Make It Easy A Healthy Meal Prep and Menu Planning Guide [A Cookbook]

Danielle Walker's latest cookbook, Make It Easy, is widely praised for its exceptional focus on simplifying healthy cooking through effective meal preparation. Reviewers consistently highlight the book's easy-to-follow, delicious, and nutritious recipes, many of which can be prepared in 20-30 minutes of active time. A significant strength is its catering to the paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, and grain-free communities, offering a wealth of options for those with specific dietary needs without compromising on flavor. The book provides various meal prepping styles, 15 comprehensive meal plans complete with grocery lists, and numerous shortcuts and make-ahead suggestions designed to reduce stress and food waste. Its user-friendly layout, including photos for every main recipe and a visual index, further enhances the cooking experience, making it a valuable resource for individuals and families alike.

Despite its many strengths, some reviewers noted a few drawbacks. A notable concern for those with autoimmune disorders is the frequent use of nightshades without alternative suggestions. Several users reported issues with recipe accuracy, where ingredient lists did not always match instructions, or essential ingredients were omitted, rendering some recipes unusable. Finding specific ingredients, such as cashew milk, was also a challenge for some in suburban areas. Other criticisms include the lack of nutritional information, a perceived overemphasis on defining "prepper personas" at the beginning of the book, and the absence of complete meal suggestions (sides included) for every recipe. A minor formatting issue mentioned was inconsistent page numbering, and some felt the book imitated existing recipes or was priced higher than its perceived value given its specific niche.

Overall, Make It Easy is largely considered a highly effective and well-executed cookbook that delivers on its promise of simplifying healthy, dietary-restricted meal preparation. It is particularly recommended for avid meal preppers, busy individuals, and families seeking to reduce kitchen stress and food waste. The book is an invaluable resource for those adhering to paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, or grain-free diets, or anyone looking to incorporate more wholesome, flavorful meals into their routine without feeling deprived. While some minor inconsistencies exist, the overwhelming consensus is that Danielle Walker has created a practical, inspiring guide that makes healthy eating accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of readers.