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Book Review of 500 Low-Carb Recipes

500 Low-Carb Recipes
reviewed on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3


If you're trying to live the low-carb life, the key to success is variety. If you don't have it, you will grow weary of eating the same 'ol-same 'ol. And you will eventually grow bored and return to your old way of eating. I am in Phase 3 of Atkins right now and know this to be true. So, you need a plethora of low-carb recipes. And that's where a book like this fits in beautifully. (Please note that this book does NOT tell you which Phase each recipe works for. You must check out the carb count and determine for yourself which recipes fit within your particular eating plan).
This book has a LOT of recipes from various resources. The author has collected together what she deems to be the "best of the best" in low-carb eating. From appetizers all the way to deserts, she's got your back. I love to peruse the index when I'm in need of something new. Feel like having cookies? The index will point you to several varieties, including a low carb chocolate chip cookie.
While I certainly have not worked my way through every recipe, or even half of them, I have YET to come across a recipe that turned out yuck. Quite a number of them have been deemed "fab" by my family. Most are really good enough to put on a "keeper" list. I'm sure I'll come across one eventually that will be a "tosser". But with 500, you definitely have room to experiment until you have a nice collection of favorites.
In the opening of the book, Ms. Carpender even tells you all about various ingredients that will become a staple and how to use the, where to find them, etc. It's very informative and I refer to it every so often, still.
One caveat: a number of the recipes call for items that you will not have on hand, and in fact may have trouble locating (i.e. oat bran, xantham gum, soy powder, etc.). The good news is that even if you can't locate these in your local health food store, you can get them at a fair price online (I like amazon.com for getting them at a good price, and taking advantage of Super Saver Shipping).
Bottom Line: I would SO recommend this book. I actually have recommended it to several of my friends...one has gotten her own copy after sampling a number of the recipes I've emailed her to try. I hear there's a new edition called "500 MORE Low-Carb Recipes". I'll get it next!