By now, you’ve probably seen or heard about Trim Healthy Mama.
Do you see people posting delicious looking meals in your Facebook feed? With a seemingly strange language to describe it…like “I just made this amazing GGMS and CIM for breakfast! I can’t believe I’m eating cake for breakfast and it’s good for me!!”
And, even more confounding is that they are losing weight while eating what looks to you to be fattening foods? Do you want to know more about it?
Maybe you know enough about it and want to join the THM Food Freedom revolution, but haven’t been able to get the books yet. If any of those describe you, keep reading and be sure to enter the giveaway below!
I have a lot of cookbooks, but these two books sit right here for super easy access, since I use them frequently!
I started my THM journey in August of 2014.
I had to lose some weight…a life-changing trip to Israel and Jordan required that I get in shape. And to be honest, my blood pressure and blood sugar were demanding the same thing. It was time to really do something – about and for my health.
This has been the only “diet” that has ever truly worked for me. I’ve gone from a size 20-22 to a 14. My blood pressure is normal without meds, and my blood sugar is stable.
I feel so much better, and very rarely do I ever feel “deprived.” The sensible approach to eating outlined in the Trim Healthy Mama plan has changed my life and the lives of countless others. Now, the Trim Healthy Mama sisters have recently released two new books – the updated plan book AND a cookbook!
There was a LOT of walking. And the Holy Land is entirely uphill. I kid you not 😉
You can read my original Trim Healthy Mama review and update posts here and here
What’s new in the new Trim Healthy Mama plan book?
The original book was a BIG book…over 600 pages! Many of the pages were recipes, but still…it was kind of daunting at first. The new book is much smaller, streamlined and has new and updated information, including a new Fuel Cycle plan and tips for “turtle” losers.
It presents the core principles of the plan in an easier-to-understand format. There are what I like to call “CLIFF Notes” style outlines for the basics of different meal styles, which makes it super easy to see at a glance just what an E meal is or if the dish you want to make for supper is a Fuel Pull or Cross Over.
The Sisters heard a lot of feedback from the thousands of THMs who follow their plan and did their best to create a new plan book that meets the needs of so many people (mamas, kids and even men can and do benefit from this lifestyle!) – no small task, I assure you.
There’s less “chit chat” and more focus on plan details. You’ll find new recommended foods and supplements, sample menus for each style as well as information for the Drive Thru Sue, Vegetarians, Purists, Budgeting Mamas, Mamas with Allergies and more that will help anyone begin to implement the plan.
One of the things I LOVE about Trim Healthy Mama is how encouraging they are. They are very realistic (being busy mamas themselves) and understand that life happens, hormones happen, tight budgets happen…and sometimes our food choices suffer because of that.
Do we beat ourselves up? No, we start over again in three hours and get right back on plan. We do the best we can with the resources we have available. We don’t obsess over numbers – calories, clothing sizes, scales – but we consistently work on making good choices, one meal at a time. This came through in the first book and is carried on the in new plan book.
A Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook? It’s like Pinterest on your bookshelf!
I’ve seen many people asking “Do I really need the cookbook? Is there anything new in it or is it the same recipes that were in the old book?” Need is always relative of course. Can you do the plan without the new cookbook? Sure (but it’s much more fun with it)!
Is there anything new in the cookbook? Absolutely! The first book didn’t have recipes for GGMS (Good Girl Moon Shine) and several other beverage recipes that are wildly popular among the THM community. There’s also tons of crock pot meals, family and quick skillet recipes and soups, lots of breads, desserts and even snacks and condiments – the recipes from the original book are there plus even more new recipes.
One of the best improvements, I think, is that there is an index page at the beginning of each section, with the recipes color-coded by fuel type. That makes it so much easier to find what you’re looking for, especially for busy THMs!
One of my own recipes is even included! If you like chocolate and coconut and cake, be sure to check out page 293. You can get a sneak peek at the cookbook at my affiliate partner’s website here.
I’ve really enjoyed trying new recipes since I got the new cookbook!
I have to be honest and tell you that I don’t NORMALLY use recipes much, preferring to just dump some stuff together until it it tastes like what I imagined in my head. Thankfully, my grandmother taught me a lot and most of the time it turns out very tasty.
Except that one time. That I made what was dubbed “Dead Sea Chili.” It was actually inedible (but made a great chili “starter” for a very large crowd…)!
