Editorial Review :

Devin Alexander, author of the New York Times bestseller, The Biggest Loser Cookbook, lets you have your cake and lose weight, too, with sinfully tempting — yet amazingly healthy — recipes for America’s all-time favorite foods.

Chef and former L.A. caterer Devin Alexander has maintained a fifty-five-pound weight loss for over sixteen years by transforming the dishes she and millions of other Americans love best into guilt-free (yet still outrageously mouth-watering) indulgences--Rigatoni with Meat Sauce, BBQ Bacon Cheeseburgers, Eggplant Parmesan, Sinless Yet Sinful Sticky Buns, and even Dark Chocolate Layer Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting.

Thesesimple-to-prepare recipes for the kind of delectable dishes people crave but feel they can’t eat when trying to be healthy and trim, actually can be the basis of a personal weight-loss plan. They can also be a way to add “off-limit” foods back into an already successful diet. Or they can simply be part of an exciting new way to eat healthfully — and with pleasure.

In The Most Decadent Diet Ever! Devin Alexander proves that even the most decadent dishes — Chipotle Chili with Blue Cheese Crumbles, "Fried" Jumbo Shrimp, Super-Stuffed Steak Soft Tacos, Fettu-Skinny Alfredo, Godiva Brownie Sundaes, and Chocolate Chip Pancakes — can lead to weight loss, good health, and carefree enjoyment.

Customer Review :

Great cook book

Fantastic cookbook, great ideas for dishes that had a lot of calories. Devin Alexander does a great job making the dishes taste great and less filling,hmmm, sounds like a beer commercial...Get this book. Look for her other cookbook about fast food dishes that she does the same thing for.

Rating :

great recipes

After having this book for a while I am finally getting around to writing my review. We have had several of the recipes and have loved them all!
When we had the family over for Easter I made the chocolate cake. My husband does not like cake at all. He even said that at the table and followed it up by saying "but this is good!!"
After my husband had his heart attack he said fettacinni alfredo a.k.a. heart attack on a plate is something he will never eat again. I made the fettaskinny adding grilled chicken. When he saw what was for dinner he almost walked away. I had to get the book and show him the nutrional content. He ate it and said " this tastes like something that should be very bad for me" : )
It's nice to be able to cook food for the family that not only tastes good but is good for you.

Rating :

Don't need a diet book!

This is a book for someone looking to follow a diet plan. Not for me. Also, she uses sugar substitutes, which I don't like and don't agree with me physically. So, I returned the book. I'm sure this book is great for someone trying to find a good diet with great recipes. It just wasn't for me.

Rating :

I love, love, love this book!

Finally a healthy cookbook that has yummy recipes! Even my husband has been so impressed! We highly recommend the Chicken Picatta, Chocolate chocolate brownie cups, mostly moms marinara, and the honey glazed spiced pork tenderloin. I have always enjoyed cooking but these meals have made me feel like a chef! Very simple and very impressive dishes. I can't wait to try more! I have several healthy cookbooks (it's an obsession)but this is by far the best!

Rating :

worth it just for the chocolate desserts

I cook a lot and know how to make my own favorite recipes lower calorie and lower fat so I doubted this book would be worth my money and borrowed it from the library first. Having said that, I now can't go more than a few days without opening this cookbook. The chocolate fudge cake, brownies, and souffle-type chocolate cakes are staples at my house! I can't stand anything that tastes low fat and these recipes don't. I'm not even tempted to eat the high fat stuff when I have these options. My husband and two boys can't get enough of the chocolate cake. We make all of her chocolate dessert at least once a week each, and I'm still losing 2 lbs a week eating multiple servings a day. Have your cake and eat it too. :)

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Editorial Review :

We’re in a bad mood epidemic, but Julia Ross’s plan provides a natural cure. Drawing on thirty years of experience, she presents breakthrough solutions to overcoming depression, anxiety, irritability, stress, and other negative emotional states that are diminishing the quality of our lives. Her comprehensive program is based on the use of four mood- building amino acids and other surprisingly potent nutrient supplements, plus a diet rich in good-mood foods such as protein, healthy fat, and certain key vegetables. Including an individualized mood-type questionnaire, The Mood Cure has all the tools to help you get started today and feel better tomorrow.

