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Damn Delicious Meal Prep: 115 Easy Recipes for Low-Calorie, High-Energy Living
Meal prep is the best thing to happen to healthy eating -- and Damn Delicious Meal Prep makes it tastier than ever!It's 6:00 pm, and you have nothing planned for dinner. Again. If you're like many folks, including blogger and author Chungah Rhee, this happens more often than you care to admit! Wanting to regain control of her health and eating habits, Chungah turned to meal the secret weapon that keeps everyone from celebrities and athletes to busy parents and young professionals on-track and eating well. Chungah quickly found that meal prep is an amazing way to save time and money and to keep you and your family eating healthy all week long. By taking the time to plan your meals, prep ingredients, and do some cooking ahead of time, it's easy to have perfectly portioned healthy options at your fingertips for any time of the day.Inside are Chungah's go-to recipes-including some favorites from the blog. You'll find inspiration for delectable protein-packed breakfasts, energy-boosting snacks, and slimmed-down comfort food favorites-none of which sacrifice flavor. Who wouldn't be enticed by a 205-calorie Breakfast Croissant Sandwich or an under-500-calorie Mason Jar Lasagna? She also arms readers with dozens of tools for making habit changes actually stick. This indispensable cookbook is sure to help you live a healthier (and more delicious) life.
435 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 4, 2019
My friend and I have been doing the meal preps from this book for over a month now. I love that with just an hour or two on Sunday I have healthy breakfasts and lunches for a week. With just a few exceptions, the directions have been easy to follow, the calories and serving sizes correct, and everything I have had has been delicious so far. Its been a game-changer for me, literally.
February 25, 2019
I have only made two meals from this book so far. I look forward to making more from the recipes listed and yes they were damn delicious; Ham, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Quesadillas; Rainbow Coconut Smoothie. The four quesadilla meals lasted three days, I ate one the day I made them, next day breakfast and two dinners. I had two of the smoothies and the rest are still in the freezer.
This book is well organized, provides meal selections for throughout the day and a nice selections of cuisines. The main thing I like about this book is the main focus of the title: Damn Delicious. The secondary thing I like about the book, many of the meals seamed to fit what I want from a meal; fruits/vegetable(s), a starch and some protein.
A little about me: I am a home cook/baker and in no way a professional. Like many people in this world my health was falling apart and living on fast processed foods. Ten years ago I took a few cooking and baking courses at SurLaTable, read a ton of books and spent lots of time in my mediocre, but well stocked kitchen. It seems like I have made everything from baguettes, croissants, soufflés, soups and stews, roasting and grilling, cakes, pies and cookies, homemade pastas, sushi, dumplings, homemade tortillas, canning and more.
I believe most people that endeavors into cooking and no matter what part of the mountain they start at will end up at the pinnacle called “Meal Prepping”. Or they fall off the mountain and end up back at eating processed foods for convenience. I believe many people that starts to learn about cooking, learns to cook or bake a single item well. Over time one will learn how to put together complete meals. Typically starting with a large chunk of protein followed by some starch with a small amount of vegetable(s). As ones health continues to decline, then one tries to reverse that trend, Starting with the vegetable as the main, followed by a starch and a small amount of protein. In this book, every recipe seems to have a generous amount of fruits and vegetables which I like as I am trying my best to lower my meat consumption (This is not easy for me to do).
Why meal prepping? I am getting tired of spending a large chunk of my time living in the kitchen. Yes, my health is improving and I am getting stronger (gym). I want to continue to getting healthier, eat better and get plenty of exercise. But I also want more time for other things in life, to read more, travel more, visit friends and enjoy life. I feel “Meal prepping” is more than just leftovers, it is about having a balanced meal and a having a balanced life.
When it come to cookbooks, I cannot have enough. This is not my first book on meal prepping nor will it be my last.
This book is well organized, provides meal selections for throughout the day and a nice selections of cuisines. The main thing I like about this book is the main focus of the title: Damn Delicious. The secondary thing I like about the book, many of the meals seamed to fit what I want from a meal; fruits/vegetable(s), a starch and some protein.
A little about me: I am a home cook/baker and in no way a professional. Like many people in this world my health was falling apart and living on fast processed foods. Ten years ago I took a few cooking and baking courses at SurLaTable, read a ton of books and spent lots of time in my mediocre, but well stocked kitchen. It seems like I have made everything from baguettes, croissants, soufflés, soups and stews, roasting and grilling, cakes, pies and cookies, homemade pastas, sushi, dumplings, homemade tortillas, canning and more.
