In her inspiring New York Times bestselling memoir, It Was Me All Along, Andie Mitchell chronicled her struggles with obesity, losing weight, and finding balance. Now, in her debut cookbook, she gives readers the dishes that helped her reach her goals and maintain her new size. In 80 recipes, she shows how she eats: mostly healthy meals that are packed with flavor, like Lemon Roasted Chicken with Moroccan Couscous and Butternut Squash Salad with Kale and Pomegranate, and then the “sometimes” foods, the indulgences such as Peanut Butter Mousse Pie with Marshmallow Whipped Cream, because life just needs dessert. With 75 photographs and Andie’s beautiful storytelling, Eating in the Middle is the perfect cookbook for anyone looking to find freedom from cravings while still loving and enjoying every meal to the fullest.

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Okay guys, you cannot imagine my excitement over finding this available for review. If you read my review of Andie's memoir, you'll know that I already think of her as my soulmate in food. Now, I get to see just what she's done in her own kitchen to help with her weight loss journey and I'm super duper excited! I should say that I was because I have already gone through this cookbook, but the reality is that even after going through it, I'm still just as excited.

(Warning...a spoiler for the memoir ahead...skip the next paragraph if this is going to bother you.)

First, let's start at the beginning...she dedicated the book to Daniel. Now, at the end of her memoir, they were no longer together, so you know me..I want to know what happened! Why? Well, you could say that I'm nosey or that seriously, after her memoir, I felt as if she were a dear friend. Either way, I went to her site and discovered that they're engaged! Woohoo!

Yes, I know that none of that has a thing to do with cooking or recipes or cookbooks, but hey, it was exciting to me! To get back to the cookbook though, let me just say that I can easily see this becoming one of my favorites. It's filled with delicious recipes that all appear to be incredibly easy to prepare. As a busy mom/editor/site owner/fill in the blank, I don't always have a ton of time to experiment in the kitchen so this is great for me! Plus, she included two full sections of more decadent recipes that are perfect for that special occasion or to share with others. Did I mention that the photography makes everything look absolutely delicious and that Andie is just as down to earth in this book as she is in her memoir? I can only hope I can do the same with mine!

My recommendation? The pairing of both of Andie's books would make an amazing gift to someone who loves both memoirs and cookbooks. I can't imagine anyone not loving both of them!




I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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A young food blogger shares her inspiring story of incredible weight loss--a journey from nearly 300 pounds to losing more than half her size--and establishing a healthy and confident relationship with food.

On her twentieth birthday, Andie Mitchell stepped on the scale and discovered that she weighed nearly 300 pounds. At 5' 9"--even knowing that she was big and hating herself for it--she was stunned. How had she gotten there? Without following wild diet trends, she lost 135 pounds over thirteen months and has kept it off for six years.

It Was Me All Along shares the at times heartbreaking, yet ultimately uplifting and motivating, story of how Andie kicked her habit of binge eating, which she developed during a traumatic childhood, and developed a healthy relationship with food, which she still loves to cook and enjoy.

Her story is at once familiar and inspiring to millions who have struggled with weight and self-image issues. Andie is a powerful motivator who bravely bares all to help others.

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When I chose this book, I had no idea if I'd like it or not. Honestly, I get a little touchy about bloggers who have made it big. I haven't the slightest idea why. Perhaps I ought to look into that at some point. For now though, let me tell you about this book and the impact that it had on me.

Andie Mitchell and I could be food issue twins. As I was reading, it was as if I had sat down and just started writing. The difference is that she's already lost the weight and I'm still at that I eat to feel full..emotionally full...and finding ways to come to terms with my past so that I can move on to the future.

Honestly, this whole review could turn into a post about my own relationship with food and the people in my world, but I don't want that (stay tuned though, that post is most likely coming). What I want to say is that Andie writes like a real person. She's honest about the good, the bad, and the ugly. She doesn't pull punches or spend an entire book making excuses or feeling sorry for herself. She's real and that clicked with me.

There aren't enough words in my vocabulary to tell you just how much I think you should read this book, especially if you've ever (or currently) have food issues, eating disorders, or are struggling. Andie, in her realness, gives her readers another kernel of hope and sometimes there is nothing more valuable.



I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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