Book #3 of the Paleo Book Write-up -- This is an amazing book. I knew I wanted Diane's new book, but stumbling on one of her first paleo books in the half price was a miracle. This book is BEYOND A GOD SEND. It was amazing. Half of this cookbook isn't a cookbook. The first half is broken up into two sections, the first of which answers every question you could have about paleo and how effects/heals things in your body and the second which is 30 day plans for every kind of eating problem/lifestyle out there, and tthheenn you get to the half of the book that is cook and it's above the moon fabulous.

I cannot recommend this book any higher than I already am screaming about it. Buy it, learn it, love it. ( )

You can question the science, although this book does make some really good points and has a very instinctive feel. However, there is no doubt that this book is incredibly well-thought out, organized and informative.

She has a well-written description of digestive aspects and Paleo instructions, but the best part of her book is the multiple 30-day plans. She has a plan for most chronic conditions that outline not only suggested meals but what aspects that she is trying to incorporate. While the actual effort of cooking can lead to a debate in difficulty, her 30-day plans take the thinking part out of the beginners stage (which is often the most difficult part of a diet).

Her recipe section is well-organized and has good notes in the margins for incorporating into more specific plans and even just some cooking tips. Personally, I LOVE that EVERY single recipe has a picture. The recipes are well-written and I cannot find fault in their planning/preparation. This book really has everything I look for in a cookbook or diet book, including an explanation (somewhat beyond simple lists) of what should be in your pantry. However, I will admit that I did not have a chance to try the recipes before having to return the book to the library.

One of the biggest pluses in terms of content is not just how large the book is but portion of content: the recipes account for nearly half, the meal plans account for approximately a quarter and the rest of the content is all well on-point, well-written and informative on the plans, backgrounds and how-to's of the diet. In the introduction, she even states (through narrative) her background and prejudices. Again, you can question the science and if you want to go Paleo, but the book's content and organization is impeccable!

Overall, I think this book is better than the original Paleo books, particularly in terms of practicality for one's life (there is a reason it was titled "Practical Paleo."). To drive this point home, I am planning on purchasing this book now that I must return it to the library. If you are thinking of going Paleo or are trying to be supportive of someone in the home that is, this is a really great book to have in your repertoire.

EDIT: I have since been told to go onto the FODMAP diet by a physician specialist. Since FODMAP is not a popular diet in North America, finding literature is difficult, but this cookbook has so many FODMAP-safe recipes with notes in the margins similar to her suggestions. Since the book is expensive, I have asked for it for Christmas (especially since I am not starting FODMAP until the New Year).

EDIT: I did purchase the book. ( )

You can question the science, although this book does make some really good points and has a very instinctive feel. However, there is no doubt that this book is incredibly well-thought out, organized and informative.

She has a well-written description of digestive aspects and Paleo instructions, but the best part of her book is the multiple 30-day plans. She has a plan for most chronic conditions that outline not only suggested meals but what aspects that she is trying to incorporate. While the actual effort of cooking can lead to a debate in difficulty, her 30-day plans take the thinking part out of the beginners stage (which is often the most difficult part of a diet).

Her recipe section is well-organized and has good notes in the margins for incorporating into more specific plans and even just some cooking tips. Personally, I LOVE that EVERY single recipe has a picture. The recipes are well-written and I cannot find fault in their planning/preparation. This book really has everything I look for in a cookbook or diet book, including an explanation (somewhat beyond simple lists) of what should be in your pantry. However, I will admit that I did not have a chance to try the recipes before having to return the book to the library.

One of the biggest pluses in terms of content is not just how large the book is but portion of content: the recipes account for nearly half, the meal plans account for approximately a quarter and the rest of the content is all well on-point, well-written and informative on the plans, backgrounds and how-to's of the diet. In the introduction, she even states (through narrative) her background and prejudices. Again, you can question the science and if you want to go Paleo, but the book's content and organization is impeccable!

Overall, I think this book is better than the original Paleo books, particularly in terms of practicality for one's life (there is a reason it was titled "Practical Paleo."). To drive this point home, I am planning on purchasing this book now that I must return it to the library. If you are thinking of going Paleo or are trying to be supportive of someone in the home that is, this is a really great book to have in your repertoire.

EDIT: I have since been told to go onto the FODMAP diet by a physician specialist. Since FODMAP is not a popular diet in North America, finding literature is difficult, but this cookbook has so many FODMAP-safe recipes with notes in the margins similar to her suggestions. Since the book is expensive, I have asked for it for Christmas (especially since I am not starting FODMAP until the New Year).

EDIT: I did purchase the book. ( )

Tasty recipes, questionable science. ( )

Of 411 pages the first 221 are informational as only a textbook can be... the next several pages are (seriously) "How to Chop".....

There are several chapters that are for specialty diets, and the menus are listed, but the recipes are named not included in the chapter. That makes it very difficult when you have to go look up the recipes in a different section.

The book is heavy, but the recipes are easy to see/read & interesting enough.

The vanilla almond sponge bread caught my eye, but the dessert recipes that mix bacon and chocolate made me want to hork! I mean bison, butternut cocoa chili (ewwwwwwwwwww)? Flourless mocha bacon brownies or nutty bacon bark?

I like cauliflower, but I don't think I want it pureed like mashed potatoes.

I can not see spending $39.95 on this book....... ( )