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The Most Decadent Diet Ever!: The cookbook that reveals the secrets to cooking your favorites in a healthier wayx$11.23
  (45 reviews)
Best Price: $19.95 $11.23
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.
These simple-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.
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Customer Reviews
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Makes it easy to eat well
By A10G4BPT5MGBHY on 2008-04-26
I buy a lot of recipe books, but most I don't use much. This one is different. I'll be cooking with it all the time.
A collection of 125 recipes, it is not meant to represent an entire diet. Instead, it's a cookbook of especially yummy dishes that just happen to be healthy, too. The recipes can be the foundation of a new way of eating, or serve as treats if you have already reached a healthy weight.
Author Devin Alexander makes it easy. Each recipe is either 100, 200, 300, 400 or 500 calories (within 10 calories), so it's easy to track your calories without a calculator. The dishes are, for the most part, healthy versions of your old favorite fattening ones. So, for example, instead of the typical 746-calorie, 38-grams-of-fat slice of chocolate cake, you can have a slice of Dark Chocolate Layer Cake with Buttercream Frosting for 294 calories and 6 grams of fat.
Each recipe also includes how many grams it contains of carbohydrates, cholesterol, fat, saturated fat, fiber, protein and sodium. Most also have this data for the traditional recipe, so you can easily see what you're "missing."
As someone who has managed a 55-pound weight loss for 16 years, Alexander knows her stuff. At the beginning of the book, she gives you options: Do you want to count calories or not? The author details a simple diet plan either way (based on your gender, age and activity level), shows you how to put together a weekly meal plan, and covers the importance of exercise.
The book itself is beautifully produced, with glossy paper, lush color photos and color-coded text.
Here's the chapter list:
1. What you need to get started
2. Breakfasts
3. Burgers, sandwiches and wraps
4. Salads
5. Entrees
6. Starchy sides
7. Veggie sides
8. Savory snacks
9. Sweet snacks
This book should have been called....
By A3R6503YVHC0FH on 2008-04-25
...how to eat with your boyfriend without packing on the pounds! The best thing about the recipes in this book is that no one (including your boyfriend or mine) will know that they are "good for you." I love being able to make satisfying (and quite easy) meals so the urge to just eat out or get take-out doesn't raise it's ugly, expensive head 3 or 4 times each week! And I think this would be awesome party food as well - I'm thinking I could do my next party entirely from this book.
diet food for people who enjoy cooking!
By A3DGWK1GK7QZC2 on 2008-04-29
This is a great cook book for people who are dieting and really enjoy cooking! All of the recipes are 300 calories or less and the portion sizes are normal/reasonable.
The recipes are fairly simple, but there is actual cooking involved--no microwaving. I enjoy cooking, but am not a gourmet and this cook book is perfect for my ability level.
These recipes are also great for a family. My husband and daughter (age 4) enjoy the food and don't know that it's "light."
Some of the items are a little hard to find--you need access to a natural foods grocery store with a large selection, like Whole Foods, Trader Joes, or a regular grocery store with a large selection of natural foods or specialty items. If you don't have that available in your area, this cookbook could be a little frustrating, as so many of those ingredients are used.
Also, be prepared to make an investment in your pantry if you plan to do a lot of cooking from this cook book. I have a fairly well-stocked kitchen and found myself needing to add several spices, sauces, and types of flour, which were a little on the expensive side.
On the whole, this is an outstanding cook book with great tasting food!
Comfort Food!!!!
By A1V2IF7OJUMIXR on 2008-04-22
My ex-girlfriend just gave this to me as a gift.
I don't cook, and her not knowing me at all is probably the reason we broke up.
But I started leafing through it, and they actually look like recipes I could pull off.
This bbq bacon cheeseburger looks delicious, and since i eat cheeseburgers at least once a week, i'm all over it.
oh carla, i miss you.
I love this cook book!!!
By A3AUU7SWDOJQ0N on 2008-04-25
Finally! Thank you Devin for getting creative with food and making dieting something that can be fun and great tasting. I have already indulged in several of the recipies and they really work and taste great! As usual, Devin has done all the work and testing to ensure it meets her top of the line standards and we, the readers, get to enjoy the fruit of her labors. Tasty! One of my very favorite chefs and I highly reccommend this cookbook to everyone - even those not looking for diet recipies-because this is common sense great tasting healthy food.
- Awesome!
