The Grain Brain Cookbook: More Than 150 Life-Changing Gluten-Free Recipes to Transform Your Health

by David Perlmutter

The authorized companion to the #1 New York Times bestseller Grain Brain, with more than 150 delicious recipes for complete health and vitality.

Dr. David Perlmutter's groundbreaking bestseller Grain Brain revolutionized the way we think about our health, exposing the devastating effects of wheat, sugar, and carbs on the brain. By eating the right foods, you can spur the growth of new brain cells and take control of your "smart genes." THE GRAIN BRAIN COOKBOOK presents more than 150 delectable recipes that keep your brain vibrant and sharp while dramatically reducing your risk for debilitating neurological diseases as well as relieving more common, everyday conditions. Offering a range of delicious options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack, Dr. Perlmutter equips you with the tools you need to build a gluten-free diet full of wholesome, flavorful, easy-to-make meals.

Genres: Cookbooks, Health, Food, Nonfiction, Cooking, Reference, Nutrition

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Dr. Perlmutter is a Board-Certified Neurologist and four-time New York Times bestselling author. He serves on the Board of Directors and is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition.

Dr. Perlmutter received his M.D. degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine where he was awarded the Leonard G. Rowntree Research Award. He serves as a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and has published extensively in peer-reviewed scientific journals including Archives of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and The Journal of Applied Nutrition. In addition, he is a frequent lecturer at symposia sponsored by institutions such as the World Bank and IMF, Columbia University, Scripps Institute, New York University, and Harvard University, and serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

His books have been published in 34 languages and include the #1 New York Times bestseller Grain Brain, The Surprising Truth About Wheat, Carbs and Sugar, with over 1 million copies in print. Other New York Times bestsellers include Brain Maker, The Grain Brain Cookbook, and The Grain Brain Whole Life Plan. He is the editor of the upcoming collection The Microbiome and the Brain that will be authored by top experts in the field and will be published in late 2019 by CRC Press. He has been interviewed on many nationally syndicated television programs including 20/20, Larry King Live, CNN, Fox News, Fox and Friends, The Today Show, Oprah, The Dr. Oz Show and The CBS Early Show.

Dr. Perlmutter is also the recipient of numerous awards, including: the Linus Pauling Award for his innovative approaches to neurological disorders; the National Nutritional Foods Association Clinician of the Year Award, the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the American College of Nutrition, and most recently the 2019 Global Leadership Award from the Integrative Healthcare Symposium.

Reviews

[Flewts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read another review that slammed this approach to eating as unhealthy. Surprise, surprise, my doctor recommended what is basically the Atkins diet. My friend's doctor (different doctor) also told her she needed to be on this diet. He sent her to a nutritionist who also put her on this diet.

No diet is right for everyone, because we are all different. But for someone who is overweight, and especially someone who has been overweight for a long time, they need to seriously control their CARBOHYDRATES. I won't go into all the science behind it, read the original Grain Brain book or The Big Fat Surprise. Basically, carbs put sugar in your blood stream. If you are pre-diabetic, this is very bad. And even if you are not, carbs give you quick energy, but it's not lasting, so you eat more.

Switching to a diet that is heavy on protein gives you longer lasting energy, and curbs your hunger for a longer period. You don't impulse-eat because you don't get that "gotta get a snack" feeling a couple of hours after eating.

Studies are showing it is inflammation caused by sugar and processed foods that cause heart disease, not fat itself. Cutting out fat is actually not helpful because your BRAIN needs it. I'm not suggesting sitting down to a meal of butter and lard, but a reasonable amount of fat will not hurt you (quoting my doctor here).

And the Atkins diet does NOT mean you can't eat any vegetables. There is in fact a long, long list of vegetables that you can and should eat. They just discourage vegetables that are high in sugar content.

It also does not mean you cannot have ANY carbs. It means you should pay attention and limit those carbs to healthy foods in small amounts. Don't have a brownie, have an apple.

Once you start doing this, you will recognize how carbs affect you, personally. Too many carbs and I actually feel sick. When I switched to protein and vegetables, I was amazed at how much better I felt.

OK, so what about THIS book? I haven't tried any of the recipes yet, but I found at least 20 that I want to try. I am a lazy cook, I don't want to go out and find obscure ingredients. I am allergic to beef, pork, and lamb, so all those recipes were off the table. Even so, there were plenty of recipes that use ingredients I normally would have or can easily get, and that used foods that I like. And I already have a large recipe collection, so ... you will find some terrific recipes in here.

I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 because ... why the heck is this not a spiral-bound book so we can actually USE it as a recipe book? What were they thinking? I had to photocopy the ones I want so I can easily refer to the recipe as I'm cooking.

Ah... a book by a doctor, not a chef. That's why.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of interesting information. I didn’t find the recipe section that interesting. I wish there were more photos. Overall it was fine but not for a cookbook.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

The information is great and the recipes are blah.

[Ingrid Parada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este Libro es un complemento a su ya conocido Cerebro de Pan. Contiene un Recetario que incluye desde recetas básicas como también agrupadas por Desayuno, Almuerzo y Cena.