Many THMs “tab” their books for easy reference. I’m not that organized so I never tabbed my original book. I have, however, added tabs to my cookbook. I tabbed each section, as well as a few favorites for easy reference. These removable tabs from PostIt are terrific! [affiliate]
Since I’m a “dump cook” I wondered how often I would actually use the cookbook. I find myself pulling it out several times a week, actually. Looking through the book inspires me at menu-making time. Since there are several recipes that I don’t have memorized yet, I love having the book handy instead of using my phone or Kindle.
Here’s how I roll with the menu and grocery planning. If I don’t have the ingredients to make something in the book, I’m often inspired to come up with something similar!
And the photography is just gorgeous! Rhonda Sue did a great job!
Some of my favorites are:
- Cowboy Grub (pg 59)
- Luscious Lemon Cake (pg 289)
- Trim Bouillon Mix (pg 491)
- Cheeseburger Pie (pg 149)
- Wonder Wraps (pg 204)
- Fakertot Casserole (pg 147)
- Pay Off Day Candies (pg 381)
- The Singing Canary (pg 398)
- Lazy Lasagna (pg 140)
- Cheddar Herb Biscuits (pg 197)
- Chicken Pot Pie (pg 137 – and equally delicious using turkey!)
This is MY photo of Chicken Pot Pie (made with turkey, actually), not Rhonda’s. Her photos are sooo much better!
What about Special Ingredients? Do all the recipes have them?
You’ll find recipes in the book that call for some of the great new THM products like Baking Blend or Integral Collagen (found at the THM online store). Many of the recipes calling for special ingredients can be made substituting a similar ingredient, or even leaving an ingredient out. For example, I made the Cuddle Family Hot Chocolate (pg 435) today without the lecithin that it called for and it was still delicious. My kids loved it too, and had NO idea there was okra in it. You just won’t get the benefit of the ingredient if you leave it out, and it’s possible the results might not be exactly the same…but often close enough.
Baking Blend is awesome, I’m not going to lie! For my budget at the moment, it’s not something I can buy all the time. But when I can, I certainly will. There are several recipes for homemade baking blends out there, such as this one from my THM blogging buddy, Briana Thomas. I haven’t tried her version, but I have heard many people raving about it online!
In some cases, however, there just isn’t a substitute. Gelatin and collagen can often be used interchangeably, but The Superfood Chews require collagen, and gelatin is NOT a substitute that will work in this recipe.
Even though some recipes call for “special ingredients” there are MANY that do not. The old favorites from the original book are there as well as a ton of amazing new recipes. It’s definitely worth purchasing to have this great resource at your fingertips…especially if the wifi is out 😉
Want to get started on this amazing Trim Healthy Mama journey?
If you have had these books on your wish list since you heard about them coming out here’s your chance to win a copy of each! Or maybe you know a family member or friend who really wants them and would like to give them as a gift…be sure to enter and share on your social networks about the giveaway so they can enter too. Just follow the easy entry instructions below! Just click on the Amazon ads in my side bar to order your copies today! I plan to do more giveaways of the books soon, so stay tuned!
Be Sure to Pin this Review Post to Your Favorite Pinterest Boards!
Jessica says
I just wanted to say I’ve used Brianna’s baking mix for many recipes including a crust for her low carb pumpkin pie that I took to work and everyone loved it! They couldn’t believe it was sugar free and low carb. She sure can work some magic. I just ordered the baking blend since it was on sale on Monday but I usually won’t be able to buy it all the time. Your review was great!
Lois says
After watching a friend for the past year I decided to jump into the plan. Now I need to understand the plan better and I already ordered the cookbook and the dishes look great.
Anna Kemp says
This book was on my list of things to get since it first came out but seems like it always gets pushed back till another time! 🙁
[email protected] says
My biggest motivation is seeing the results .. I follow their Facebook page and see all the results. Having the cookbook would make it easier for me to follow this plan.
Tina says
My biggest motivation is to get my weight under control and I simply want to feel better! I believe that I can achieve this by sticking to the Trim Healthy Mama plan.
vanessa powers says
To finally take control of my diet and life!
Amy says
This is such a kind offer. These books look fantastic. But I am gluten free and Paleo. But thanks for sharing.
