Member Reviews
I was excited to explore recipes specifically for those suffering with hypothyroidism. It can be a slog coming up with meal ideas that are gluten free, healthy and still flavorful. While I liked the author's approach, I personally didn't find any recipes that made it in to the regular rotation at my house. Thanks for the chance to review an early copy.
Having been diagnosed with Hashimotos disease 2 years ago, I have been looking at options in my diet that may assist me in my recovery from the symptoms of hypothyroidism. I got this book on pre-release from Netgalley and although I didn't follow it religiously, I found the recipes easy to do and took some of their recommendations onboard. I found that my symptoms improved radically after removing gluten from my diet and now I am working on removing dairy.
This book was the most wanted , as many thyroid problems... All the recipes are easy to make....
the recipes in the book were easy to follow and it did give sound advice.
This was a difficult book to tackle on an e reader. In book form I would have moved from chapter to chapter according to my interest, using index keywords to search. Many of the research points admirably made seemed to be repeated in each chapter. Additionally without the opportunity for graphics especially for recipes I found I did not get to the end. However, if you had not read anything else on the matter of thyroid disease this would be very informative.
I adore a good cookbook. As someone struggling with thyroid issues, this one seemed like a great fit.
What has blown me away is all the educational material inside. My doctor has me eating gluten & soy free, but said to just do it for a while so the meds might be more effective. After reading this, I am more convinced that nutrition plays a HUGE role and have the goal to ultimately get off Synthroid.
Looking forward to trying all the recipes!
This book is a wealth of knowledge. It is basically two books in one, the first part is a very detailed and researched medical book for thyroid disease and the second part is a cookbook. This is a book to keep as a reference. The cookbook has some delicious and easy to prepare recipes.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is so much more than a cookbook. Not only does it cover recipes for every type of meal including snacks and beverages, it informs the reader on why these specific ingredients were chosen and what each will contribute to a healthy diet plan. I am not using the term "diet" to refer to weight loss. This is a nutrition plan. while weight loss may be possible while using these healy recipes, the goal is to create balance in the body.
Exceptionally well researched and documented, this book will not only help the reader and consumer understand but also be able to better inform their family, those who prepare foods for them, and ask better questions from healthcare providers.
I did refer to the authors' website while reading and downloaded the additional resources.
Thank you to Netgalley fro providing me with a copy to review.
Thank you to the authors for increasing my choices and options for healthy meals that taste far better than "diet food."
This book is a valuable asset to anyone choosing to be informed and take action on their own behalf.
The recipes are super delicious and very easy to make. However, this book is much more than a cookbook! In the early chapters the author shares information that helps you develop an understanding the thyroid and how you can best support your thyroid to nurture and expedite healing and maintaining overall wellness!
I am one of those people who has been flagged to have possible thyroid issues… in the future. Though due to recent blood tests my GP thinks I am fine for now. But that doesn’t explain the 30kg weight gain that’s taken place over the last 12 months… And so, yes, I have been looking over ways to improve my already pretty healthy eating regime to see if it can help. Which is why I was interested in ‘The Essential Thyroid Cookbook’.
Open and honest enough for you? ;-)
The book technically comes in two parts - one that discusses the importance of good nutrition for you thyroid and all the issues that can be happening if your thyroid is not healthy.
The second section is all the scrummy, easy to do recipes.
But there is also a good introduction to the people who created this fabulous book and their reasons as to why they created it.
And then some very easy to follow and, to me, essential appendixes at the end. They really DO help you understand how ‘essential’ got into the title of this book. ;-)
Okay, so that’s the brief run down on the “two” sections. Here is my long winded summary:
I found a lot of Part 1 very interesting, but thanks to my love of scholarly texts, I would have preferred more citations to follow up on some of the statements. I am NOT saying I felt they were wrong… I’m not saying I felt they were right. I just personally like scholarly texts to refer to when we discuss medical or science things. It is just one of my things. All the same, Part 1 held a LOT of good and relevant (to me) information and was a great way to introduce people to issues with the thyroid. And - when it comes to Goitrogens - THANK YOU! I have had this belief from my previous readings for some time and often shudder at people who tell me I shouldn’t eat such and such as it’s going to make me grow a goiter. Gah!
As for Part 2? Well, they had me at ‘Nourishing Drinks’ - I’m looking at you ‘Pumpkin Gingerbread Chia Smoothie’ - and had me shopping online for my cheapest copy of ‘The Essential Thyroid Cookbook’ by the time I finished reading the section on ‘Appetisers and Snacks’. Yes, the recipes are THAT good! I even tried the Blueberry Sunrise Smoothie without the orange (orange and I don’t do well together) - delicious!
Oh my! Did I just say I actually TRIED a recipe in one of the cook books I reviewed! What will my haters think? What will they pick on my reviews for now? :-D
Anyhow, I digress. Let’s get back to the fun stuff and discuss formatting and the layout of ‘The Essential Thyroid Cookbook’.
