Did you ever stop and think that the standard American diet can literally be abbreviated S.A.D. Sad. Our typical American died is sad. It is high in meat, dairy, refined sugar, processed foods and junk. Just do a quick internet search of Standard American Diet and prepare to be overwhelmed with S.A.D.ness. (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.). So just what is a concerned mother with growing kids supposed to do? Back away from the Cheetos and cookies (keep them for special treats) and shake things up. Get healthy, eat fresh!
I know, I know. You’re probably thinking, but it’s so hard. But that is where this awesome new book I’m about to tell you about comes in. It’s called Kitchen Matters and I am obsessed!
Kitchen Matters author Pamela Salzman is a certified holistic health counselor who has been teaching cooking classes in Los Angeles to some of Hollywood’s elite since 2008. I actually first heard about her via Molly Sims and Nicole Richie has been very open about her love for Salzman on Twitter. The mother of three also runs her popular eponymous blog where she shares amazing, seasonal recipes. Her cookbook’s introduction boldly states her philosophy: “Eat Well, Live Well, Be Well.” Now that is a position I can get behind!
Salzman’s recipes are simple, straightforward and rely on high-quality whole foods. She has great tips on meal planning, prep and easy kitchen swaps to make your foods healthier and tastier. Her book is proof positive that eating right doesn’t have to be absent of flavor or boring. And you certainly don’t have to spend hours on end in the kitchen or at the market sourcing impossible to find ingredients. Repeat after me: Simple… straightforward… seasonal.
Salzman states in her introduction, “Food should provide nourishment, pleasure and sustenance, not stress and anxiety.” Seriously, how many times have you stressed yourself out over preparing healthy meals for your family? If you’re like me, probably a lot. I’m constantly asking myself, “Are my kids getting enough fruits and vegetables?” “Is this dinner giving them the nourishment they need to build strong bones and lean muscles?” “Oh my gosh, are there pesticides on this?” The stress is real, and I’m someone who loves to cook, if cooking isn’t really your forte I imagine that the stress is astronomical. But don’t fret, Salzman’s tips really do help take a lot of the apprehension out of the kitchen, I promise.
Salzman has said in interviews that she tries to balance her diet in a 90/10 ratio with 90% healthy, nourishing foods and 10% treats. She also totally believes in cheat days, but her recipes are so good you won’t be nearly as tempted to cheat.
My favorite part of Kitchen Matters is, hands down, her guide to roasting common vegetables (you can find it on Pages 104-105 in the book). I can’t tell you how many times I want to roast something but can’t remember the right temperature or time. Salzman has it all spelled out for you right there so you’ll never have to search at the last minute again! Genius!
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