I believe most people that endeavors into cooking and no matter what part of the mountain they start at will end up at the pinnacle called “Meal Prepping”. Or they fall off the mountain and end up back at eating processed foods for convenience. I believe many people that starts to learn about cooking, learns to cook or bake a single item well. Over time one will learn how to put together complete meals. Typically starting with a large chunk of protein followed by some starch with a small amount of vegetable(s). As ones health continues to decline, then one tries to reverse that trend, Starting with the vegetable as the main, followed by a starch and a small amount of protein. In this book, every recipe seems to have a generous amount of fruits and vegetables which I like as I am trying my best to lower my meat consumption (This is not easy for me to do).
Why meal prepping? I am getting tired of spending a large chunk of my time living in the kitchen. Yes, my health is improving and I am getting stronger (gym). I want to continue to getting healthier, eat better and get plenty of exercise. But I also want more time for other things in life, to read more, travel more, visit friends and enjoy life. I feel “Meal prepping” is more than just leftovers, it is about having a balanced meal and a having a balanced life.
When it come to cookbooks, I cannot have enough. This is not my first book on meal prepping nor will it be my last.
April 16, 2019
I am eager to try many of the recipes, especially the ones for cold or hot lunches that can be assembled into containers and then taken to work. The section on smoothies is a throwaway for me personally, as I hate smoothies and anything asking me to put protein powder into it (blech). Everything else sounds tasty and doable, without too many fancy steps or ingredients.
I rolled my eyes at some of the story-telling accompanying the recipes, as they felt a bit shame-y. "Only put cheese on if it is leg and butt day at the gym, LOLZ." Don't bother reading that junk, just make the food.
I rolled my eyes at some of the story-telling accompanying the recipes, as they felt a bit shame-y. "Only put cheese on if it is leg and butt day at the gym, LOLZ." Don't bother reading that junk, just make the food.
March 21, 2019
Not what I expected, and I'm not impressed.
I expected recipes that offered steps that could be completed days before the day of the meal--allowing busy people to complete most of the work for weeknight meals during the weekend. A large percentage of the 'recipes' consist of throwing all the ingredients into a bowl and then dividing everything into portions to be stuck in the refrigerator until time to eat.
I think I choose all of two recipes to consider. I've read much better cookbooks geared toward prepping ahead of time or creating batch dishes.
I expected recipes that offered steps that could be completed days before the day of the meal--allowing busy people to complete most of the work for weeknight meals during the weekend. A large percentage of the 'recipes' consist of throwing all the ingredients into a bowl and then dividing everything into portions to be stuck in the refrigerator until time to eat.
I think I choose all of two recipes to consider. I've read much better cookbooks geared toward prepping ahead of time or creating batch dishes.
June 14, 2019
You lost me at Chicago hot dog salad.
February 12, 2022
Great food photography and staging. Okay with that said this is less of a meal prep book and more of a make a large meal and eat the leftovers for 3-4 days kind of book.
May 17, 2021
Not at all what I was hoping it would be. This is less about meal prep and more about portioning.
Plus even though it talks about doing all the work on the wekend for the week. Just about every recipe has a stated refrigerator life of 2-4 days.
Plus even though it talks about doing all the work on the wekend for the week. Just about every recipe has a stated refrigerator life of 2-4 days.
May 22, 2019
Great pictures and easy to follow recipes. I liked the whole day menus with shopping lists included.
March 5, 2022
A great concept in a cookbook for anyone struggling to eat healthy with minimal prep and have grab and go meals at the ready. I have tried two recipes so far and both were delicious. The breakfast with cheesy scrambled eggs, sausage, roast potatoes and broccoli was a great way to start the day with lots of protein and minimal carbs. I substituted 1/2 potatoes with parsnips and sweet potatoes to get even more veg at breakfast. We also really liked the Buffalo cauliflower Cobb salad.
July 4, 2022
This will be a frequent go-to when school starts again!
May 11, 2019
So many yummy looking recipes! There were a few that had way too many ingredients for my particular cooking preference, but to each his own. Can’t wait to get cooking and prepping.
April 18, 2022
I loved Rhee's first cookbook and have made many recipes from her blog. This cookbook however, was a total fail for me.
1) There is no such thing as a detox food. If your body is not doing its job of detoxing you then you need a new liver not a new diet.
