Recently, Kelly Jad'on posted a great review of our new book on her website Basil and Spice where she reports on weight loss, fitness, and a variety of other topics.
For those of you interested in a sneak peak at the book, I've posted her review here. Below it, I included one of the recipes she discussed -- enjoy!
By Kelly Jad'on (from www.basilandspice.com)
The Biggest Loser 30-Day Jump Start is about more than just television entertainment. The program has been immensely popular because it is an actual visual of weight loss that viewers can relate to, real people achieve real results--a weight loss visual. But what happens after the tv set's turned off?
The Biggest Loser 30-Day Jump Start is the at-home supplement to a weight loss lifestyle. Including photos and stories of Losers who have gotten off the ranch and are now back in their own kitchens, gyms, and neighborhoods, it encourages and plans out for continuous weight loss in the domicile.
The Biggest Loser cast (Bob Harper, Jillian Michaels, ect.) provide the reader with tips, tricks, and insight on how they keep the weight loss in motion. "You are going to learn that everything you put in your mouth matters."--Bob Harper
Each of the 30 days is broken into its own individual section and includes:
*An opening page of encouragement by an author
*A jump-start menu plan--breakfast, lunch, 2 snacks, dinner
*Recipes--using regularly available grocery ingredients; states per serving nutritional value; many photos of the recipes. Tastes to try:
Day 28 Cumin-spiced bulgur and lentils (140 cals, 8g protein, 24g carbs)
Day 29 Lebanese kebabs (uses bulgur and turkey--190 cals, 21g protein, 12g carbs)
Day 10 Pesto pizzettas (utilizes ready made polenta--80 cals, 4g protein, 10g carbs)
*A jump-start exercise plan--daily goal, cardio/warmup, strength/mobility and body weight exercise, stretching; differentiates between beginners and advanced participants
*Photos of sample exercises with directions
Other notable sections in The Biggest Loser 30-Day Jump Start focus on how to eat at home and when you're out--in a restaurant. Explanations of protein, whole grains, healthy fats, carbs, calorie counts, and menu planning are important to read.
The beginner will also learn how to assess his fitness level, calculate his target heart rate, make a plan for exercise, and instill workout guidelines.
The Biggest Loser 30-Day Jump Start is a plan, and that's the key word--PLAN. The user must plan out his menu (trips to grocery with list), cook specific meals, and set aside time daily for exercises. And it's a great one. Those who stay in shape do plan what they'll eat, when they'll eat, and do allow for daily exercise. It's all about being conscious about every bite you take. This plan and recipes are wonderful for the whole family as well."
LEBANESE KEBABS
The surprise ingredient bulgur adds texture and fiber, though you can’t tell it’s there. This recipe is typically made with ground lamb, but this version is tasty, quick, and easy. Try serving the bite-size meatballs at your next party.
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients:
1/2 cup uncooked bulgur
1/2 cup boiling water
1 1/4 pound 93% lean ground turkey
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 tablespoon finely chopped mint
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard seed
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, mint, or Italian parsley
12 (6") skewers
Instructions:
Place the bulgur and water in a small bowl and soak for 30 minutes.
While the bulgur is soaking, place the turkey, garlic, mint, cumin, coriander, pepper, onion, mustard seed, and salt in a large mixing bowl. (If you’ve thawed frozen turkey, be sure to drain any juices before adding the meat to the bowl.)
Drain the bulgur in a sieve to remove excess liquid. Transfer the bulgur to the large mixing bowl and mix well.
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Form the mixture into 36 meatballs, about 1 1/2" across, using about 1 1/2 tablespoons of mixture per meatball. Thread 3 meatballs onto each of 12 (6") skewers, leaving about 1/2" between meatballs. Place the skewers on a nonstick baking sheet so that they’re evenly spaced and not touching. Bake for 8 minutes, or until no longer pink.
To serve, place 2 skewers on each plate and garnish with the cilantro. Serve with cucumber or tomato salad and hummus.
If there are any leftovers, try a kebab sandwich: Place 3 meatballs in a small whole wheat pita with shredded lettuce and tomato slices.
Nutritional Analysis per serving:
190 calories, 21 g protein, 12 g carbohydrates (1 g sugars), 7 g fat (2 g saturated), 70 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber, 270 mg sodium