Stephanie tindall says
I’d love to win these 2 books because I borrowed the original THM book and was quickly overwhelmed. Sounds like 2 books would be a better fit
Elizabeth Tacosa says
Biggest motivation for THM is weight loss.
Melissa says
I would like to win this. I’ve lost 40 lbs with THM–still maintaining for 18 mos now. I would love to give these books to my friend so she can start her own THM journey.
Deborah Welcher says
My motivation for THM is to regain my health, to be able to run with my kids, and keep up with the daily challenges of being a mom of an autistic son.
Joy says
The biggest inspiration for me is seeing the results posted on Facebook of others that are using THM. .
Kimberly says
Honestly I lost 77 pounds a few years back…then I moved into a very abusive neighbourhood and put it all back on and then some over a 3yr span. We finally got approved to transfer and I have started my weight loss journey AGAIN! Down 15 pounds so far. I have been following THM online wishing for one of their books.
Christin says
I’m looking forward to getting my book in the mail tomorrow. Reading blogs regarding this ‘new way of life’ is very informative. I’m looking to shed just 30 lbs (though my doctor feels 50 lbs is best b/c it would put me in my “ideal” weight), and get below 200 lbs for the first time in 10 yrs (with no kids or real stressors in my life).
Rachel says
Thanks for all the great helps and encouragement! You look amazing!
Kathleen Moran says
I want to get to the weight on my drivers license and make peace with myself including body weight.
Nancy M says
I would love to win this since I’m very new to THM and have lost 8 pounds so far. I’m not sure I understand all the ins and outs of the plan yet and hope this might help me more. I’m diabetic, hypertensive, and have a back condition called DISH. I need to lose 50 pounds to cure my diabetes, hypertension, and dish! The plan is overwhelming and I don’t want to give up !! Hope I win !!
Amber says
I want to be healthy for my kids and family. I want my back pain to subside and my diabetes to continue to be stable and complication free.
Mrs. B. says
My main motivation is to feel better. It is has been a very difficult year and want to get back to eating healthy and feeling good again.
Susan M says
Congratulations on your health improvements and trip to Israel. THM has been so much help to me not only for weight, but to reduce inflammation and chronic pain!
Heather C says
Thank you for this opportunity.
Heather C says
THM has given me so much more to work with than I had before: so much information, so many recipes, so much moral support. My motivation is feeling like me again and being comfortable in my own skin, not someone else living in an almost unrecognisable coat that doesn’t fit right.
Melissa says
I want to get off sugar but still enjoy good food!
Teri C says
I have the first book, but found it difficult to use. Would love to have the streamlined version. Need to get serious about losing weight!
amelia says
I want to have energy and set a good example for my family. 🙂
Bethany says
To be healthy AND lose weight simultaneously? YES!! Count me in!!
Emily Laturell says
My biggest motivations are health and weight loss!
Anna says
I’d love to try THM. I love LCHF plans. This one seems to be great for women and can help me continue down a successful path!
Pamela G Lewellen says
I have been a THM about six months although I have only lost a little weight, I feel so much better. I also have more energy and more clairity of thought.
Danine says
I became a THM to stay off of diabetic meds. Doctor wanted to put me on meds, gave me 6 months to lower A1C, and I did! 52 lbs gone, more to go, been slow going, but didn’t get where I was overnight. Have many friends asking what I am doing and wanting to do THM. A couple of my doctors have taken the info too. My husband went to doctor and his doctor took info about plan to look it up. (Hubby lost quicker than me.)
Kathryn Young says
My motivation to go THM( to get healthy and in the process lose excess weight) is my family. My 3 beautiful kids and my awesome husband. I want to take back my life from unhealthy eating and have more energy to spend with them.
Deann says
I love how THM helps control blood sugar. A big motivator for me is avoiding diabetes.
Audrey says
My biggest motivation to be a thm are my beautiful children. I want them to grow up and already know how to eat and not struggle with obesity.
Cme says
I want to recognize my body again, feel athletic and have less of me to haul around.
Lisa says
I need to lose about 50-60 lbs and love the idea of how THM combines food and makes it seem easy to do. Would love the books but not in my budget. Thanks for giving us a chance to win them
Renee says
I would love to see the updated versions of the book. I read the original and am happy to see they have streamlined it.
Callie Pinz says
My biggest reason for wanting to be a THM is my kids! I want to have the energy I uae to so I can keep up with them. Live a healthy life.