Customer Review :

Saved me from bad moods

I have read many books regarding health and nutrition, and only took bits and pieces from those books. This is the first one I heeded the information on. I was sad and depressed occasionally (more often than not), and ate according to my moods. I discovered that my moods were primarily caused by the food I choose to eat. I changed my diet and most of my lifestyle was starting to change before reading it. I can say that when my moods were bad, I would be angry, shy or quite. I can be a better person to others and myself and no longer feel like being killed on the freeway from accidents caused by others. LOL. But really, I'm sure some people understand that, I have had many other people relate to that idea and am not afraid to admit how I felt. I have learned so much from reading this book, which I have helped others understand and try things suggested from the book. I went out and bought a friend a bottle of 5HTP and the book as a gift, because I wanted to share this good feeling. The book is easy to understand, as Julia Ross explains it all. The Mood Cure: The 4-Step Program to Rebalance Your Emotional Chemistry and Rediscover Your Natural Sense of Well-Being

Rating :

great read

every book has aspects that are debatable. we are supposed to separate the "good" and the "bad" on our own. this was a great book. i started taking some of the aminoacids , based on the questionnaires in the book, and I found it helpful.

Rating :

Mood Cure

Easy reading. Packed with up-to-date information, and loads of reference material to guide you.

Rating :

Amazingly good introduction

This is a truly outstanding book and is intended to help people suffering from real, deep and intractable emotional and mental problems.

Julia Ross is a true pro, working at the front line of mental health care for several decades. This is a book that brings together her hard won knowledge with that of many, many other experts in the field. There is a also a decent amount of scientific research at its core.

Compared with the extrememly poor care offered by the average clinical psychologist or psychiatrist (they essetially offer only drugs or cognitive behaviour therapy) this book heralds the beginning of a revolution in mental health care: at last some people are beginning to recognise that there is a REASON why you (or a friend or relative) is suffering such serious problems with mood, emotions and behaviour. At last there begin to be real solutions which are wholistic and effective.

Julia covers all the main issues - anxiety, depression, OCD, addictions, mood swings and the generally feeling awful and unstable that so many have. She explains why it is happening and which food and supplements to correct it. There are easy to use questionnaires which guide you in understanding which TYPE of depression or anxiety you suffer from and thereby tailor the solution.

Be warned, her solutions are a VERY long way from the general advice just to eat healthily. This is hard core scientific solutions. And a lot of back up with very specific recommendations for amino acids (to make all those neurotransmitters that regulate mood - dopamine, serotonin & GABA) and vitamins and minerals which are used in specific high doses as medicines.

The solution requires work and commitment. But ultimately it is highly workable and simple in structure. And it really changes lives.

Julia Ross opens a door and throws open the windows on a room in which so many feel trapped. No more decades of incomprehensible misery. I use this book in my practice and buy copies in bulk to give to my patients. It is an outstanding introduction - written in an engaging style but with a good strong foundation in science. A serious book that nevertheless invites everyone in.

As a response to the negative reviews below, Ms Ross does indeed take a dim view of vegetarianism - but a) this is a small point in a large and rich book and b) she has this view born of years of experience. A high protein diet is necessary for people suffering emotional health problems because protein is the source of the neurotransmitters which will ultimately cure the depression, anxiety etc. Some people are genetically predisposed to need more than average. Protein is also important for blood sugar stabilisation - unstable blood sugar being near universal with any eating issues, carbohydrate cravings, sugar addictions, much anxiety and mood swings. I find I need to give most of my vegetarian patients protein supplement powders (whey, pea, rice protein etc) before I can build up their programme of recovery further.

In summary a very good book to start your journey. Of equal excellence (in some ways superior) and more scientific in its approach (the emphasis more on neutraceuticals supplements than diet) is Depression Free Naturally by Joan Larson. Don't be fooled by the title - is covers all major issues including very serious ones like schizophrenia.

Additionally, anyone with serious emotional and mental issues should buy Gut and Psychology Syndrome - that gut toxicity is highly involved in much illness is now beyond debate and at least 45% of my patients need help with their gut before they can properly recover. This book will explain how and why.

Good luck and whatever happens don't give up. There are answers to your struggles. The Mood Cure and Depression Free Naturally will be a good start. Add in the book on Gut and Psychology, Adrenal Fatigue, a good book on the thyroid and maybe something on mercury toxicity. A great deal of mental suffering can be alleviated with these interventions. Have faith - a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. You will be taking the first when you buy this book.
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Comment



I am very surprised at the negative reviews below. Please don't let them put you off. This is a truly outstanding book and is intended to help people suffering from real, deep and intractable emotional and mental problems.

Julia Ross is a true pro, working at the front line of mental health care for several decades. This is a book that brings together her hard won knowledge with that of many, many other experts in the field. There is a also a decent amount of scientific research at its core.

Compared with the extrememly poor care offered by the average clinical psychologist or psychiatrist (they essetially offer only drugs or cognitive behaviour therapy) this book heralds the beginning of a revolution in mental health care: at last some people are beginning to recognise that there is a REASON why you (or a friend or relative) is suffering such serious problems with mood, emotions and behaviour. At last there begin to be real solutions which are wholistic and effective.

