The All-Natural Diabetes Cookbook

Starred review from December 31, 2007
Operating under the premise that “fresh is best,†registered dietician Newgent offers a wealth of terrific healthy ideas for diners of all stripes. With an emphasis on the classics, Newgent offers ingenious tips to cut fat and cholesterol, like using silken tofu to emulsify the hollandaise sauce for her Eggs Benedict, or using cottage cheese in lieu of butter to keep lean burgers moist. She dispels the myth that healthy eating has to be bland, evidenced in her Tequila-Lime Chicken with Fettuccine in Creamy Jalapeno Sauce, Moroccan Turkey Burger and Beer-Brewed Sloppy Joes. Common dishes like Chef's Salad get a zesty burst of flavor from a tarragon-laced balsamic dressing, and a fingerling potato salad is dressed in a low-fat sour cream sauce loaded with dill, chives and Creole mustard. Newgent makes it easy to stick to one's diet, including advice on doubling many of the recipes as well as make-ahead tips, online resources and trivia. Diabetic exchange information is included for each dish, as well as a substitution guide for ingredients like sour cream, cheese and sugar.

Starred review from October 1, 2007
Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health problems facing the United States. Newgent, in conjunction with the American Diabetes Association, presents an innovative cookbook designed to provide diabetes-friendly recipes that emphasize fresh and organically grown produce. The author, a culinary nutritionist and consultant, defines "natural" ingredients as those that have been minimally processed, grown without antibiotics, contain no trans or hydrogenated fats, and are free of artificial or synthetic ingredients. Each recipe includes the diabetic exchanges and a detailed nutrition analysis. Mixed in with the recipes are lots of tips labeled as "Fresh Facts" or "Food Flairs." A wide variety of food styles are presented, ranging from Southern Black-Eyed Pea Salad to Vietnamese-Style Beef and Soba Noodle Soup. Even desserts are here, with such enticing options as Fudgy Brownies and New Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies. Highly recommended for all cooking collections.Deborah Lee, Mississippi State Univ. Libs., Starkville

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