Read and Cook – Thrive: Healthy Recipes That Break the Diet Rules by Nicci Robertson

About the book:

(blurb from Penguin Random House SA)

Eating well should be one of life’s pleasures but, for many people, this is not the case. Struggles with weight, nutrition-related health issues and low self-esteem can result in food being condemned as an ‘enemy’, to be conquered at all cost. Nicci Robertson understands, and she uses her personal experience to guide readers towards improved health and wellbeing by taking a different approach to nutrition.

In Thrive, she explains how to exchange bad habits for better ones, recognise and eliminate stress factors that can contribute to lifestyle diseases, and understand the role that proteins, carbs, fats, fibre and water play in keeping us healthy. She also unpacks some common nutrition facts and myths. Her message is clear throughout when you eat the right foods in the right quantities, your body will respond positively, and you will thrive both physically and mentally. The book includes over 80 mouth-watering family-friendly recipes that are packed with flavour and nutritionally balanced. Whether your goal is weight-loss or improved health, Nicci’s recipes will have you rethinking the concept of ‘diet food’ and heading for the kitchen with enthusiasm!

My Thoughts

“Thrive” came into my life at the right time!  Apart from the fact that this book was released in January 2023 (in time for the “New Year, New Me” feels), I ended December 2022 with a bit of a health scare (or let me rather call it an “eye opener”).  This all set the scene to make a lot of changes when it comes to my lifestyle.

Nicci Robertson’s book isn’t simply a recipe book.  The first 40 pages or so, are detailing her own health journey, as well as a wealth of information and useful facts about living healthy holistically as well.  With sections discussing the effect of stress and sleep on our health, as well as the benefits of exercise, how to “ditch the excuses” and of course, the beauty of consuming nutritious, quality food.

Page through this book with me:

@roelia_reads A double #FoodieFriday feature! Page with me through “Thrive: Healthy Recipes that break the diet rules” by #NicciRobertson 🍏 The local #cookbook shows you that nutritional, healthy food doesn’t have to be bland and boring. #NewBook published by @Penguin Random House SA – do check it out! #roeliareads #roeliareadsandcooks #southafricatiktok #booktok #BookifyZA ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

The chapters are divided by courses, and here are just a few of the ones that caught my attention:

• Breakfast – Turkish Eggs, Salsa Scramble, Crustless Quiche, Baked Berry Oat Bars
• Soups – Asian Autumn Broth (We made this! So delicious!!  Added a hand-full of cooked soba noodles, and it worked so well.  It did soak up some of the broth, but it wasn’t an issue – this is seriously tasty), Summer Gazpacho, Red Lentil Soup

• Salads – Salmon Ceviche (the recipe is in the link below), Crunchy Chickpea and Lentil Salad, Thai Cucumber Salad,
• Mini meals and snacks – Sauteed Pak Choi with Ground Seeds, Baked Baby Marrow “Chips” with Parmesan, Cauliflower Bread Sticks,
• Main meals – Baked Chicken with Chorizo (the recipe is in the link below), Baked Fish with Tomatoes, Olive and Capers (the recipe is in the link below); Edamame Bean Burgers with Pineapple Salsa
• Desserts – Chocolate Banana Brownies, Apple Pie Mug Cake, Baked Lemon Cheesecake, Protein Balls,
• Smoothies and drinks – Rescue Mocktail, Protein Smoothies, Virgin Mary Mocktail,
• Sauces and marinades – Nut-free Pesto, Thai Dressing, Moroccan Spiced Paste

“Thrive” is a book that I am keen to cook more from.  There are no “hard to obtain” ingredients, and if the “Asian Autumn Broth” is anything to go by, the recipes packs a punch of flavour!  I do miss the fact that the recipes don’t have nutritional values added, but I can see past that.

Thanks PRHSA for this book!

As a teaser, here are a few recipes from “Thrive”, courtesy of Penguin Random House SA

The Details

ISBN 9781485901525

Format Trade Paperback

Recommended Price R380.00

Published January 2023

About the Author

Nicci Robertson:  https://www.reinventhealth.co.za/