Customer Reviews

EatingWell 500-Calorie Dinners Cookbook

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I know I shouldn't write a review before finishing the book, let alone give it five stars, but I couldn't resist alerting you to an inovative and user-friendly cookbook. It not only has these attributes going for it, but more importantly, the simple recipes are for "foodies" and novices both. I am a 70 year old grandmom who has a passion for cooking and healthy diets. If you want to start the New Year with a wise companion in the kitchen, this is it. Each recipe is accompanied with a full meal menu - all equaling 500 calories. It's all there in front of you. So, forget the latest craze diet - please! This cookbook will assist you in creating your own healthy diet - with whole foods and original, simple and sophisticated recipes. Cook On!

This is the 6th EatingWell cookbook I own. As with the other cookbooks, this one does an excellent job of using fresh ingredients balanced with simple execution for a well balanced and tasty meal. Besides being low calorie, I've found there are also many options in here for those following a Low GI Diet.

This book reuses some of the recipes from their other cookbooks (so far I've noticed a few from The Essential EatingWell Cookbook.) but what makes this stand out is that it tells you what else to put on the menu that will balance well with your main course but still stay under 500. I'm not a chef, I'm an eater... so that aspect of cooking has always been a challenge for me and having it spelled out (eat this with that) makes quick cooking much less stressful. All the recipes for the side items on the menus are included in the book as well, making it a great one stop cookbook.

I've been trying to watch my calories and bought this book to help me with ideas on lower calorie, healthy dinners. This book was more than I expected! I absolutely love it! I tried a few recipes and can't wait to try more! It actually motivates me to cook. :) I love that the book also pairs up meals to make it a full dinner and make sure that it's all around 500 calories. For example, it'll have a main dish recipe and along the side of the page it lists what you can pair it up with - an appetizer of some sort, with soup or a glass of wine (all to add up to around 500). The book not only has recipes for main dishes, but also for soups and appetizers and side dishes, even some dessert items! Totally recommend this book!

I ahve been a subscriber of the Eating Well Magazine for the past two years, so when I saw this cookbook I had to buy it right away. I love to cook (and eat) the recipes in the magazine, so I had high hopes that these would be the same quality recipes to which I was accustomed only lighter. Unfortunately, I have to say that I was disappointed in the recipes when I got the book. Yes it is extremely helpful and convenient to have an entire menu suggested for each recipe, but the recipes themselves are nothing to get excited about. I didnt need a cookbook to know how to marinate shrimp in garlic and lemon juice and then grill... The flavor combinations and ingredients are nothing new or quite frankly interesting for me. I have been cooking healthfully using similar recipes I made up on my own for years. I thought about returning the book, but I have finally decided to keep it to help me plan out menus and possibly make slightly different variations of the recipes I already make. With all of that being said, this would probably make a great cookbook for a novice cook who is just learning how to cook low fat.

My family has thoroughly enjoyed the recipes and the variety that comes from this book. Some particular favorites are: Indian Seared Chicken & Vegetables, Braised Paprika Chicken, & Chicken Curry with Rice. If you have family members that don't like Seafood, then another book might be better. The Seafood section seems to have more than any other section. Also, for a budgeting family, some of the ingredients are too expensive. But all in all, we really enjoy the book.

Really "Pleased" that we purchased this cookbook, nice recipes and items in recipe easily found and bought.

My husband and I are both following the Flat Belly Diet guidelines. This cookbook is very helpful to us. Although it does not follow the Flat Belly Diet guideline of including a monounsaturated fat (MUFA) at each meal, the recipes are easily adapted to do so. For example, tonight I made a chicken soup recipe from this book, and garnished each portion with diced avocado. The chicken soup needed a little extra flavor, but we have an extensive spice cupboard and we know how to use it. I really appreciate the calorie information with each recipe and the ideas for making complete meals. One of our favorite recipes is a fabuolusly easy recipe for ginger cookies dipped in dark chocolate, garnished with chopped ginger and dried cranberries. These recipes make a great jumping-off point for anyone who has a little imagination.

I am determined to diet but eat well (pun intended). I love the lemon garlic shrimp recipe. A co-worker wanted a recipe and I thought to check on-line, and I found it. This frustrated me as I paid for the cookbook but can get recipes on-line for free. I honestly don't know how many are on the [...] website, but I found a few. I already use the website as a excellent source for low calorie, healthy recipes.

We are on the EatingWell diet and loosing weight. This makes a great companion book and gives many more wonderful recipes that my whole family enjoys. I am telling all my friends about this.

I love that this book gives you so many options to customize your menu. You start with a delicious main meal then are given choices of sides to make your 500 calorie meal. Love it!