The food lover's cleanse 140 delicious, nourishing recipes that will tempt you back into healthful eating

In the foreword, Bon Appétit editor-in-chief Adam Rapaport explains that each year the magazine shares food writer Dickerman's cleanse (developed with nutritionist Marissa Lippert) with their readers. The plan doesn't dictate overly strict, hard-to-stick-with detoxing, but focuses on resetting after overindulging. Now in book form, the title includes four two-week cleanses, one for each season, and 140 inspired recipes. Readers are primed with a "Prepping for the Cleanse" tips, and Dickerman provides options for substitutions, as well as troubleshooting issues such as what to do when a birthday party hits midcleanse or if your spouse isn't participate in the eating plan. It's hard to imagine going hungry with hearty breakfasts such as bulgur with dried apricots and pistachios, or scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, chives, and rye crackers. All of the four-season dinner options include plentiful fish and seafood recipes, such as lemongrass shrimp with mushrooms, and clams with white beans and gremolata. Snacks think outside the chip bag with low-fat options such as blanched cauliflower with chickpea and hazelnut dukkah, and roasted beet and tahini dip with crudités. Menu planners and detailed shopping lists make it easier to follow the full eating cleanse. (Dec.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Since 2011, food writer Dickerman has worked with registered dietician Marissa Lippert to create an annual cleanse for Bon Appétit's website and magazine. Each cleanse featured two weeks' worth of menus built upon simple guidelines (e.g., avoid booze, limit sugar) meant to coax readers toward healthier habits. Here the author has expanded the concept into a cookbook that includes 140 à la carte recipes (e.g., oven-roasted chicken with grapes, clams with white beans and gremolata, apple slice with honey-chamomile dressing) and four two-week diet plans (one for each season) with menus and shopping lists. Throughout the book, Dickerman preaches moderation and small, meaningful changes. In keeping with this philosophy, she omits calorie counts for recipes. VERDICT Dickerman's approachable guide to whole foods-centric, occasionally meatless healthy eating can help readers curb their postholiday guilt and adopt sustainable life changes. For vegetarians and vegans, Mark Bittman's The VB6 Cookbook is a better choice. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.