The Victory Garden Companion

The USA Today fitness gurufollows up his bestselling 3-Hour Diet with this cookbook full of meal plans, weight loss tricks and inspirational testimonials. Recipes are, for the most part, surprisingly satisfying: fresh, well-seasoned and appealing enough to tempt even those unconcerned about their waistlines. The 3-Hour Diet requires weight-loss hopefuls to eat every three hours; the portion sizes in this cookbook are accordingly modest, but the recipes include indulgences like mozzarella cheese, semisweet chocolate and even filet mignon. Rich in fiber, lean protein and healthy fats, these offerings don't break any new culinary ground, but they're flavorful and easy to prepare. Barbecued Flank Steak with Grilled Veggies and Rice is a fast and delicious weeknight treat, while Sauteed Scallops with Spinach over Polenta are glam enough to serve to dinner guests. Even desserts, like the Mini Ice-Cream Sandwich, are easy and fulfilling. Some cooks will be puzzled by recipes' unnecessary shortcuts (like the canned fruit in Grilled Pork Cutlets With Citrus Salsa), and by the fact that recipes' nutritional information isn't included, a surprising oversight in a diet cookbook.