Men's Health Muscle Chow

December 3, 2007
You don't have to be a gym rat to appreciate what certified personal trainer and Men's Health cover model Avedon has to say in this sensible, easily customizable approach to nutrition and fitness. Unsurprisingly, Avedon's technique boils down to eating a series of small meals throughout the day, emphasizing lean meats, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Some recipes, most notably protein shakes, call for protein powder and/or other nutrients requiring a special trip to the health food store, but most other ingredients are easily sourced. The most jarring adjustment for those following Avedon's program will likely be the absence of salt and refined white sugar in virtually all of his 150-plus recipes: sweet dishes like Raspberry Mocha Chocolate Chip Cookies and Peach Cobbler use stevia or a similar sugar substitute. Once readers get past that hurdle they'll find plenty of easy-to-prepare recipes that taste as good as they sound. Avedon has thoughtfully weighted the book in favor of familiar classics like deviled eggs, chili, meatloaf, lasagna and key lime pie, as well as familiar health-food staples like baked squash and steamed fish.

December 17, 2007
You don't have to be a gym rat to appreciate what certified personal trainer and Men's Health cover model Avedon has to say in this sensible, easily customizable approach to nutrition and fitness. Unsurprisingly, Avedon's technique boils down to eating a series of small meals throughout the day, emphasizing lean meats, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Some recipes, most notably protein shakes, call for protein powder and/or other nutrients requiring a special trip to the health food store, but most other ingredients are easily sourced. The most jarring adjustment for those following Avedon's program will likely be the absence of salt and refined white sugar in virtually all of his 150-plus recipes: sweet dishes like Raspberry Mocha Chocolate Chip Cookies and Peach Cobbler use stevia or a similar sugar substitute. Once readers get past that hurdle they'll find plenty of easy-to-prepare recipes that taste as good as they sound. Avedon has thoughtfully weighted the book in favor of familiar classics like deviled eggs, chili, meatloaf, lasagna and key lime pie, as well as familiar health-food staples like baked squash and steamed fish.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.