150 Good Carb Mediterranean Recipes, William Morrow Publishers 2005

Several years ago, after jump-starting my own desire to shed the pounds I put on during pregnancy, I went on the Atkins Diet. I began to realize that I actually felt great, so much less bloated and so energized, by eating a diet high in protein but low in carbohydrates.

To accommodate my own palate and body temperament, I curbed some of the fat that is egregious on Atkins, albeit the cheeses of the Mediterranean, especially those of Italy, France, Spain, and Greece, are a constant source of both inspiration and temptation. I simply began to rethink the foods I have always loved to cook, dishes rooted in Mediterranean traditions that are based on fresh, seasonal vegetables, chicken and other poultry, some red meat, and lots of fish and seafood.

The Mediterranean always offers a great selection of innovative, fresh, nutritious ideas for every meal. Against the Grain is filled with satisfying, good-for-you recipes inspired by the best Mediterranean traditions. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or simply improve your eating habits, sticking to a good carb diet is a great idea. The Mediterranean diet isn’t all bread, pasta and white rice. There is plenty of other delicious food to satisfy the soul and slim down the silhouette! That’s what this book is all about.

Against the Grain was selected by the New York Times as on of the 100 best cookbooks of 2005.