Meredih says
Nice review. Looks interesting
Mary Carol says
My sister has several auto-immune diseases. When she started the Trim Healthy Mama way of eating, the weight began to come off. But the biggest change for her was less pain, feeling and looking healthier. My diabetes is not well-controlled, but I still haven’t fully committed to the plan. But I now know it is important for both of us.
Stephanie Bourne says
My daughters are my biggest motivation. I want to be around for them for a long time.
Mrs. Cliff says
I would love to win these for a friend! I started on THM because I had so many food allergies and had been eating a very plain diet or foods that made me sick for years. I am so happy to be able to help eat such a variety of food now!!!! I am enjoying baked goods again!!!!!
Vanessa T says
My motivation to be a trim healthy mamma is my family. I started back on June 1,2015 and have lost 38 lbs. the THM plan has changed my families life! I’ve done the plan without many special ingredients, but would love to have the new cookbook and book to help me continue this journey. Still have a long way to go!!
Monica says
Im tired of trying everything and anything. I love the testimonials and am excited to get started!
Prayinmama says
I want to do this for my family – 2 diabetics!
Oliviaonair says
Can’t wait to try it! I need to lose 70!
Michelle D VA says
My biggest motivation for becoming a Trim Healthy Mama is for my nine year old daughter. I am a single mom and work full time. I have been struggling with finding something that will fit in my busy schedule and this plan comes highly recommended from a friend and everything I have read seems like it will be a perfect fit
Ruth L says
To finally take control of my weight and health.
Katie Malick says
My health and my family….
Tracy W. says
My family is my motivation to start Trim Healthy Mama! I want to do that next 5K with them, ski, and all the other things that “we” do instead of always watching them!
ValindaK says
Just beginning to read the book and get started! I would love to have another set of books to share with my diabetic neice!
Jennifer S says
I have the original THM cookbook, but I’m a Turtle. My weight has been very slow in coming off. I would like to get new ideas from the new THM books.
Vivian G says
I had become someone I did not recognize and needed to be me again and now I am a new and healthy me
joyce says
i began thm two years ago, mostly to eat more healthily. i didn’t do it to lose weight, but i’ve lost 14 lbs and have kept it off. i also lost a few inches around my waist and hips, and my skirts now slide down a few inches from my waist….
Kristin K says
Losing baby weight would be a great way to put this plan into action!
Cindy Turner says
I’m looking for help from this THM lifestyle to get to and maintain a healthy weight so that I can best serve my family and neighbors as unto the Lord. Thanks for sharing your journey and encouragement.
Lacy says
I would love to lose some weight but my biggest reason to get my cholesterol down. My Triglycerides are already down by half after being on plan about 90% for about 5 months! I also love that donuts and really sugary sweets don’t taste as good anymore!!!
Rebekah says
My biggest motivation to start THM was the sudden influx of food allergies that I was dealing with. THM helped me tremendously in this area.
Amanda whiseant says
Thank you for the chance to win. Hoping to loose weight so that I can walk again. 🙁 I was injured and my extra weight doesn’t help
Mary says
I love this site. I’m gearing up and lining a cupboard shelf with supplies to begin this journey. I’ve made a couple recipes, but will master more soon as my books come!
Denice Scott says
My biggest motivation for joining THM is my health. I have dealt with a lot of food allergies and stomach issues for several years and THM seems to really help.
LeAnn Osborn says
Biggest motivation is weight loss and gained health!
Joy M. says
I started because I wanted to lose about 20 pounds. Now I do it because it’s better for my body, keeps my skin clear, and tastes delicious!
Lori Hagen says
Have been struggling with my weight for years and am looking for a solution. I hope this is it.
Tina says
My biggest motivator to becoming a Trim Healthy Mama is lowering my cholesterol.
Rhonda R says
My biggest motivation for beginning THM was wanting to lose weight, but doing it with being able to eat so “much” and such great food is absolutely amazing! 15 lbs in 6 weeks!
Rebecca says
Biggest motivation is better health and weight loss
Chrissy F says
If there ever was a skeptical person, that would be me. I am so over cookbooks and plans that don’t work for families with picky eaters. If this plan works, I will be on the campaign trail for life.
Amber M says
My husband is a diabetic; and I have struggled with blood sugar issues over the years as well, so we are on the verge of starting THM in hopes of gaining better health and vitality for our family.