Okay, I read my free electronic copy of this book on both my tablet and my laptop. I would have to say reading it on my tablet much easier, as you get just the one recipe per page… But then again, I found it easier to navigate through the different sections and recipes on the laptop so go figure.
Either way I found the formatting neat, clean and easy to read. The recipes were also easy to follow and I can see this book doing well being owned as either an eBook or a ‘paper’ book. There are some recipe books that work better on an electronic device and I would actually lean towards that possibly being the case here.
Oh, but I will point out that the book is obviously written for an American audience as all the measurements are in imperial rather than metric. No biggie in this day and age of online conversion charts, but I also like to point out whether a cookbook is going to need a little help when being used on Australian shores. ;-) Heck, I managed!
All in all I found it an interesting and informative read and found it filled with many recipes I want to try. Yes there are my usual food intolerances to have to deal with (allium most of all) but the recipes shared within ‘The Essential Thyroid Cookbook’ are made to be flexible and therefore adaptable to my needs.
Would I recommend this book to others?
Yes I would. I mean, even if you’re not diagnosed with a thyroid issue by your GP, you just never know. And, to be honest, a short term elimination diet followed by loads of whole, fresh food recipes - this is going to make everyone feel better. Find the foods that suit you, rather than follow a diet that is doing you more harm. Simple.
Would I buy this book for myself?
Yes I would… though the paper version is a little out of my budget right now (yes, I have already been pricing it at various online stores) and so I may go the electronic version. What is more, is I only buy cook books that I plan on using! So if I feel it’s good enough to buy, you know I am going to be using it to eat and enjoy some scrummy meals.
In summary: An informative and delicious looking cookbook that has earned its title of ‘essential’.
I liked how in depth this book was. I always want more pictures in a cookbook and would have liked more here. I believe that nutrition can have an impact on thyroid health but I am hesitant to promote the author's apparent belief that it can cure the thyroid. As someone who had a thyroidectomy due to cancerous nodules I would caution people to find a doctor they trust. I trust mine and believe that thyroid meds are necessary and cannot be completely replaced by food. It's a controversial subject and everyone will have their own opinion. I will be trying out more of the recipes and do appreciate the variety included. (ARC)
In her introduction to “The Essential Thyroid Cookbook” By Lisa Markley and Jill Grunwald, Aviva Romm, MD, author of “The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution“, explains the symptoms and challenges of hypothyroidism. As somebody who has struggled with hypothyroidism my entire life, it struck a chord with me. Knowing that the struggles I endure with weight, fatigue etc. are shared, makes it a little easier. And knowing that the authors also suffer from hypothyroidism, are a registered dietitian and successful nutrition and hormone coach, convinces me that they truly can help.
Self-proclaimed “farm huggers”, the authors also like to make sure that the foods they eat are as organic and locally sourced as possible. They explained that the organic foods are higher in antioxidants which fight free radical damage and are an important consideration for immune health. The “Our Story” section of the introduction does give a lot of explanation as to why they have chosen the types of foods and recipes for this book and the background for the research to support. It is well worth the read.
“Part One, Essential Thyroid Nutrition”, explains about the thyroid, what it does for you, causes of hypothyroidism, and the relationship of gluten with your thyroid. While many of the recipes are Palio and AIP compliant and they do understand the merits of both of those diets, the authors do not believe that either is a single solution for those with a thyroid condition. The authors even provide a couple of companion sources on their website offering additional content and a nutrition guide.
The book includes a chart of the most nutritionally significant foods (thyroid and immune-supportive) and their nutritional spectrum. Vitamins and other nutrients which are particularly significant in the thyroid healthy diet are each described individually in this chapter.
“Part 2 The Essential Thyroid Kitchen” explains the do’s and don’ts for a healthy thyroid kitchen. I have to say that the level of detail is excellent. Not only do the authors tell you what should and should not be included in your kitchen, but they explain why so you can make your own decision. And for everything that they tell you to remove from your kitchen, they give you several alternatives to replace it. There is even a handy nuts/seeds chart which gives you the nutritional benefits of each. Find a handy kitchen and tools gadget section which lists the essential cooking tools you will need.
“Part 3 Essential Thyroid Recipes” with each of the recipes they give an icon to quickly identify them as “Vegan”, “Paleo”, “Autoimmune Protocol (AIP)”, “Illumination Provocation Diet”, and “30 Minutes or Less”. Each of the recipes includes a brief description at the beginning, clear easy to follow instructions, and notes regarding substitutions for each of the various diet protocols or for optional uses. Along with the icon identification, they also include a Nutrients Guide for each which lets you know what vitamins you’ll be getting. Disappointingly most of the recipes do not include a picture.
The first set of recipes is “Beverages” including many smoothie milk and tea recipes. The next set of recipes is “Breakfast”, I like how many of the recipes are 30 minutes or less. These recipes will truly make breakfast the best meal of the day.
