By Diane Kress

Lifelong Books, $18.95, 328 pages

Do you suffer from irritability and fatigue? Is the roll of fat around your midsection increasing even though your calorie intake isn’t? Are you exercising but still gaining weight? Perhaps the answers aren’t as simple as an adjustment to your diet. Maybe the culprit is metabolic syndrome or Metabolism B.

After an explanation of the hormonal imbalance known as Met B, Registered Dietician Diane Kress revisits the three steps of the metabolism miracle: carb rehab, transitions, and keeping weight off for a lifetime. Kress draws from her personal experience and whips up 175 appetizing recipes in The Metabolism Miracle Cookbook. I know what you’re thinking. It’s a diet cookbook, so the recipes probably lack in taste. You guessed incorrectly. Kress’s recipes incorporate basic ingredients already stored in your pantry. With recipes for Lemon-Garlic Chicken, Roasted Sweet Potato Fries, or Pumpkin Bread Pudding, readers will wonder when the dieting begins.

Each recipe lists the metabolism miracle steps the recipe fits, in addition to author tips. Since I’ve struggled with weight issues, I found the background information about Met B intriguing. The recipes feature tasty ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes that guide readers toward a healthier lifestyle. The Metabolism Miracle Cookbook offers research-based information that sounds like a trusted friend talking to you over a Chocolate-Peanut Butter Smoothie.

Reviewed by LuAnn Schindler