Clean(ish) Food for People Who Like to Eat Dirty - The Dude Diet

I love this cookbook! I have followed Serena's blog for a very long time so was very excited when she released a book. Her recipes are delicious and hearty but still healthier than most food. My husband loves all of her recipes and always asks, "can we (a.k.a. me) try a new recipe from that awesome blog/book?!". So many great options and she is also hilarious and a great writer. Fun, approachable and delicious! Highly recommend

I learned to cook by reading domesticate-me.com, because the recipes are so easy to follow and well broken down. So naturally I had to buy the book and once again Serena nailed it! I love the funny intros and delicious recipes and stories about Logan-- THE DUDE. I have already made a bunch of things from the book--I used it to make my first ever crumble and it was so yummy and easy and everyone was impressed. I also have made a bunch of the sides, the broccoli and brussel sprouts, and will definitely be relying on this throughout the holidays and beyond. And--of course--the dude diet christmas: the SUPERBOWL. I hope Serena publishes another book--definitely would buy!

I was in the midst of preparing PENNE WITH SPINACH PESTO and couldn't figure out how much Parmesan cheese to add to the recipe. Oh, wait a minute...there isn't ANY added (unless you want to sprinkle it on before eating) which is part of what makes this and every other recipe in the book "okay" to eat, and eat often!!! There isn't a recipe from cover to cover that isn't easy to cook AND completely and totally satisfying when you're aching for something realllly tasty that's also good to eat! The dudes in my family have been stunned by everything I've made....from the DUDE DIET PARTY MIX (yaayyyy....NO butter!!!) to the SHRIMP PAD THAI to the ultimate BOSS BEAN DIP (and a lot of "girly" food in between). This is the best cookbook I've ever had the thrill of working through. What an enormous treat in this day of fad chefs to have Serena create a most memorable, simple, delicious, healthy cookbook for ALL of us to enjoy, not just the dudes in the world!!!!! YAY!!!!

A revelation for our household. This food tastes good and we don't feel bad for eating it! The Quinoa Cheeseburger Bake is AMAZING. My husband, who is very much a dude, loves perusing and cooking from this book. Get it!

You like good food? Get this book. The author does a great job of turning typical fattened ng meals into much lighter versions--and interestingly enough, Mary matins great taste! Try the bison sliders...

Definitely one of the most helpful cookbooks I've ever encountered. Taking your boyfriend's beloved bar foods away never goes well, but this smart lady solved that problem - trick him. These healthier recipes are still SO good that of the 5 recipes I've already tried on him, all were scarfed immediately, with rave (dank) reviews all around.

I was also pumped for the recipes involving previously intimidating superfoods....quinoa, chia, sure let's give it a shot, right?

I'd also like to add that The Dude Diet is HYSTERICAL and written as though you're sitting around chatting with the author, which is super fun.

Trust me, you want to buy this book.
:)

I never write reviews. This cookbook is pretty damn awesome, so I decided to do so. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS COOKBOOK. The recipes and the author's commentary really differentiate it from others out there. I just made the Grilled Mahi Mahi with Citrus-Jalepeno salsa and it was TO DIE FOR. So fresh, flavorful and satisfying, while being healthy. LOVED IT. The simple grilled vegetables with goat cheese and the EVO, balsamic and garlic - amazing and so easy. The Cheeseburger Quinoa bake was also really good. I am going to tear through the rest of this book, but wanted to give it a huge thumbs up.

The recipes in this book are mouthwatering and prove that you don't have to have an all or nothing approach to dieting. All it takes is a little moderation, no omissions necessary. In the words of the author, HALLELUJAH.

Serena Wolf clearly proves that she's a bright new voice in the culinary (and potentially comedy) world. This cookbook will bring much humor, happiness and most importantly, delicious dude-friendly food to your table!

I'm very disappointed that this cookbook doesn't provide nutrional information for a single recipe! I will have to spend a TON of time calculating the recipes. Otherwise, many of the recipes look intriguing.

