Set for Life

This is the only cookbook in 30+ years of cooking that I have literally used to death. I am online today buying my second copy of "Set for Life" It's interresting to note that this book has been in print for almost 20 years, but the fitness principles - don't diet! Exercise regularly! Cut fats and sugars! - still apply today! Jane Merrill not only explains the proper nutritional guidelines, she shows with her great recipes that eating right can be a breeze! The whole wheat breads are all delicious and easy. The blender pancakes have been a staple and we love the alternative pancake syrups, sauces and toppings. Taco soup has also become a regular at our house! There are not very many seafood recipes, but in Idaho, we don't see a lot of seafood. Many of the recipes reflect a western background (Ranchero beans, sloppy joes, and many uses for Idaho potatoes!) If you want a taste of down-home cooking, I highly recommend this book.

If you are looking for healthy recipes for everyday items that many people eat often, this is the cookbook for you. If you want the best homemade bread recipe ever, this book's Set-Point bread recipe is the one for you. If you are looking for a healthier way to make favorite desserts, this book is for you. If you are looking for realistic, functional alternatives and substitutes that will help you be healthier, this is the book for you. In addition to good recipes, this book also contains suggestions for lifestyle changes and a schedule and set of lists to jumpstart those changes. This is not an Italian cookbook, or a French cookbook. The majority of the recipes truly are for more everyday things, like basic entrees, baked goods, desserts, breakfasts and such. A very useful addition to the person or family that is wanting to make healthy changes in their eating habits and even lifestyle.

This is not a book about dieting. It is a book about living. It is a realistic, timeless approach to exercise and eating. Fads come and go, set-for-life will stand the test of time. The recipes, though whole grained based, are very mainstream and easy to make. Unless I want to grind my own wheat (which is actually a lot of fun), I can purchase most the ingrediants at a normal grocery store. I have also learned to quickly recognize recipes from other sources that adhere to the set-point lifestyle, or that can easily be adjusted. The chapter on breads, rolls and muffins has literally changed my life. I did not grow up with fresh home-made bread. My kids will. The authors teach you step-by-step how to make large batches so that you can freeze some of the dough. The frozen dough is so easy to pull out of the freezer and bake. I believe if people only realized how delicious bread could be, and how enjoyable it is to make, all those wimpy grocery store bread companies would be out of business. By adhering to the guidlines set forth in this book, I have sacrificed nothing and gained much. Thank you Jane Merrill and Karen Sunderland for sharing your wisdom and recipes in this book.

I had Jane Merrill sign this book for me when I bought it in 1990 and it's one I use often. Great nutrition advice as well as wonderful recipes. I have found her whole wheat bread recipes and tips especially helpful. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle!

My mother-in-law introduced me to this book, and now, my husband and I are hooked. The recipes are healthy, practical, and delicious. Along with the recipes, the authors give sound advice on living an all around healthy life. I found the chapter for expecting and nursing mothers especially insightful. If you want to eat healthy, feel healthy, and look healthy without sacrificing the joy of a scrumptious meal, this book is for you. Make it your treasure book of sound advice and delicious recipes.