2) Why do at least 30% of the recipes have kale? Including the breakfast recipes. Kale is not our savior. There are tons of gorgeous green leafy vegetables that are far more delicious, freeze well, and don't make me feel like a goat when I sit down to eat.
3) I feel like there is just nothing new here. 90% of these recipes can be found in a Google search.
4) I don't like to rate cookbooks unless I've made three recipes from them but I sincerely not find three recipes in this book that I wanted to make.
1) There is no such thing as a detox food. If your body is not doing its job of detoxing you then you need a new liver not a new diet.
2) Why do at least 30% of the recipes have kale? Including the breakfast recipes. Kale is not our savior. There are tons of gorgeous green leafy vegetables that are far more delicious, freeze well, and don't make me feel like a goat when I sit down to eat.
3) I feel like there is just nothing new here. 90% of these recipes can be found in a Google search.
4) I don't like to rate cookbooks unless I've made three recipes from them but I sincerely not find three recipes in this book that I wanted to make.
October 28, 2019
A few recipes sound great; some sound awful. I’m looking at you, Chicago Hot Dog Salad. The frustration comes from the inconsistency of portions. Some are one serving, some up to 6, some are for 4 portions but the food will only keep for 2 days. For example, there is a bagel prep meal with salmon that makes 4 servings but only keeps for 2 days. Eating 4 day old smoked salmon just isn’t great for you.
Also a general note on food safety, there should be more attention paid to cooling items down before putting them away and the fact that reheating items is dependent on the types for foods being reheated at different temps. Overall, good ideas but not a consistent go.
Also a general note on food safety, there should be more attention paid to cooling items down before putting them away and the fact that reheating items is dependent on the types for foods being reheated at different temps. Overall, good ideas but not a consistent go.
May 28, 2019
My library's book display got me again. This is a straight forward book that reads very much like a blog [not a bad thing!]. Lots of great recipes and ideas. My only negative is that this is a MEAL PREPPING book, which starts out with a story of how Rhee uses this method to cook on a Sunday and eat for the rest of the week. And yet many of the recipes are only good for 2-3 days.
Um, no.
I'm sure that's all for safety reasons but still. 2-3 days? For meal prepping??
Um, no.
I'm sure that's all for safety reasons but still. 2-3 days? For meal prepping??
September 27, 2020
I enjoy her cookbooks. Great ideas for meal prep!!!
January 3, 2021
I’m trying to ease into a healthier way of eating after treating my body really badly over the holidays. I’ve had this cookbook for a while and I can tell it’s gonna be extremely useful. There’s a great range of recipes, from snack boxes that are mostly assembly, to full dinners that are freezer-friendly. I like that the recipes are virtuous (with some bonus nutrition info provided before each one), but not really diet-recipes. They’re not for inducing misery, but for taking better care of yourself.
I’ve tried the Korean beef bowls and they were very tasty. My next project is testing out some of the smoothies, and getting my mitts on a mini donut pan to make the pumpkin protein mini donuts, because they look incredible. I think some of the snack boxes will up my lunch game at work as well.
Overall, highly recommend. Even if you don’t wanna meal prep your entire life, the recipes are worth it.
I’ve tried the Korean beef bowls and they were very tasty. My next project is testing out some of the smoothies, and getting my mitts on a mini donut pan to make the pumpkin protein mini donuts, because they look incredible. I think some of the snack boxes will up my lunch game at work as well.
Overall, highly recommend. Even if you don’t wanna meal prep your entire life, the recipes are worth it.
September 15, 2019
This is a good cookbook for busy people, especially if you're trying to eat healthy. I thought the recipes for lunch were the best; she also has some creative ideas for breakfast. I thought the book was well-organized and there are photos and nutritional information for all the recipes. The only thing I wasn't wild about is that the recipes are usually only 2-3 servings (though you can double, or triple. . .just more work) - if you're prepping for a family, you would need to do that. And many of the recipes need to be rounded out with more food, like veggies or fruit that you would also need to include with the meal. So the recipe technically isn't delivering the full meal.
But, overall, this is a great cookbook if you'd like to get your lunches packed in one shot on a Sunday night.
But, overall, this is a great cookbook if you'd like to get your lunches packed in one shot on a Sunday night.
February 19, 2019
I already really liked the Damn Delicious blog and had found lots of recipes I've tried and want to try. In this book she focuses on meal prep which helps create quick meals with whole foods. I really liked her meal prepping ideas and tools and she gives several examples of how to use one ingredient many ways for many different meals. That way you're not getting burned out eating the same meal over and over for several days. There were definitely lots of recipes I want to try in this one. If you're already a fan of Damn Delicious or just want some quick, good recipe ideas this is one to check out.
