img21.gif (23591 bytes) Picture Book for Zone Cooks
Carolyn Brooks and Darlene Kvist
Picture Book for Zone Cooks by Carolyn Brooks & Darlene Kvist. 1997. $23.95, 94 pages. Available from the authors: Nutrition Weight & Wellness: 612-699-3438.
This book becomes a wonderful addition to the library for those who strive to stay in "The Zone" or "40-30-30" These two writers have been working with folks for many years, helping them find ways to eat that make them feel good and stay healthy. There are some wonderful features of this cookbook: This book has also been referenced in Before the Change by Ann Louise Gittlemen.
img22.gif (4950 bytes)he recipes are many, nutritious and creative. The ingredients are usually easily obtainable and I especially liked those containing Tofu and soy alternatives. The format was nicely laid out, giving me a sense of how balanced the particular recipe was. Linked features were the 21 Healing Menus for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner, linking specific recipes with specific meals. For the busy woman who is trying to stay balanced, these menus are very helpful for planning and saving time. They also provide a guide for individuals about what a Zone Balanced meal would be.
One of my favorite recipes was Spaghetti Pie on page 41. It has always been a favorite of mine, and this is a nice Zone Balanced version. Two other favorites were Tofu Potato Soup and Salmon Loaf. There is one recipe per page, and photos accompany the recipe.
A second feature was the very simple but helpful Menu planning guidelines threaded throughout the book. After a brief description of Zone Balanced eating, the authors then list the three major Building Blocks, and continue to use this analogy throughout the rest of the book. The Healthiest Building Blocks for Proteins, Fats, and Carbohydrates are listed for a quick reference. The authors then go on to list Specific Building Blocks, and what exactly a One Block Unit of Protein, Carbohydrate and Fat would be. The three units together make One Balanced Block. I went one step further and divided three different colored card into three sections and cut them apart. Each section of the card became one block. On each block I placed one unit correlating with one block. Now I can mix and match the blocks, and get a clear idea of what a one block meal/snack would be. Combining this with other programs, one can easily plan a menu or specifically balanced meal.
The authors conclude with stocking the kitchen with the right foods, a shopping list and two nifty charts one for building Block Meals and a worksheet additional great .tools to help those following this way of eating to plan menus and stay within the Zone. The Building Block Food List provides another quick reference for the amount of a particular food fits into a block.
I was interested also to read the newsletter sent with the book. These authors provide education, counseling and support for Zone eating. Topics for their courses include: "Eating in The Zone ", "The Food and Mood Connection", and "Zone Meals Made Easy" . I have seen tremendous improvements in health conditions of others and myself because of this Hormonal Balancing way of eating.
The Nutritional Weight and Wellness Center is located in St Paul Minnesota, and the authors website is: www.weightandwellness.com.