Este Recetario se alinea con una nueva forma de alimentarse, donde elegir la comida es la decisión más relevante para prevenir y combatir enfermedades.

No solo contiene alimentación saludable, también incluye recetas para colaciones, snacks y postres deliciosos.

[Jamie · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the worst cookbooks I have ever read! With recipes like bacon-wrapped sausages, how could this possibly promote a 'stronger brain' and improve my health? Great for gluten-free recipes BUT fry up that bacon and veal tongue! Vegetarian chapter...eggs and cheese galore. Don't waste your money. This is obviously a fad diet book.

[Mary Cokenour · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I had gotten this book, read it and taken it to heart about 35 years ago, maybe I wouldn't have the illnesses I have now. Then again, considering relatives on both sides of my DNA had these illnesses; perhaps I was predestined? Who knows for certain?

Anyway, if you're concerned about your health, and avoiding illnesses like diabetes, this would be a good read, but it's up to the reader to take it to heart...yes, that's another illness to avoid, heart disease. Lots of tasty recipes, and many are geared towards Mediterranean style cuisine which is good for what ails you.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read other books by Dr. Perlmutter and wanted to see the types of recipes he considers allowable. I haven't made anything from this book but many recipes are rather basic anyway (Chef's Salad, Deviled Eggs) and nothing seemed particularly creative. I've also been reading a ton of cookbooks, and in comparison, this one is well organized but the photography is atrocious (when there is a photo). I'm not quite swayed by the author's theory of gluten-free being life-changing, but it is an interesting point of view.

[Lauren Roemer Boehm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very basic recipes. I'm a fan of cookbooks with pictures, but this had almost no pictures to accompany the recipes. I do like that these are all easy to make, fast meals and the premise to these recipes making you feel better as nourishing food.

[Joy Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes a compelling case for eating grain free and low carb. Some of it is in medical terminology, but I was able to get the gist of it. I recommend reading it to understand what happens in the body when we eat certain foods.

[Gotogrrl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but a little preachy and not much imagination in this way of eating. It's also high in fat content and wouldn't be a great weight loss approach for many body types. I can't imagine sustaining this.

[Julie A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay for a "cookbook" but many ingredients not available locally.

[Dayna Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting recipes.

[Amanda Narvali · Rating 2 out of 5]

The only recipe I think I will try from this is the chocolate avocado pudding.

I do not like how this cookbook does not display photos next to the recipe.

[Bobbi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't bother to get this book or the Grain Brain either. After reading both and looking at the online reviews, I think this is just another attempt to sell the Atkins diet and sell books. Permutter's interpretation of the science is questionable, at best. There are so many studies that show that high fat diets are harmful, that it's remarkable that he can put out the schmuck that he does. There is evidence to show that simple carbohydrates can raise blood sugar levels, but he also leaves out the fact that MOST complex carbohydrates (including whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans) are extremely good for you. He talks about reducing inflammation but his diet has only a minor effect on reducing inflammation. There are many other ways and lots of ways we cannot control. Harmful at best.

[Sher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This cookbook follows Perlmutter's dietary recommendations for great brain health -- a fair amount of fat and low carbs. Many of the recipes have larger amounts of butter or olive oil than I feel are needed for the meat- vegetable etc. Years ago I would dine and find butter melted on top of the steak, and you will see presentations along these lines. Still some of the recipes look intriguing, and a few like celery and fennel with anchovy sauce, stand out as unusual. The book provides recipes that reduce inflammation -- the key element making for brain and body disease-- according to Perlmutter. Book is divided into a few main categories-- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, snacks , and desserts. This book will be of interest if you are following a basically paleo diet using grass fed and wild fish and wild game. This book is filled with recipes for low carb dishes.

[Franco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now a reference book for smart eating. This book stresses no gluten and minimal sugar consumption as well avoidance of starches that easily convert to sugar. Point of this diet is to avoid inflammation in our brains and bodies due to the foods we consume. Want to lose that beer (wheat) belly? Try this diet.

[June Jacobs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains some good information about the connection between your diet and the health of your brain. The recipes are clearly written, and there are a few color photos of some of the recipes.

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[Mikeila · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best low carb recipe books I've read and I cook for a living! Lots of variety and I've loved the ones I've tried already. Will definitely be one of my go-to books when I'm just not sure what I want to make.

[Linda Carzoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buy this book

I bought this hoping to learn, and perhaps get motivated. This book accomplished my goal and much more! Easy to read and understand, and the recipes are simple, reasonable and delicious.!

[Tabs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. P is a man after my heart. When it comes to vegetable soup end the recipe by putting everything in the blender and purée. What joy!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good-sounding recipes and useful techniques.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great recipes.

[Aja Marsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh. my takeaway: to avoid the dreaded "grain brain", just eat meat, cheese, eggs, and vegetables. and not grains.

[Penny Tunnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection

Every book Dr. Perlmutter releases is beautifully done. These are excellent recipes that you will go back to again and again.

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are some pretty tasty sounding recipes in here; mostly veggies and meats.

[Kathleen Newton]

I learned some new things. Good info.