Julia covers all the main issues - anxiety, depression, OCD, addictions, mood swings and the generally feeling awful and unstable that so many have. She explains why it is happening and which food and supplements to correct it. There are easy to use questionnaires which guide you in understanding which TYPE of depression or anxiety you suffer from and thereby tailor the solution.

Be warned, her solutions are a VERY long way from the general advice just to eat healthily. This is hard core scientific solutions. And a lot of back up with very specific recommendations for amino acids (to make all those neurotransmitters that regulate mood - dopamine, serotonin & GABA) and vitamins and minerals which are used in specific high doses as medicines.

The solution requires work and commitment. But ultimately it is highly workable and simple in structure. And it really changes lives.

Julia Ross opens a door and throws open the windows on a room in which so many feel trapped. No more decades of incomprehensible misery. I use this book in my practice and buy copies in bulk to give to my patients. It is an outstanding introduction - written in an engaging style but with a good strong foundation in science. A serious book that nevertheless invites everyone in.

As a response to the negative reviews below, Ms Ross does indeed take a dim view of vegetarianism - but a) this is a small point in a large and rich book and b) she has this view born of years of experience. A high protein diet is necessary for people suffering emotional health problems because protein is the source of the neurotransmitters which will ultimately cure the depression, anxiety etc. Some people are genetically predisposed to need more than average. Protein is also important for blood sugar stabilisation - unstable blood sugar being near universal with any eating issues, carbohydrate cravings, sugar addictions, much anxiety and mood swings. I find I need to give most of my vegetarian patients protein supplement powders (whey, pea, rice protein etc) before I can build up their programme of recovery further.

In summary a very good book to start your journey. Of equal excellence (in some ways superior) and more scientific in its approach (the emphasis more on neutraceuticals supplements than diet) is Depression Free Naturally by Joan Larson. Don't be fooled by the title - is covers all major issues including very serious ones like schizophrenia.

Additionally, anyone with serious emotional and mental issues should buy Gut and Psychology Syndrome - that gut toxicity is highly involved in much illness is now beyond debate and at least 45% of my patients need help with their gut before they can properly recover. This book will explain how and why.

Good luck and whatever happens don't give up. There are answers to your struggles. The Mood Cure and Depression Free Naturally will be a good start. Add in the book on Gut and Psychology, Adrenal Fatigue, a good book on the thyroid and maybe something on mercury toxicity. A great deal of mental suffering can be alleviated with these interventions. Have faith - a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. You will be taking the first when you buy this book.


Rating :

The Mood Cure: The 4-Step Program to Take Charge of Your Emotions

The Mood Cure: The 4-Step Program to Take Charge of Your Emotions

This book was very informative and had a great amount of nutritional
info for alternative treatments for people who are dealing with depression and for those trying to withdraw from cigaretts, acholol or drugs. These ideas are on the cutting edge of treatment options and provide much needed treatment alternatives when standard depression RX's are not effective. There are great suggetions on how to discuss the ideas with your doctor. There are many references for nutritional testing services listed; these are provide a important resource for more control over your individual treatment options with your doctor.

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Customer Review :

transformative

This book changed my life in all the ways I was longing for it to be changed.
I read Geneen's work in the middle of my eating disorder. I didn't begin using it right away because I didn't trust it. I didn't like it. I didn't think it would work. It does.
Different approaches work for different people. I think this worked for me because, deep down Geneen's philosophy is in accordance with my own. I wanted to be my own authority. I wanted it bad enough to give this a try. I didn't tell myself I had to do this forever. I didn't have blind faith. I also didn't give up on it in the first three months. I gave myself a year to decide. A year, where I promised myself I wouldn't diet. A year in which to work through every exercise I reasonably could. In addition to committing to this book, I continued seeing a therapist on a weekly basis. That helped, but this book is what ultimately gave me coping tools. I know that I was in the extreme, not everybody needs as much help as I did. I also know that distorted eating is very normal in this culture. I feel blessed to have been able to examine something so fundamental, and transform what was a problem to a benefitt. I've read all of Ms. Roth's books and enjoyed each of them. This one has a great combination of explaining and exercises to do, which is why I chose it. However, the chapters are widely divergent in terms of work. Her other book "Why Weight" appears to be the same exact work better organized, but less expository. If you are unsure if this work is for you, get "Breaking Free". If after reading through it you feel excited but overwhelmed by the work load, you may wish to try "Why Weight" as a work book.
I never review books. I chose to review this one because it was very helpful to me, and a big risk. I hope this is of some help.

Rating :

AWESOME book from a person who has "been there".

This book has so much good solid advice. I really recommend this book to anyone who uses food as a "number" in life. Like a alcoholic uses whiskey to zone out.
I have not found one of her books that i disagree with or dislike.,


Rating :

Very helpful book

This is a really great book to help with emotional and stress over-eating. I have gotten worse and worse in my emotional over eating, and I have read and tried countless diets to try to find help. I have even gone to 3 different counselors in the past few years to try to get help, but I still have not found the solution to my behavior. She approaches the problem of emotional overeating in a very kind and understanding way, her non-judgemental approach makes you feel understood and capable of stopping the crazy behavior of overeating. I definitely feel like this book is the answer that I have been looking for.

Rating :

the right book at the right time

I don't usually write reviews but I felt like I had to for this one. "Breaking Free" goes beyond just food to explore the essentials: emotions, shame, forgiveness, sexuality. Truly a special book--Roth's voice is very genuine and the personal experiences she relates make you feel like you know her and can trust her. One of those books I'll keep around forever.

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Editorial Review :

Yes, Now you can have it all: Food from your slow cooker that is scrumptious, quick and easy to prepare and low fat!

Customer Review :

Recipes OK, but get the ringed binder

So far have only made a couple of the recipes, which were fine. I saw the book in a store shortly after getting it from Amazon, and the one there had a ringed binder - which would be much better because it would lay flat on the counter. I didn't think about that when ordering.

Rating :

Don't get this book- waste of money!

I can't tell you enough how bad these recipes were. And like the other reviewers was excited to get this cookbook so we'd stop eating on the go so much.
I started trying a new recipe such as the chilli and it was awful! Most of the recipes were bland or mushy.

Rating :

Abundant in recipes for the light cooker.

I'm a big time calorie counter and fat counter. I have good eating habits do to the fact that I lost 56 lbs. with Weight Watchers about four years ago. So I'm not a stranger to cooking light. I prefer it. And I love to cook with my slow cooker. I bought the original Fix-It cookbook and LOVE it. And I have to say that although I haven't used this one as often it is filled with an abundance of great recipes and their nutritional facts.
Overall, a great cookbook that I will keep next to my other favorite cookbooks.

Rating :

Cooking Lightly and Cooking Delicious (and cheap)

A cookbook that is not only practical, easy to follow but allows you to prepare a 'gourmet' meal with ingredients usually found in your pantry, cupboard and refrigerator. Highly recommended by a working 'girl' with a husband who has come to expect good food from a wife who loves to cook, but doesn't have time to do to many 'from scratch' fine dinners any more. The biggest plus about the meals featured herein is the low-calorie, low-fat, healthy aspect! And still tasty! (and affordable!) She has it all in one great cookbook!

Rating :

Must have for your cookbook library

This is a really great cookbook for working people who are trying to be careful with their diet. Lots of easy, good tasting recipes and detailed nutrition information. I love this book! Everyone who has a crockpot should have this book. Really, there is everything and something for everyone in this terrific cookbook.

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Customer Review :

compact

Everything you need to make the right choices in a compact, portable size. You can easily take it with you wherever you go.

Rating :

GREAT BOOK...IF YOU LIVE IN THE STATES

These book, has great recipes as a complement to "The Abs Diet for Women: The Six-Week Plan to Flatten Your Belly and Firm Up Your Body for Life"
These is the pros BUT: it has some cons...if you live outside the states
(I live in Argentina) it's really difficult to follow 80% of the recipes, because most of them have products, that are nonexistent elsewhere but USA.

Besides that, the diet is great, for people who -at least can have a food Mixer at work. It has six meals a day, which is great, but also needs lot's of planification.

SO, if you live on the USA, don't hesitate about buying these book, is great! If you don't think it twice!

Rating :

Compact version of "The Abs Diet" + a Grocery List

The author spends a decent amount of time re-hashing what was said in the first book, but then gets more in depth with a grocery list, recipes, and good choices when eating out. I would recommend either book since you don't really need both unless you are really trying to get into it full force. This book has marginally more info, and the biggest difference between the this and the original is that this one expands on the eating plan somewhat substantially while minimizing the focus on physical exercise.
The greatest advantage I find with this book is that it packs the most information in the smallest amount of space which would make it a more convenient guide to carry with you.
I'm not sure about the people who think this book isn't as helpful as the original, but I don't have the Abs Diet Power 12 memorized yet and wish that I had this book with me when I went to the grocery store earlier today.

Rating :

easy to use

This book is great and you don't need any other book to do the abs diet. Good recipes and suggestions. male or female can use this book

Rating :

The ABS Diet Eat Right Every Time Guide

I really like this book. I have a crazy schedule and this helps me to be on track. I can make these easy and tasty recipes and freeze them. My schedule differs every week, so this makes it a no brainer for being on the go. I highly recommend it to anyone. I would say its not a "diet" as much as it is healthy food choices. The food is good and they sustain you.

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