Just in case you don’t know what we’re talking about – here’s LCHF nutrition in a nutshell. It usually stands for low-carb, high-fat, but in this instance, it is low-carb, healthy fat cooking that is delicious, good for you and simple.
This means you are probably going to eat more fat than before, however, the emphasis is on healthy sources of fat. LCHF is not a diet, it’s a way of life and a way of eating that celebrates whole foods, which are minimally processed and generally don’t come in packages.
From the team behind best-selling book What the Fat? How to Live the Ultimate Low-carb Healthy-fat Lifestyle – Professor Grant Schofield, Dr Caryn Zinn and Craig Roger – this new family-friendly collection What the Fat? Recipes dishes up 130 easy ideas that make adopting a low-carb, healthy-fat lifestyle achievable for everyone.
Grant Schofield is often referred to as the ‘fat professor’ and is charged with helping Kiwis live longer, healthier lives and to enjoy and excel in sport, through the charitable trust Human Potential Centre at AUT Millennium.
"The science behind eating more fat and [fewer] carbs and embracing the LCHF lifestyle has now become overwhelming,” he explains. "We’ve moved from being a fringe science to a mainstream one. The good news is that this is a great way to eat, to feel satisfied and to stay in shape at the same time.
"The medical community is continuing to embrace the new science and to acknowledge that the low-fat dietary guidelines may be one of the biggest medicine mistakes of all time. The time has come for us all to both enjoy our food and stay healthy at the same time.”
Michelin-trained Chef, Craig Roger says every recipe in this new book is a personal favourite that has given him a lot of joy, both in cooking and eating.
"I do hope you enjoy them as much as I do. I also hope that your book becomes dog-eared through use, is not free from finger-marks and the odd ingredient splash and becomes a constant presence in your whole-food kitchen,” he reflects.
Wholefood dietitian, Dr Caryn Zinn says the recipes are designed to keep readers focused on their health goals and nourished with nutrient-dense, delicious meals for all occasions.
From WTF kung pao chicken and Vietnamese super slaw to zucchetti carbonara and guilt-free chocolate mousse, the result is an inspirational collection of recipes that will convert even the hardiest of carb consumers.
Broken into breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, sweets and drinks – even children’s party treats – each recipe includes per serve nutritional information for carbs, protein, fat and energy, as well as guidelines for dairy-free and vegetarian options.
Who doesn’t love banana bread? Not only is this WTF banana bread recipe super easy, but it also always impresses and is a great way to use up any bananas that might have passed their best. Topped with pumpkin and sunflower seeds and chopped nuts, it is an ideal accompaniment to a morning cuppa or caffeine shot of choice, and also a healthy after-school or lunchbox snack for the kids.
Everyone loves sushi, right? This WTF quinoa sushi version does require some care, but is totally worthwhile as guests are awed by the sight of these mighty tasty morsels on a finger food platter at your next special occasion. You can find all the sushi-specific ingredients at the supermarket in the ‘international’ section; for a lower carb option try using cauliflower rice instead of quinoa.
Those looking for the classic rich ‘keto fat bomb’, here’s WTF chocolate truffles that are guaranteed to be simple, tasty and full of fat. Don’t eat them all at once – they’re so rich you’ll only need one or two; don’t say we didn’t warn you!
These dangerous delights will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator when stored in a container with a tight-fitting lid.
With sections covering getting set up for LCHF cooking, nutrition, pantry essentials and meal planning, this book will become a go-to guide for families wanting to embrace a WTF diet and lifestyle.
Extracted from What the Fat? Recipes by Grant Schofield, Caryn Zinn and Craig Rodger, $35.00, © The Real Food Publishing Company, 2019. Images copyright © Todd Eyre Photography, 2019.