hit a home run with this book. The advice is sound and the nutritional recommendations are cutting edge, presenting the latest research on nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and cayenne. This book may very well help rejuvenate your health and allow you to drop the extra pounds and possibly protect, and even reverse, certain ailments such as diabetes, high cholesterol, arthritis, and others.

* The Natural Bird Flu Cure They Don't Want You to Know About - The deadly bird flu is spreading like wildfire across Asia, and it's only a matter of time before it hits the U.S. The CDC and government officials have said as much. Unfortunately, we don't hear a lot about the bird flu in the U.S. anymore because of the media's preoccupation with O.J. and Britney Spears. This book reveals a possible natural cure to the deadly bird flu supported by 2 Nobel Prize-winning chemists.

*You: On A Diet - Another book by Drs. Oz and Roizen. While I do not like the word "diet" (it conjures images of strict calorie cutting, sacrifice, and, well, torture), this book does share a wonderful plan for finally and forever dropping those extra pounds. Let's face it, the majority of illness and ill health in America today is food related. This really is an important, worthwhile book, despite its somewhat gimmicky title.

I've tried quite a few of recipes in this book and some of the ingredients are hard to get or you can't get them. I have found that out on several occasions. Some of the recipes aren't very tasty either. It's a good book but nothing to write home about.

This is a great Cookbook! I use it all the time. The only problem is the servings. Most recipes are portioned for only one or two servings. I cook for a family of 5. It has great lunch and snack ideas, I love all the input and recipes from the show contestants.

There are some really good recipes in this cookbook. They dont taste like "diet" food and are easy to prepare. Lots of ideas to expand on for cooking healthy.

This is a great book. I purchased it for my husband and I am reaping the benefits. The recipes are easy and taste great. My husband has lost 10 lbs in 3 weeks using these recipes along with exercising.

Based on the NBC hit show "The Biggest Loser," this colorful cookbook is a plus to anybody's library that is trying to lose weight or even just eat healthy. The promise of the book is that eating healthy can be quick and delicious AND it doesn't have to mean bland, tasteless food- and the book delivers.

Readers will find a short review of the Biggest Loser's way to lose weight- which is sensible- you eat right and exercise. Then comes the heart of the book- over 100 recipes for the various meals like breakfast, snacks, etc. And unlike a lot of cookbooks, each recipe shows you exactly how many calories, fat grams, protein grams, carb grams, fiber grams, sodium, and cholesterol it contains- which is nice for a wide variety of other populations such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.

A sensible and practical cookbook, a lot of people will probably get their money's worth. Also recommend Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff if a shoulder problem keeps you from getting all the benefits of lifting weights.

The problem with this book is the misleading title, utilizing the words "healthy and delicious." The diets presented here are anything but. I found them to be rather unhealthy - too much salt an saturated fat - and AWFUL TASTING! When you stick your neck out with a title like that, you better be able to back it up. This book fails.

The show the book is based on is a big letdown as well. I find the program stiff, and was unable to sit through an entire episode. I ordered the book based on some positive reviews. There's a germ of positive, constructive information here, but generally it's extremely disappointing.

There is, however, an excellent parody of these types of books, Martha Bolton's Maybe Life's Just Not That Into You that sends up bad diet books in hilarious fashion. Maybe Life's Just Not That Into You: When You feel Like the World's Voted You Off Don't buy unless you want to fall to the floor convulsing in fits of laughter. (Which will burn more calories than the book I'm reviewing!)

Oh, yes - if anyone would like to purchase my copy of The Biggest Loser Diet Book, it's going up for sale tomorrow. I'll take any - and I mean ANY - offer for this drivel.

I really enjoy this cookbook. I'm not much for cooking, but there are recipes for every type of cook in here. I found some really easy ones that I love to make that even my husband enjoys! it's also very motivating to hear from others who have had struggles similar to my own. I'd definitely recommend this book for anyone who wants to live a healthy lifestyle!

Based on the NBC hit show "The Biggest Loser," this colorful cookbook is a plus to anybody's library that is trying to lose weight or even just eat healthy. The promise of the book is that eating healthy can be quick and delicious AND it doesn't have to mean bland, tasteless food- and the book delivers.

Readers will find a short review of the Biggest Loser's way to lose weight- which is sensible- you eat right and exercise. Then comes the heart of the book- over 100 recipes for the various meals like breakfast, snacks, etc. And unlike a lot of cookbooks, each recipe shows you exactly how many calories, fat grams, protein grams, carb grams, fiber grams, sodium, and cholesterol it contains- which is nice for a wide variety of other populations such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.

A sensible and practical cookbook, a lot of people will probably get their money's worth. Also recommend Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff if a shoulder problem keeps you from getting all the benefits of lifting weights.

This book has a lot of great recipes and they're pretty basic. I use it to give me meal ideas, especially snacks and breakfast. Although a few of the recipes are very similar, it's still chalk full of delicious recipes, not to mention a little info on all the participants and some basics about the biggest loser eating plan. If you're on the fence, I say go for it.

You may have to acquire a taste for some of the recipes, but it worth the effort to at least try them.

Based on the NBC hit show "The Biggest Loser," this colorful cookbook is a plus to anybody's library that is trying to lose weight or even just eat healthy. The promise of the book is that eating healthy can be quick and delicious AND it doesn't have to mean bland, tasteless food- and the book delivers.

Readers will find a short review of the Biggest Loser's way to lose weight- which is sensible- you eat right and exercise. Then comes the heart of the book- over 100 recipes for the various meals like breakfast, snacks, etc. And unlike a lot of cookbooks, each recipe shows you exactly how many calories, fat grams, protein grams, carb grams, fiber grams, sodium, and cholesterol it contains- which is nice for a wide variety of other populations such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.

A sensible and practical cookbook, a lot of people will probably get their money's worth. Also recommend Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff if a shoulder problem keeps you from getting all the benefits of lifting weights.

This is a great cookbook. It has pictures of most of the food, and nutrition facts for EVERYTHING. And the food is delicious. It also includes advice on exercise. The only problem I have--and it's a problem with all "healthy" cookbooks--is that it's hard to find SOME of the ingredients in your average grocery store. I have only had a problem with one or two recipes, and I am sure a trip to a health food store would prove successful, but I am just talking about convenience. Overall, though, I have to say BUY IT.