One Plate at a Time

Recipes Tested: 6
Recipe Success: 5/6

Difficulty: Easy
Ingredient Accessibility: Super-accessible
Best For: Anyone just starting out in the kitchen

When I saw Demi Lovato’s One Plate at a Time at Barnes & Noble, I was torn between being curious and rolling my eyes. What exactly is up with so many non-chefs putting out cookbooks these days?

And then my blogger brain went “Ohhh, I should do a round up post to see if any of them are worthwhile!”

I started with this book because, well, it was there. Also, I liked the typography on the cover.

First impression as I skimmed through: this is way too basic for me. Maybe this would be good for Gen Z girls who grew up watching her on Disney?

But as I was flipping through the first pages, the words “disordered eating” caught my eye. I started reading the intro pages and suddenly, I had a different take on the book.

Lovato writes candidly about her struggles with disordered eating. This cookbook isn’t just about cooking a tasty meal. It’s a blueprint for how to cook as part of developing a healthy relationship with food. Whether you are healing from an ED or just starting to learn about nutrition, One Plate at a Time is a great place.

Ease of Recipes: This is a really easy book to cook from. The recipes use simple techniques, many of the ingredients are already in your kitchen, and nothing feels too ambitious.

Recipe Suggestions: I call this a beginner cookbook, and it is. Bu her “Level Up” notes are there to help your skills grow along with your confidence. This was one of my favorite things about this cookbook.

Approachability: Demi Lovato is not a lifelong chef. And she doesn’t pretend to be. She is figuring it out as she goes, and sharing what she’s learned along the way. Normally, the “Celebs are just like us!” take makes me roll my eyes, but here it works.

Ease of Recipes: As I said, this cookbook is really easy to cook from. I think, for those who are new to the kitchen, this book is a great starting point. But for more seasoned home cooks, most of the recipes are too basic.

Photography: Demi Lovato is absolutely gorgeous. Let me be clear about that. But there are a lot of pictures of her. Now, I’m no expert, but if you are recovering from an ED, seeing someone who looks perfect holding huge bowls of perfect-looking food might not be the most helpful.

⭐ YFIF Favorite: Honeymoon Chicken
I am a sucker for any version of Marry Me Chicken. This recipe was so easy and so flavorful that even my 10 year old ate it. Bonus: the leftovers were just as good (minus the broccoli, which I firmly believe should never be reheated in a microwave). 

🏆 Most Likely to Become a Tuesday Night Staple: Sesame Noodles
Simple. Versatile. Quick to pull together. I foresee a lot of this one on busy weeknights.

❤️Most Requested to Make Again: Orange Ginger Chia Muffins
This was fall and winter goodness in a handheld package. Not too sweet, and it has carrots, so it’s healthy, right? Right?!?

Don’t Skip the Opening Pages
There is a lot of valuable information in the opening chapter. Everything from reassurance to stocking your pantry on a budget. 

Buy… If you are new to cooking or shopping for someone who is. 

Skip… If you are an experienced home cook that’s mastered the basics.