Real Food Heals

Starred review from June 19, 2017
Chef and restaurateur Mullen (Hero Food) was at the height of his career when he developed rheumatoid arthritis. The pain became so severe that, after a decade of research, he developed a new approach to healthy living that’s heavy on fresh ingredients and low on effort. In this outstanding collection, readers will be introduced to Mullen’s flavor-first approach, with simple, tasty dishes such as sliced peaches with feta, pistachios, and honey; a rich, risottolike oats with bacon, mushrooms, and fried eggs; and a kale chicken caesar salad with quinoa and pecans. Though the book includes a handful of meat and fish recipes, the majority of the recipes are must-try vegetarian fare such as cremini carpaccio; summer squash stuffed with mushrooms, pepitas, and goat cheese; and his deceptively simple Tropical Energy Bar, composed of macadamia nuts, dried pineapple, chia seeds, and coconut. With tips on managing cravings and dietary choices (e.g., eat plenty of vegetables, good fats, and proteins), Mullen’s tone is more conversational than preachy. Readers interested in transitioning to a healthier diet—particularly those new to the kitchen—are sure to appreciate this terrifically accessible approach.