May 22, 2019
I love the Damn Delicious blog and stumbled upon her book accidentally. I have been curious more about meal prep and making it easier for me so this book came at the perfect time. Chungah gives very clear and easy directions. Her recipes are also simple and include very commonly found ingredients. I really appreciate that as someone in Ohio and who has limited places to get higher end/more difficult to find ingredients. She has a lot of great variety of recipes and you can tell she likes certain types of food more then others. I can't wait to try some of the recipes!
May 5, 2019
A bit past halfway through she disposes of the meal prep pretense and starts in with regular recipies, which, for some reason, is outrageously funny to me.
Also, the number of servings each recipe makes varies wildly from page to page, so keep an eye on that if you don't want to be eating lentil soup until you're driven to madness or, I suppose, if you do.
That said, most of this looks edible, even tasty.
Also, the number of servings each recipe makes varies wildly from page to page, so keep an eye on that if you don't want to be eating lentil soup until you're driven to madness or, I suppose, if you do.
That said, most of this looks edible, even tasty.
December 20, 2019
I am always trying to find new ideas for meal prep and I like this book for presenting new ideas to brighten up the work day lunch. There are great tips to make meals that are easy and will keep fresh for a few days. Some of the recipes are a miss, I am not sure about garlic oatmeal for breakfast, and there are others that are simply ideas to assemble snack boxes but there are a few fun recipes that I would like to try.
December 22, 2019
I loved the idea of “meal prep” but didn’t think it was something I’d be able to maintain. I bought his book, a few containers and gave it a shot. It really is so easy, and so helpful. My son and I plan meals, grocery shop and put everything together one day a week. There are 4 adults in the house, and with these meals we’re all saving money and eating better. I bought the hard cover and partitioned containers for my oldest daughter for Christmas, I think she’ll appreciate them.
July 31, 2019
Damn Delicious is one of my favorite go to food blogs. When I saw they had a cookbook out, I wanted to scope it out. It is now in my Amazon cart. While I felt the meals that were in the front part of the book were more appealing, I walked away with enough to justify purchase of the book and bonus, the recipes (for the most part) are not on the blog.
It will be well worth the $$$.
It will be well worth the $$$.
May 9, 2020
I loved this cookbook because it had a little bit of everything. Each member of my family picked one thing, and we made it. We made overnight oats, soup, salad and a couple of dinner recipes. The pictures made everything look appetizing, and the directions were easy - low-cal too. I want to
try some of the smoothies and get containers for the to-go lunches. -Pam
try some of the smoothies and get containers for the to-go lunches. -Pam
March 8, 2021
I was looking for some meal prep ideas mainly for breakfast and lunch. I got a few ideas from this book but it wasn't as useful as I was hoping. There were some good ideas but many were basically putting several separate ingredients in a box and calling it lunch meal prep. I wouldn't really count this as a recipe.
June 13, 2022
This was a good little cookbook. I tried multiple recipes. Mostly I was interested in the soups - all of which came out well. Also made the snack bites with oats and cashew butter. I have since made this recipe multiple times with different variations; changing the type of butter and other ingredients (ie: in place of dehydrated strawberry used dried pineapple or apricot).
May 3, 2023
Had a few good options but there are better meal prep options out there. This is more like how to make a large meal and then reheat it several times. It doesn't even necessarily have great guides for what can be frozen, reheated, whatever. I also find it funny when meal prep books have so many seafood options; not that I don't love seafood but it's notoriously not great for reheating.
January 18, 2024
After a years-long slump in the meal-planning department, this book saved the day. I’ve tried many recipes, from breakfast to supper and everything in between. Every recipe we’ve tried has been delicious.
I do food prep for breakfast and lunch, but for supper, I just make the meal the day we eat it.
I do food prep for breakfast and lunch, but for supper, I just make the meal the day we eat it.
February 9, 2019
I’ve always loved Chungah Rhee’s Damn Delicious blog. This cookbook provides some delicious, easy recipes with nutritional information and tips! Rhee’s lighthearted, playful, and personal writing style also makes this book feel like I’m learning recipes from a friend!
May 20, 2019
Great ideas and beautiful photos
This book is well organized and full of good ideas that are also healthy. I love reading her comments and looking through all of the beautiful photos.
This book is well organized and full of good ideas that are also healthy. I love reading her comments and looking through all of the beautiful photos.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews