Author Description

If healthy eating conjures up images of hearty bean stews, and a life living on soya, then this guide by Sunday Times writer and health journalist of the year Susan Clark will radically change your view. "Knowing what is on your plate is the key to this book and why you need to read it", says Clark in her introduction. Recipes are sandwiched between the opening section detailing what a healthy diet consists of, and the final Eating for Health which covers specific problems. The end product is consequently more of an introductory health book amplified with recipes (all of which come with details on nutrients) rather than the other way round. With the educational sections punctuated with bright visuals of healthy foods, and dishes looking like they've come out of a regular cookery book, this is a very user-friendly book with a charming almost childlike quality. The fact that the recipes have been devised by a French chef (Erick Muzard, who sadly gets the tiniest of credits) means that they are refreshingly adventurous and exotic. From the Dandelion and Pancetta Salad to the innovative Strawberry Soup with Red Wine, with even tempting meat options (usually banned from health books!) in between, Muzard proves there is a healthy twist to virtually anything. -- Lorna V.