The HBD Cookbook: The Essential Cookbook to Help You Become the Healthiest, Happiest Version of You

Two years ago I started following the HBD, when I was looking for a sustainable eating model. It was the best decision that I have made in decades. Now in my late my sixties, I am healthier and slimmer than I have ever been. The HBD is based on evidence-based science, creating a healthy microbiome, steady glucose levels and a good metabolism. As a foodie who loves cooking, I am delighted with this excellent HBD Cookbook. It will help me to stay on track whilst enjoying beautiful meals. The HBD is Petronella’s life-time work and she’s driven by her passion to see people living a healthy and happy life. She is incredibly generous and I am deeply grateful for her loving support, she’s simply wonderful. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

As a woman in her late forties I have spent almost my entire adult life battling my weight and trying every quick fix. My weight has gone up and down by 5 stone over the last 20 years and approaching the menopause I was keen to find a way of eating and living at a healthy weight. I started HBD at the end of August 2022 and so far have lost 3 stone. Easily, effortlessly and more important I feel good. Not deprived, glowing skin, more energy. This book is a fab follow up to the original Human Being diet book with lots of recipes and additional information. If you haven’t read the first book it is a MUST! as it explains all the science behind the rules of how, when and what you eat. HBD has changed my life!

Great book but not easy to keep to

I love this cookbook! Now it might not appeal to people who are looking for another generic cookbook as it is very specific to the Human Being Diet (HBD). However, if you are looking for an amazing way of eating then this book in conjunction with Petronella’s first book that explains the science behind this way of eating, is a must. I had tried every diet under the sun before I found HBD and it has been a game changer, mainly in part because the science behind it made sense and knowing why something is limited etc really appealed to my need to understand things and hence then commit to the rules. I will always eat this way as it is how human beings evolved to do so. I have attached a picture of me showing the impact of HBD as a testament to the diet itself to save me spending half of this review explaining the benefits of HBD! Now back to this book. I am not a cook and I am not happy in the kitchen. I cannot adapt recipes and I’m not creative or inventive with food. However, thanks to the huge HBD community on Instagram, I have been able to copy other HBDer’s meals but I have been awaiting this book to have an even greater stock of meal ideas. I have already pored over it and can’t wait to get started incorporating these delicious meals into my weekly menu. I also love that there is a more comprehensive explanation of the rules and lots of hints and tips. Yes, this might not normally feature in a cookbook but I guess that’s because it is a cookbook very specific to a very specific diet. I cannot recommend this cookbook enough to anybody who, like me, has tried everything else to lose weight and needs lots of ideas to put delicious, nutritious meals together. Also, if like me, you need to understand a rule in order to follow it; or if you are just a fellow nerd who loves information, buy Petronella’s original book then you have both the full theory and the full method.

I bought this after seeing excellent results on other people who have followed this diet and lost weight but more importantly, kept the weight off after several years! It is easy to follow the diet, with this recipe book, which is a condensed version of Petronella’s more in depth book on the philosophy behind the HBD diet but with all the recipes to get you started and to progress through each stage. I’m really enjoying this diet and the results are amazing and the health benefits very noticeable. Certainly I feel so much better and have lost over a stone in five weeks. I would recommend giving this diet a go.

For background, I have this book and the Human Being Diet revised version and am currently 2 days away from completing Phase 2. My issue with the recipe book is that Petronella recommends the cutting out of nightshade vegetables (including tomatoes, chillies, peppers, paprika, cayenne pepper etc.) in the first 2 Phases in order that you can identify any food intolerances when you gradually re-introduce these food in Phase 3. This is a great idea, and this is what I have done. However, almost all of the Phase 1 and 2 recipes in this book feature nightshade vegetables. Along with all the other restrictions present in the first 2 phases, I would have liked to see more meal ideas that I could actually use. Apart from this issue, the book is very informative and well presented and I thoroughly recommend the approach. It's early days for me, but I am very positive about the outcomes.

The HBD cookbook is in addition to The Human Being Diet book (original book) the cookbook was developed to help everyone with ideas and more recipes. If you read the 1st book you will know that this is a method based on science and nutrition which is life changing to all who follow it! I am 60 years of age post menopausal and suffered with really bad reflux that required medication (which I had been on for over 4 yrs) by following this way of life I no longer need any medication, have lost weight, have glowing skin and reduced symptoms of the menopause! Put simply this plan really works! Both books are more than worth the small investment if you want a new you! Instagram has a whole community of #HBD follows and we all support each other

It is full of very easy recipes to keep my one and only body, fit and healthy. I am almost 70 and taking care of my body with these amazing recipes, is very important. A great way to eat well.

While starting HBD can be a challenge, this book is super helpful for beginning the process. So far all the recipes I've tried have been delicious and the guide helps to highlight the key parts of the diet I need to remember. Makes a great companion to the main HBD book by this author.

Don’t like most of the recipes but the Dr recommended this book so thought Id give it a try

This is a great reset. I’ve done juice detoxes before but the amount of sugar (from fruit), I end up with my blood sugar all over the place. With this I’ve been more consistent with my energy levels, generally feel more energised even after just over a week and feel better about myself. The day 2 headache (sugar withdrawal) was hard, but needed. Update: now I get a treat meal once a week (phase 3) and am still losing weight - down 8kg in 24 days.

You have to read the HBD book before you use this. It doesn't substitute for the HBD book. It is the best program for women and men who want to live a better life