Carb Countin' Holiday Cookbook by Jan McCracken

Jan McCracken is back, along with her low-carbed classic recipes, signature fun and happy hijinks. And she has brought a new friend along as well.

Carb Countin' Holiday Cookbook by Jan McCracken (Poppyseed Press, 2004) introduces McCracken's high-steppin' alter ego, Sassy Stepper™. Sassy, adorned in red sweats, multi-colored sneakers and a pedometer, proudly prances across the cover, dispensing advice, wisdom and glee throughout the 176 pages of this energetic new entry in what looks to become a signature line of cookbooks for McCracken.

Carb Countin' is more than a cookbook; it is a motivational book dedicated to getting America off the couch and stepping their way to good health. McCracken believes that healthy eating and a healthy mind go hand-in-hand, and with a change of heart, we can lose weight safely and with a smile on our faces.

Written in her colorful and light style, Carb Countin' is a fun read. The bright and whimsical cover and humor-filled pages decorated with cute and sometimes crazy "critters" serve to underline McCracken's message of "Smart carbs, smart steps for health and fitness." Using Sassy Stepper as a spokesperson and Move More Motivator™, McCracken has found a fun way to get a very serious point across.

Inside this book, you will find motivational, as well as good informational content with chapters such as, "The Secret Motivation of the Pedometer," "First Steps," "Sassy's Strategies for Extra Steps," and "Why Step?" The holiday recipe section includes, "A Celebration of Thanksgiving," "It's an Old-Fashioned 'Carb Countin' Christmas'," and "Ringing in the New Year."

If you know McCracken's enthusiastic and wholesome style, you will want to check this book out. If you are new to the McCracken humor and carb-conscious messages, this would be a good start. After reading her last cookbook, I became a fan, and this newest entry has not disappointed me one dollop.