Biographical note:

Lisa Howard is a recipe developer, food writer, cooking instructor, and culinary speaker whose passion is helping people understand the health aspects of food while also embracing the creative, fun side of being in the kitchen. She speaks and teaches at community centers and libraries nationwide, writes for Clean Eating magazine and other culinary and health publications, and frequently posts on her blog, http://theculturedcook.com/.  

Main description:

Despite what many people might think, a gluten-free diet can be just as unhealthy as the standard American diet (also known as SAD). This is due to the fact that most store-bought gluten-free items--as well as many recipes in gluten-free cookbooks--include refined sugar, starches, fillers, and other nutrient-dead foods. You're likely familiar with some of these ingredients already: White rice, flour, potato-starch, Xantham gum, corn-starch, tapioca flour, Guar gum. Healthier Gluten-Free is a unique cookbook that educates the reader on how to cook without nutritionally deficient ingredients like xanathan gum and starchy flours and instead prepare recipes and meals that focus on flavorful, health-full, naturally gluten-free ingredients, such as: Healthy whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, etc.--all of which are gluten-free) Healthy flours (almond flour, coconut flour, millet flour) Healthy fats and binding agents (coconut oil, nut butters, eggs, avocado) Healthy sweeteners (maple syrup, molasses, honey) An abundance of produce and lean meats; It's clean eating, gluten-free style.

Review quote:

"Healthier Gluten-Free: All-Natural Whole-Grain Recipes Made with Healthy Ingredients and Zero Fillers is filled with recipes for gluten-free versions of favorites like baked goods and pizza. Nearly all recipes come with a recipe note about a specific ingredient or a tip or a technique." - Detroit Free Press

Review quote:

"Lisa has produced a cookbook that is both beautiful and helpful for all those embracing the gluten-free lifestyle. From recipe tips to tutorials on ingredients and delightful recipes, this book offers sound advice on how to make informed choices as you cook and bake gluten-free." -Alice Bast, President & CEO of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness

Review quote:

"Lisa Howard has loadded up her new gluten-free cookbook with well researched information--it's a treasure trove of ingredient insight for fluten-free cooks!" -Annalise Roberts, author of Gluten-Free Baking Classics

Review quote:

"People who go gluten-free often turn to specialty foods that are loaded with calories and lacking in nutrients. As a nutrition fanatic and advocate for healthy eating, I am delighted to see this terrific new resource for living the gluten-free lifestyle in a healthy manner." -Dana Korn, author of Living Gluten-Free For Dummies