THE PUMP ENERGY FOOD: A Revolutionary Cookbook and Eating Plan to Create the Body of Your Dreams

The Pump Energy Food has been serving health-minded Manhattanites high-protein fare since 1997, well before "low carb" became the mantra of the day. This collection of recipes and healthy-eating tips from the restaurant's owners is one of the stronger offerings on today's high-protein cookbook shelf: it explains how to make filling, flavorful foods and has a friendly, community feel to it, thanks in part to the numerous recipe introductions featuring commentary by the authors on customers' reactions to the dishes. The Kapelonises, who now operate four Pump restaurants in New York, list the "right foods" and the "wrong foods," and anyone who's been paying moderate attention to current diet crazes won't be surprised to find fish, chicken, turkey, egg whites, beans, nuts and brown rice on the "right" list, and white bread, white pasta, fried foods, butter and sugary beverages on the "wrong" list. Where the book shines is in its recipes, which cover appetizers, salads, main courses (meat and vegetarian), pizzas and burgers, salads, vegetable sides, shakes and juices, and the restaurant's famous "Super-Charged Plates." Although the book will be of most interest to athletes and other active people, its food—Ginger-Tofu Stir-Fry, Chicken with Spinach and Ricotta, Eggplant Carpaccio, Banana-Strawberry Soy Protein Shake, Pump Apple Pie—is so tasty, it'll appeal to all. (Jan.)