Was not what I expected from the description.. I thought these would be quick easy and nutritious meals that my father in law, who is diabetic and not very compliant, would enjoy. These were more complex than I had expected and my kitchen would require a whole staples makeover. I wouldn't mind if I had the time to play with this. But I don't at this time.

Was not what I expected from the description.. I thought these would be quick easy and nutritious meals that my father in law, who is diabetic and not very compliant, would enjoy. These were more complex than I had expected and my kitchen would require a whole staples makeover. I wouldn't mind if I had the time to play with this. But I don't at this time.

My dear readers, when you hear "The Dude Diet," what do you think it means? Honestly, I'm thinking greasy, fatty and grilled foods like hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos...etc. Well, Serena Wolf created a plan to change some of that towards a "cleaner" diet, and then The Dude Diet is born. It's so popular, we lucky folks can grab the cookbook. In the introduction, we learn how and why. Then in the first chapter, we learn the "key to success" and it sure sounds like she knows what she's talking about. I actually had fun reading the first 25 pages or so. The "Dude Commandments" is hilarious and really worth it to help guys focus on still enjoying the food they love, but a healthier/cleaner version of it. The "No-Calorie" Sunday is my version of the "Sunday Funday" in my book. It's basically not worrying the number of calories or how bad the food is for you. Well, more like, how it affects your waistline and your cholesterol. So I'm happy to see that mentioned.

From Domesticate-Me website
where The Dude Diet was born.
Now, since this is a cookbook, lets talk about food. What makes The Dude Diet a "clean(ish)" cookbook is that it substitutes what you typically use in the "dirty" (not too healthy) food with healthier versions like extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil instead of peanut or corn oil. Grains like quinoa and brown rice instead of the high in starch/sugar white rice; as well as whole wheat or panko crumbs instead of simple white bread crumbs. All this takes down the fat or sugar content in the meal, creating a "cleaner" version. There's obviously much more, but you'll have to check out the book to see. *wink wink.

I've only tried the Brown Rice Jambalaya with Shrimp and Chicken Sausage and the Fiery Ginger Wings, and I can tell you both are very yummy. In the Jambalaya, the main difference is obviously the brown rice and the chicken sausage instead of traditional white rice and andouille sausage that can kick up the sugar and fat content. For the wings, the Fiery Ginger Wings are baked instead of fried. However, I've changed one ingredient to kick it up a bit on the healthier side. I used ginger flavored seltzer instead of the nonalcoholic ginger beer, which I don't think will affect it too much. You can find ginger seltzer in Asian supermarkets. I'm sorry I don't have pictures. When it comes to cooking, I hardly ever remember to take pictures after I prepped the meal. I just want to dive right in! Despite the lack of visual on my end, I can tell you The Dude Diet is one happy cookbook for any kitchen, especially when you have a craving for a certain comfort food, you're bound to find something here, and it's "cleaner"!

For my clean readers, there are some "dude" language in the intro section, but not obtrusive.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

This book never filtered into my the store list of books you would be interested in based on past purchases and I buy way too many cookbooks from the store. Anyway, after shuttling a gang of hyper kids to various sporting events on a rainy Saturday I needed to calm myself and dropped into Barnes and Noble's cookbook section and found this gem hidden away. It immediately appealed to me, great size, I will no longer buy hulking tomes I can't keep open, good print size and layout, and fabulous photos on nearly every page. The cover photo is amazing. I mentally ticked off at least 10 recipes I wanted to try right away. Every time I look at the book I find more that I missed. The sign of a great book for me. This morning I made the The Ultimate Breakfast Quesadilla on page 10. I would post a pic except I scarfed it down off the pan. Pretty ingenious, you use the same pan multiple times. I can see where this would come in handy for a college kid or someone starting off. Also, this recipe includes broccoli so I'm getting my veg fix in the morning. Overall, the ingredient lists are readily available at least where I live. The recipes are straightforward. I think this book will really help me on the never ending quest of getting kids to eat more varied veg and proteins. I think this book would also be good for people learning how to cook. It's doable normal food but with amped up flavors. Yes, I think Ina said her food had the taste "kicked up a notch" and that is the same thing I see in all of these recipes but with a more modern twist. Finally, I always like book where you get a little background story to each recipe and you get that here. Well done Serena and thank you.

Well this book was nothing short of amazing! LOVE this book! You know how I have this great love for cookbooks - so I know a great one when I see one. Full of wonderful full color pictures (score!). Tons of great, mouth-watering recipes that are all very usable.

What I really loved about this was that these are new recipes, fresh new ideas, not the same old ones being rewritten. And some of them are pretty bold. Now, being a vegetarian - there are a lot of meat recipes in here - but you can very easily just leave out the meat or substitute tofu or Tempeh.

Another thing I really loved about this book was all the "other stuff" besides the recipes, there is lots of good advice, helpful hints, lists and charts with ideas for eating healthy.

* One I really liked was "Cravings Decoded" - if you are craving this - eat this or do this instead.
* Another good one is The Dude Diet Breakfast guidelines. "A Bagel and cream cheese is not your friend". I know! Its so sad! I love bagels and cream cheese! But I do know they are not good for you.Maybe a 100% whole Wheat bagel and very low fat cream cheese???
* But I think my favorite one is - The Dude Diet Commandments.

This book is great for everyday use. But would also make a great Christmas gift!!!! With Christmas just around the corner - don't you have a guy that you have no idea what to get??? Ta Daaaaa - Do you see the light-bulb over my head? I am now transferring said light bulb to your head. Now take your little light bulb on over and just order it already (I am ordering one for Christmas)! You won't regret it! And while you are at it, order one for yourself!

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving this book from Harper Collins & TLC book tours. Thank you!

See my full review with pictures & sample recipes - [...]

From a wife's perspective: This cook book is amazing! My husband got it as a random Christmas present that he didn't ask for and it has by far been the best present! I have tried dieting and exercising over and over. At the beginning of the year I started exercising moderately and we cook mostly from this book (best guacamole recipe ever!). I have lost 10 lbs (in 2 months) and don't feel like I have given anything up, including delicious home made mac and cheese and the best baked chicken wings ever! We also haven't seen our grocery bill go up which is a greatly different story than the other diets I have tried, not to mention the author is hilarious! I would HIGHLY recommend this book. You wont regret it.

I am completely and totally obsessed with this book. Serena has a true talent for forming delicious and intelligent recipes. I've been making Dude Diet dishes for the last couple of months and my dude and I are loving every minute. He couldn't stop raving about the buffalo chicken tenders. I love the apple pie overnight oats, quinoa crunch granola, almond butter chocolate bites, mock Taco Bell tacos and the flank steak w/ homemade salsa verde.

This is my favorite cookbook and out of my collection the one I have cooked from the most! The recipes are super easy, even for the most inexperienced chef, making it great for weeknight dinners. It's also great to incorporate in a totally approachable diet - you can still have all the food you crave, just healthier. Serena's writing is fun and super friendly. Love this cookbook and her blog, and I can't wait for her second one to come out!

Serena is such a fun person. It really comes out in her recipes and her writing. I got this book because my partner has high blood pressure and I wanted to make him healthy food he would actually eat. He is such a dude when it comes to food. Everything else he is such a sensitive caring person except with his own body. This book hits the spot!

This book is AMAZING. My fiance would live off pizza and burritos if I let him and this book has been the perfect compromise for both of our eating habits. The food is hearty enough for him, healthy enough for me and delicious enough for both of us! I also actually enjoy cooking when I use these recipes as they are so easy to follow, don't involve a million ingredients and everything can be prepared relatively quickly. I can't recommend this cook book enough, it's the best!

This book is so fantastic. I love almost every recipe. But, within a month or two of use pages started falling out and now a year later, half of the pages have come unglued. Sucks for such a great book to be made so poorly