Carbivore

March 4, 2024
Chef Lapine (SIBO Made Simple) promises in this informative outing that carbs can be part of a healthy and nutritious diet. She begins by providing accessible scientific context, pointing out that carbohydrates are sugar molecules that the human body breaks down into glucose, which is the “main source of energy” for cells, tissues, and organs. Though an excess of sugar can lead to inflammation, Lapine argues that cutting carbs completely can also have unfavorable effects, including an increase in production of the stress hormone cortisol and fertility issues among women. Special attention is given to “Carb All-Stars,” like oats and rice, and their numerous health benefits (“Potato starch has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and improve blood sugar control”). In addition to reducing added sugars, Lapine’s key strategy to consuming and enjoying carbs is pairing them with “carb companions,” foods with fat, fiber, or protein that help slow down sugar intake in the bloodstream. The tasty, gluten-optional recipes exemplify this strategy, with such offerings as sheet pan chicken BLT panzanella with vinegared tomatoes, spicy beef tagine with apricots and rosemary, creamy sesame noodle salad with smashed cucumbers, and chocolate peanut butter cups with crunchy quinoa. This will be a handy go-to for health-conscious home cooks looking for balanced and flavorful meals. Agent: Sally Ekus, Lisa Ekus Group.

June 10, 2024

Lapine (SIBO Made Simple) has explored wellness trends from multiple perspectives, as someone who has dealt with difficult-to-diagnose autoimmune issues and has become a big promoter of gut-healing protocols and diets that are friendly to those with the condition called SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). Lapine's new book feels as cozy as a bowl of oatmeal, chock-full of comforting dishes built around whole grains that will satisfy with their taste, simplicity, and nourishing qualities. She explains the science between going "slow carb, not low carb" and touches on current wellness practices, such as continuous glucose monitoring, while remaining level-headed in her recommendations. She offers a sugar-detox protocol, suggestions for mindful eating, and advice about how to create a more balanced plate so that readers can dig into oats, rice, and quinoa without suffering from glucose spikes. The book's organization is a little chaotic (recipes are grouped somewhat arbitrarily, based on either the type of starch, the main meal component, or the region of origin, among other categories); however, that also means that Lapine has put together some unexpected dishes that will please eaters with different dietary restrictions and culinary backgrounds. VERDICT Will satisfy readers looking for ways to enjoy foods such as upside-down cake and socca without experiencing a sugar spike.--Emily Bowles

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