By A2N4MYKTAF77YU on 2008-05-22
I almost didn't believe "Fast Food Fix" could be topped but I just got my copy of the new book today it has amazing recipes, gorgeous pictures, and so much sensible advice that I can't wait to get started. I don't have a serious weight problem, I'm just looking for ways to eat healthy without spending an inordinate amount of time in my kitchen. Everything sounds delicious and she looks absolutely stunning on the cover; an inspiration as she's a real person, not some skinny Minnie. It's such a treat to have someone like Devin put her talents to good use. She has a great sense of humor and comes across as someone you'd love to go shopping and have lunch with. She'd even be fun at the gym! I will amend the review once I get some recipes under my belt but if they're anything like those in "Fast Food Fix" then this book will be even more of a winner.
- Sensible Diet Plan and Easy Recipes
By ALUJ15UFI1422 on 2008-05-27
The Most Decadent Diet Ever: The Cookbook that Reveals the Secrets to Cooking your Favorites in a Healthier Way, presents a sensible diet plan and easy to prepare recipes.
The diet plan includes proteins, vegetables and carbohydrates, so all food groups are included. The recipes are heavy on meat from my point of view, but will appeal to many, as they are based on American favorites.
The book includes a sample 7 day meal plan. It also has tips and words of encouragement to help the reader. Deven Alexander shares what she stocks in her pantry and helpful tools to have in the kitchen.
There are lots of breakfast recipes, which is nice for those seeking variety for this meal.
I tried the open-ended buffalo chicken wrap and it was quite delicious. I also tried the spicy Szechuan steak salad and really enjoyed it.
Entrees included honey-glazed spiced pork tenderloin, skinny scampi and chicken piccata.
Alexander gets it: flavor can trump fat for making food taste good. To that end, she uses lots of flavorful--but not fattening--spices, oils and such.
What I don't like is the use of "fat free half and half", which consists of nonfat milk, milk, corn syrup solids (sugar), artificial color, and sugar. There are healthier substitutes.
Overall, if you like "All-American" type food, you will enjoy this cookbook of lower calorie--but still tasty--recipes. You will not feel deprived!
Ny the author of the award winning book, Harmonious Environment: Beautify, Detoxify and Energize Your Life, Your Home and Your Planet.
- My favorite cookbook!
By A3QCXZ8LFLASN5 on 2008-06-27
Wow! I was skeptical when ordering this book, but it is amazing. No weird food substitutions, just real food that's prepared in such a way as to keep the flavor and get rid of unneccessary calories and fat. The first recipe I tried was the "Chocolate Not Only In Your Dreams Cake". Oh... my... gosh! It was SO delicious, and for only 3 weight watchers points! I topped it with fat free vanilla ice cream and a little hershey's syrup, and didn't feel AT ALL deprived while my family had brownie sundaes. In fact, I bet mine was better than theirs! I can't say enough about that recipe. I ordered Hungry Girl cookbook at the same time, and I'll probably return that. Too many weird chemical and tofu substitutions. If you buy this book, you won't be sorry.
- Healthy food that tastes GOOD!
By A1HIX5R2O2BZ78 on 2008-04-22
I am a big fan of the Biggest Loser, and frequently cook from Devin's other book, The Biggest Loser Cookbook. I have definitely been looking forward to the release of the this book and picked it up today. Since I was craving chocolate, the first recipe I tried was the Chocolate Chip Pancakes. They were amazing! After school, my son got home and gobbled up 2 of them, and gave them his stamp of approval (a very high honor!).
I'm excited to try a lot of the recipes because they seem very family-friendly. Tonight I will be cookuing the Rigatoni with Meat Sauce for dinner. I have the marinara sauce on the stove as I type, and it smells heavenly!
This book is also a great way to monitor how many calories you eat in a day, since each recipe is either a 100, 200, 300, or 400 calorie serving. It's a great way to count calories without actually counting them. I really want live healthy and pass that on to my kids, but hey, the easier, the better! Flipping through the recipes and seeing how much this book has to offer, I'm really excited. I already ordered a copy for my mother-in-law. If you're looking to eat better without having to stick to a strict diet, I would recommend giving this book a try.
- Definitely Decadent!
By A2ZUCQ0IMCIP7G on 2008-04-23
I am a fan of Devin's, having been turned onto her cooking by watching her on Discovery Health tv. In the past, I made her Chocolate Zucchini Cake, Macaroni & Cheese, and Double Chocolate Brownie recipes - all fantastic! I couldn't wait to get her newest cookbook, and when it came in the mail today, I immediately started pouring through the pages of recipes. So far today I've made the Skinny Scampi and Chocolate Chocolate Brownie Cups - both of which are FANTASTIC! You seriously don't know you're eating low cal/low fat food, it's that good! Next on my list to make are her Banana Coconut Mini Muffins and Buffalo Chicken plate - I'm sure they'll be fantastic as well. Keep up the great recipes, Devin!!
- Great Cookbook!
By ASYVCUCUQWP27 on 2008-04-26
I never leave reviews for products but I am so happy with this cookbook I just feel like I have to share. I can totally relate to Devin when she talks about being obsessed with her weight and dreaming about eating bad food and just constantly worried about body size. All that said I have read many intros to many cookbooks and can relate, but the recipes never live up to my expectations. The recipes in this book are so easy and they are delicious and healthy. I have a husband who does not need to watch his weight he is very active and eats whatever he wants therefore he never really wants to eat "healthy" food. I have two picky children under five who don't like anything I cook no matter what. Guess what they all love recipes from this book. I feel like I can really quit obsessing over food by eating what I want but healthier versions. Thank you Devin for a realistic approach to cooking and weight loss and maintenance.
- So disappointed!
By A1LCMIYA2K1EUR on 2008-05-13
I had such high hopes for this cookbook. I was looking for a way to reduce unnecessary calories but still retain excellent taste. After trying this cookbook, I'm convinced it can't be done. I've tried about 6 recipes so far. Three of them, I took one bite and threw the rest away. The other three I ate a serving of and will never make them again. I will try a couple more recipes before I just get rid of the book, but I'm not very hopeful of a satisfactory outcome.
I think my expectations were unrealistic. I wanted reduced calorie/fat food that didn't taste "diet". This is definitely diet food in my opinion. It may be not bad for diet food, but I would certainly not classify it as really good food.
- Devin is Decadent! :)
By A388F0UFVHYFYR on 2008-04-26
After meeting Devin Alexander while I was starring on "The Biggest Loser" (and she was writing "The Biggest Loser Cookbook"), I became an avid follower of her philosphy on cooking. Devin's recipes are so delicious and decadent, that it is hard to believe that the dishes are good for you! After gaining weight post BL, Devin has helped me to lose weight again without sacrificing my love for vibrant food! The Chicken Enchiladas/Lasagna is my absolute favorite! Devin's recipes taste delicious, are incredibly easy to make, and they feel like I am a talented chef when I make them! Devin has a wide variety of dishes sure to please any palate. "The Most Decadent Diet Ever!" is not only easy to stick to, but it's not like a diet at all!!! This is my favorite book of Devin's thus far. A must own for any one who loves food!
Rasha Spindel-Chapman
- Healthy eating at its best - WOW!
By A2QODEE4J92IAW on 2008-06-10
When was the last time a cookbook actually motivated you to change? Typically I receive a book, look through it for fun, interesting recipes, try a few, and add the ones I like to my repertoire. I can honestly say that Devin Alexander's 'The Most Decadent Ever!' has done something that no other cookbooks have done - it has revolutionized the way I think about food to embrace a healthy diet.
In the age of numerous fad diets, I've seen many friends try, sometimes with dramatic success, only to be met with disappointment down the road. I believe that this is because many of the diets that exist are really designed for short term gains. To me it has never seemed natural to eliminate particular food groups from a diet (except of course for medical reasons) and would make long-term maintenance a challenge. I've avoided the fads and lived in a world of moderation - which has served me pretty well. For the first time, however, this book has opened my eyes to an approach to preparing meals that makes sense. 'The Most Decadent Diet Ever!' embraces all food groups yet provides guidance on creating dishes, ranging from simple to sophisticated, that indulge the senses, are thoroughly satisfying, and incredibly healthy. After completing just one meal I felt energized, great about myself, and eager to learn and try more.
My adventure began with planning "a day of decadence". Last Sunday, I decided to immerse myself in this cookbook (and put it to the ultimate test) by preparing the entire days' meals for my 3 year-old son and myself. My little sous chef and I prepared the following meals: vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry breakfast sundae (p35; breakfast); supreme and slender French bread pizza (p111; lunch); lemon-thyme chicken kebabs, tart cherry couscous, zucchini boats with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, (p131, p171, p175 respectively; dinner). The dishes were simple to prepare and came out just like the pictures. And the taste was AMAZING! My son and I loved everything. It was actually hard for me to believe that healthy meals could have panache and be completely satisfying!
Along the way, Devin's book has taught me alternative ingredients and cooking techniques to maintain a healthy diet. Simply put - this book is EXCEPTIONAL!
I highly recommend that you plan your own "day of decadence" with Devin Alexander's book. One day of decadence may just lead YOU to a life of healthy eating.
- YUMMMM!
By A1AU734TPBNWTA on 2008-04-22
As a big fan of Devin's recipes I was so excited and have been looking forward to getting this book! I was dying to try her recipe for Chipotle Chili with Blue Cheese Crumbles - I LOVE Chili, to me there is nothing better than sitting down and watching the game on TV with a big bowl of chili - I've had to cut doing that out of my diet because the good tasting chili was bad for me. I tried eating the healthier chili versions out there, but the healthy ones just tasted "healthy" and it just wasn't the same...well now thanks to this book, I got my chili back! It's so delicious AND it's healthy to eat. I don't know how Devin does it but the food is amazing. I've lost over 100 pounds by changing what I eat - thanks to Devin I now get to eat healthy, once thought forbidden, DECADENT foods again and still keep my diet healthy. I have just started discovering the recipes in this book but if the first couple of recipes are any indication of what's ahead....I KNOW that I'll be eating good for the rest of my life. I HIGHLY recommend this book. Thanks Devin for putting so much effort into creating healthy, delicious recipes!!!
- Best low fat cookbook Author!!!!
By A1IDGGGB3OIKYN on 2008-04-25
I love Devin's last book fast food fix, if you don't have that one yet get it too! I have only had this book one day and tried the fettichini,that was really good, and we tried the chocolate chocolate brownie cups, they are to die for, by far the best brownie I have ever had, and lowfat!! I can not wait to try the other recipes, thank you Devin!!!
- Wonderful
By A15TDMV603G31H on 2008-05-12
I received this book about 1 week ago and have already made 3 of the over 125 WONDERFUL recipes. Theses recipes don't call from 10 ingredients and there is a recipe to feed even the most picky eater(my husband) I have made the rigatoni with meat sauce (husband says it is good) and the chocolate chip pancakes are SO tasty. I am looking foward to diving into this cookbook even more. Devin has outdone herself on this one, this is one cookbook that will not be on a shelf collecting dust.
- The Most Decadent Diet Ever
By A24X6UWQRAI1B7 on 2008-05-24
This cookbook is truly fantastic! Devin Alexander has managed to create healthy, flavorful recipes that are low in calories and fat. This is a great cookbook to have whether you are following a diet or not. I use this cookbook almost everyday and am following Weight Watchers flex points system. My young children have loved every recipe I have tried and my husband has always commented on them being full of flavor. Some of my favorites are Better Than Classic Stuffed Shells with Mostly Mom's Marinara Sauce, Honey Lime marinated London Broil, Potato Chip Crusted Chicken, Pan Fried Salmon with Mango Cucumber Salsa, Parmesan Garlic Mashed Potato Pancakes, Fried Zucchini, and of course, Chocolate Not Only In Your Dreams Cake! I have not tried one yet that I didn't love. I even e-mailed Devin Alexander to ask where I could purchase certain ingredients and she e-mailed me back personally. She was very helpful in directing me where to find ingredients and was so personable. A definite must for all cooks. Great as gifts for friends, too! I can't wait for her next cookbook!
- GREAT cookbook! So delicious, you don't notice it's healthier!
By A2IEPWBM6CA6D7 on 2008-07-30
Yummy, yummy recipes. I've tried about 4 recipes so far from the book and have been so pleasently surprised!
You've GOT to try the mac-n-cheese w/turkey keilbasa...what a treat!
Everything is from scratch, so if you're looking for quick meals, this is probably not the cookbook for you. But, if you're willing to spend a little time in the kitchen to prepare down-home, feel-good meals that are a bit healthier, this is the book for you!
Thumbs up...WAY up! My picky boyfriend agrees too! He loves that we can eat breakfast sausage and hamburgers again!!!
- Another amazing book by Devin Alexander!!!
By A63J7APP76RJ8 on 2008-05-03
Devin Alexander never ceases to amaze us - one incredible cookbook after another packed with real-life recipes that really taste great. Devin, we can't wait to see what you come up with next!!!
- Easy, tasty, and healthy -- you can't lose!
By ASX2E0D9FTI0F on 2008-05-13
I wanted to cook at home to eat healthier, but I really have no experience in the kitchen. Maybe a couple dishes here and there. This book promised tasty and healthy recipes, but I was nervous my limited skills would not be enough to pull them off. Well, either I am a heretofore unknown culinary master with extra virgin olive oil in my blood, or Alexander has written a fantastic cookbook accessible to even the most all-thumbs kitchen n00bs. (Probably the latter.) Her clear, detailed instructions didn't assume I had grown up in a French restaurant, and her cheery writing style gave me the confidence of Julia Child.
Not to mention, the dishes have been delicious. I've tried four so far and haven't hit a dud yet. This is a great gift for anyone - not just experts or dieters. As Alexander so deftly teaches by example, if you don't have to sacrifice your favorite foods, why not eat healthier?
- Love Love Love this Book!
By A3UERHQR65V4SR on 2008-05-23
We've tried about 10 recipes from this book so far and love each and every one!! Not only are they good for your but the taste is outstanding. Even more important is my two young children love everything I've made so far, too. We had the Mac and Cheese with Polish Sausage tonight ... sooooo, easy! Other favorites include Chicken Enchilasagna (we make it with protein crumbles instead of chicken - it's faster) and the Colorful Coleslaw. We don't usually have sweets but I did make the brownie cups and got rave reviews; they froze well, too. Whether you are looking to lose weight, learn how to cook healthfully or just need to add a few yummy yet good-for-you recipes to your repetoire, you will not regret this cookbook! Thank you Devin!
- More than another cookbook
By A1POPEAS8Y8FRL on 2008-05-27
In a world of 100,000 cookbooks, why pick this one? Because it picks up where you quit on dieting. Diets only work when you stay on them. With two out of three Americans overweight, it is obvious that most people are ignorant about food and how to eat, or just give up because dieting is the pits!
What you want to do is eat the food you like. This book helps you prepare food in healthier ways and eat sensibly. We saw the author mention this book on the "Today Show," and bought it on faith. It has been a revelation. We are preparing old favorite foods in new ways that reduce the fat and calories while actually tasting better. How many "diet" cookbooks have a recipe for BBQ bacon cheeseburgers? Or fried shrimp? If you know how to cut out the unnecessary fat and calories, you can eat well and sensibly. This book has changed our food purchasing, preparation and eating habits for the better. We actually look forward to seeing how we can fix almost anything in a healthier and tastier way.
- The Best Non-Diet Ever!
By A3D4ZLEERQSF7V on 2008-07-17
I bought this book because my husband is a soldier and needs to maintain a certain weight. Using the recipes in this book along with his physical fitness plan has yielded terrific results, and the best part is that no one in the house feels like they are on a diet because the food tastes wonderful. I have seen results for myself as well, and couldn't be more pleased.
- This book is the BEST
By AEIDU29B3M79V on 2008-07-21
I hate health food, let me say that again: I HATE health food. But every recipe I've tried in this book has been great. I can't believe it's good for me, too. I love to cook and know a lot about flavors and this book has them in every recipe.
I also like the fact that the recipes don't call for far out ingrediants, most of the recipes you can make with items you have on hand. Plus, they are easy to make and quick.
Right now I'm eating the roasted potatoes for lunch and they are devine. I've been overweight all of my life and can never stick to a 'diet' because I just enjoy the taste of food so much. I can't stand bland. But these recipes are bursting with flavor. I am such a carnivore and couldn't believe that I'd be craving vegetables.
I've had this book for 3 weeks and I've already starting losing weight and everyone is noticing it and giving me compliments. I love it! And it's in large part due to this cookbook. I liked this book so much I went out and got the other ones she has.
Do yourself a favor and buy this book. Your tastebuds and heart will thank you.
- The most decadent diet ever cookbook
By AFRME9U1F71BB on 2008-08-08
This is a very good cookbook but has limited receipes for the price. They are very good and the kids even like them
- I love, love, love this book!
By A1T9GLDU4B9DRA on 2008-09-23
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!
- True to title
By A1HG656WN2CD40 on 2008-05-11
This book is excellent!!! My husband has actually eaten everything I have made without complaint. Highly unusual for one of my "diet" cookbooks. I recommend the honey pork,horseradish mashed potatoes, and the brownies. If you have trouble with portion control as I do, this book is very helpful.
- Love This Book So Far!
By A2LDEHVJHMBWMN on 2008-05-13
I bought this book for myself to help with my weightloss journey and my family (who are not watching their weight) have loved the recipes as much as I have. So far, my teenaged son's favorite is the "Better Than Classic Stuffed Shells," with "Almost Mom's Marinara Sauce," and I've made it twice in two weeks.
I just purchased a meat grinding attachment for my stand mixer so I can try my hand at making my own Italian sausage and breakfast sausage, using Devin's recipes.
This book is definitely a keeper, along with the Biggest Loser Cookbook.
- Buy This Book!
By A1YKVTUDRNJZ7 on 2008-06-10
I was astonished that a "healthy" eating cookbook could offer so many choices that taste good and are easy to make. If you are serious about eating healthy but also enjoy unique and flavorful food, this is the book for you!
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