The next section is “Appetizers and Snacks”. There are several salsas and other dip recipes included as well as some lovely snacks/appetisers. Included is a lovely “Stuffed Cremini Mushrooms with Kale and Sausage” that I will be trying soon.
“Condiments, Sauces and Seasonings” are next with a Classic Marinara Sauce that will surely become a staple. You will find a jam recipe, a parmesan substitute and even a homemade mayo, to name a few. Since the over processed store-bought varieties aren’t going to help your condition, these are super easy alternatives.
With “Plant-Based Sides” you get vegetable side dishes. The selection is small but with plenty of options. The “Roasted Root Vegetable Medley” is the only recipe I was concerned about. It doesn’t actually say what size to chop the veggies, just how to prepare the onions. I am assuming that uniformity is the key but it doesn’t specify therefore is an unknown.
The “Soups and Stews” section offers many choices from a simple chicken broth to a lovely “Creamy Broccoli Soup”. You will find a satisfying alternative for all of your go-to soups and stews. Most are even under 30 minutes!
In the “Salads” section the recipes include some lovely combinations of flavours. They even include the vinaigrette or dressing to compliment. Some, like the “Wild Salmon & Arugula Salad With Maple Toasted Pecans And Apple Cider Vinaigrette” would make a lovely lunch or dinner.
“Main Dishes” offers some tasty dinner options. You will find wraps, a roasted chicken, meatballs, fish and more. The Grass-Fed Beef Burgers With Caramelized Onions And Shiitakes” takes less than 30 minutes. It doesn’t look like it will taste like something for a special diet.
Lots Of Lovely Indulgences
Desserts are not forgotten with the “Sweets And Treats” section. Brownies, cookies, muffins and more are all covered. Lots of lovely indulgences here.
The end of the book is “Part Four: Appendixes” which includes all of the research and supporting information. Check it out if you want to (as the authors say) “geek out with us on this nitty-gritty information”.
In all, the book is a font of knowledge. I think it is a must-read for those suffering from hypothyroidism. The changes they recommend will be significant but I believe that the results will be worth it. I will definitely try to follow this book and see how it goes.
See the fill review with recipe for Warm Apple Crisp at RecipesNow! The Reviews and Recipes Magazine.
This review is in response to a complimentary review copy of the book sent by the publishers in hopes of an honest review.
The Essential Thyroid Cookbook is a phenomenal staple to own in any kitchen, whether you have Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's or not. T There is a lot of great information to unpack, including foods, vitamins and minerals that are for or against your thyroid system, the skinny on soy - wheat - carbs and their effects, and a checklist of sort for essential tools and pantry items. A near-definitive reference on Thyroid nutrition - what it's all about, myths vs facts, and of course, delicious recipes! I commend Lisa Markley and Jill Grunewald for their exhaustive research, all in support of your hypothyroid system through nutrition.
Highly recommended.
This is more than just a cookbook of recipes. There are complete and helpful information provided too. It is a great help with clear detail on what supplies are needed as well as information about thyroidism.
I have thyroid problems so I liked this book a lot because it was very clear and well written and the recipes are not overly difficult and with impossible ingredients. I like also the picture a lot and the introduction was full of new informations for me (and I bet for my doctor also).
Io ho problemi di tiroide quindi questo libro mi é piaciuto parecchio perché era ben spiegato, inoltre le ricette non erano super complicate e gli ingredienti di facile reperimento. Inoltre le foto erano belle e nell'introduzione ho trovato molte nuove informazioni sul mio problema che scommetto ignora anche il mio medico.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!
THE ESSENTIAL THYROID COOKBOOK by Lisa Markley and Jill Grunewald (Greenleaf/Blue Wheel, Sept. 19) is geared towards people with Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's, with almost three-quarters of the book related to background information on thyroid disease and various nutrients, leaving only about 75 pages for recipes, often with specialized ingredients. Clearly these authors are passionate about nutrition, health and sustainability
WoW, what a book of information!
I have to take Synthroid medication for my thyroid for the rest of my life, so when this book became available to read I smiled and requested it. What a brilliant book, everything you need to know about living with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto is in this book.
These symptoms will not go away and I can be upsetting at times but you will have more understanding of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto etc.
This book contains recipes however, I found they are not user friendly especially if you live on a budget. Plus, some of the ingredients are expensive and may be hard to find in your local supermarket. I also found the recipes not appetising and could not see me making these for my family as we all eat the same meals.
This book is a good reference book especially if you have just been diagnosed with problems with your Thyroid etc.
Thank you to Netgalley for letting me read this book and give an honest review.
Review on Good reads and Will be put on Amazon UK in the future
Lots of facts to help understand thyroid and food and how they work together. Lists of tools, ingredients and simple recipes that are nutritious and taste very, very good.
"Managing hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s is an exercise in becoming the CEO of your health."
Great book for those suffering from thyroid issues, gives a clear explanation of the thyroid and it's function. Also helpful information on keeping healthy.