Elviira Krebber

Even if you can't tell by the title, this book is more than just 100 recipes. Actually, the three first sections of this book were what I found the most interesting. On them, you'll find information about how sugar affects your body and different health conditions linked to high consumption of sugars. Also, there is a very detailed section with different varieties of sucrose (sugar cane) and syrups, their common names and their processing. Complex carbs are also explain, including the controversial high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Third section gives alternatives to sugar, starches and unhealthy carbs with details and usage suggestions for each one of them.

When changing your diet, most certainly you will need to change your grocery list. If you are familiar with ingredients such as whey protein, almond and coconut flour, psyllium husk powder and erythritol, you are good to go. Those were the "out of ordinary" ingredients I found that are used extensively. If you are vegan, this is not your book at all. Recipes can include eggs, meat and dairy products. Those on keto diet can benefit from these recipes as well. For all of you who simply want to cut on sugars/carbs without the strictness of a keto diet, this is a great option.

PIZZA FOR BREAKFAST!

Yes, you heard me, there is a "pizza" recipe in the breakfast section and while ingredient-wise it is an omelet, it looks like a cute pizza and I love it. Comforting chicken zoodle (spiralized zucchini) soup was another favorite of mine. However, most of the recipes weren't love at first sight. I expected that "low sugar, so simple" would be more about popular recipes that are naturally low on sugars and carbs without the need of special ingredients. Once you get the right ingredients, it's easy peasy recipes with no fuss but healthy benefits.

The book is divided into basics & pantry staples, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, desserts and drinks which makes it easy for choosing a whole day menu. The three dishes on the front cover are good examples of easy recipes with common ingredients, so you can actually find those as well. Yum!
*I requested an eArc from Fair Winds Press via NetGalley, Thank you! (later on i purchased the ebook version)… (mer)

This book could not have come at a better time. As newly diagnosed with diabetes II, my doctor told me that I needed to closely follow a low sugar and low carb diet. Who knew that a combo like this would not only help me to start shedding pounds, but also improve my health (my energy level has increased) and well-being. Elviira’s book has helped me to look at the foods that I have been eating and find healthier more satisfying alternatives. I like that the recipes are easy to follow and mostly uses items that I can find at the local grocer. This is not a diet, but a lifestyle change that is good for you!

I received an ebook copy from NetGally in exchange for a fair review.… (mer)

Low Sugar, So Simple: 100 Delicious Low-Sugar, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Recipes for Eating Clean and Living Healthy
I object! - NOTHING in that title even hints that these are ketogenic recipes!

The cover looks bright and casual, leading one to believe that the book is full of easy, nutritious and delicious recipes. Sugar has been under scrutiny lately, being linked to poor health and years of misinformative studies supported by unknown sources who may or may not be in the food and beverage industry. At any rate, I feel that moderation is always best, and any tips on how to lower daily sugar intake in the US can only be helpful.

The book begins with an explanation of 'How Sugar Harms Your Body'; basically the effects of sugar on your system. The second chapter covers 'Stealth Sugar' (other names for sugar, how it is hidden in everyday foods, etc) and how to avoid it. Alternatives to sugar are included and described, and pantry staples are suggested. And then, we get to the oh-so-important recipes. Because, after all, USAmericans are generally not going to eat healthily unless it is tasty and satisfying. Many people will probably have skipped right to this part of the book. So, let's explore low sugar cooking with Author Krebber.

The first section is all about condiments. Think everyday sauces, glazes, jams, spreads, breads and mayo. There is a cute English Muffin recipe there that is done in the microwave. Oddly enough, the next section is all about breakfast, which I thought English Muffins were, but no worries. Here I trudged through the typical smoothies and granola recipes that have their place in most every modern cookbook and found a light at the end of the tunnel in Sun-Dried Tomato, Basil and Pine Nut Muffins. But wait, there's more! Spinach and Artichoke Corn Muffins, Pizza Omelet (where have you been all of my life?) and the very practical Omelet-in-a-Mug.

The lunch, dinner, and snacks sections were also nicely compiled collections of unusual, light and tasty recipes. The last chapter, on drinks, I personally could have done without.

This is not a vegan or vegetarian cookbook. There are a lot of dairy products and eggs in here, and sometimes full-on meat.

I liked that nutrition information was included for every recipe. I did like that references were listed and sources included.

I did not like the dependence on erythritol* as the main sweetener, and wished there were more variation in the types of sweeteners used.

*Erythritol is a recurring ingredient in this book. It is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in fruits and some fermented foods. So far, international studies have shown that erythritol is non-glycemic and does not cause tooth decay. Also:
"Erythritol should not cause digestive upset in most people unless it is consumed in large quantities of over 50 grams."
BUT there have not been many studies, and often studies are sponsored or underwritten by companies who are in the food industry, and might not be completely objective. Just, be careful.

*eARC Netgalley*… (mer)