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The Hairy Dieters Big Book Of Dieting Book 1

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The Hairy Bikers have lost almost 6 stone between them and you can lose weight too...

Si King and Dave Myers are self-confessed food lovers. Food isn't just fuel to them, it's their life. But, like many of us, they've found that the weight has crept on over the years. So they've made a big decision to act before it's too late and lose some pounds. In this groundbreaking diet book, Si and Dave have come up with tasty recipes that are low in calories and big on flavour. This is real food for real people, not skinny minnies. There are ideas for family meals, hearty lunches and dinners, even a few knock-out bakes and snacking options. The Hairy Bikers will always love their food - pies and curries won't be off the menu for long! - but using these recipes, and following their clever tips and heartfelt advice, you can bake your cake, eat it, and lose the pounds.

378 pages, Hardcover

First published August 2, 2012

190 people are currently reading
794 people want to read

About the author

Hairy Bikers

181 books36 followers
Big hearted, down-to-earth cooks with a love of good food, they have been cooking together for more than twenty years. They have created haute cuisine dishes with Michelin-starred chefs and travelled the world in the pursuit of great food. They've also explored the length and breadth of the British Isles to discover brand new recipes and create their own fresh takes on cooking classics. The stars of several hit television shows, they are the UK's most popular cookery writing duo.

Si and Dave are life-long foodies and passionate cooks; they met through work on the set of a drama (appropriately enough on a Catherine Cookson adaptation) and they take every opportunity they can to pack their panniers and head off in search of authentic culinary and cultural experiences in all corners of the world.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Emma.
159 reviews73 followers
February 17, 2013
The first recipe I have tried from this book is the Fresh Fruit Compote with Home-Made Granola (pg.23). I have substituted frozen berries for the fresh berries as I couldn't get these in the shops at a reasonable price in january. I have cooked the fruit for and extra 5 minutes as its frozen, but it still tastes delicious. I've never tried making home made granola before but it came out really well and tasty. I would probably just make it with sultanas next time rather than mixed dried fruit, but that's only because I don't really like mixed peel. Overall a cracking recipe - would make again!

I then tried the Golden Vegetable Soup (pg.34). This smells delicious as it cooks. Butternut Squash is a pain to peel, but it is worth the effort!

The Chicken and Mushroom Risotto (pg.145) is absolutely delicious. It takes a bit of patience is get going and a couple of more expensive ingredients but such a nice dinner and tastes just like the full fat version!

Pg.65 - Easy Crispy Chicken. Putting this together is seriously quick and easy, wish I had thought about using the toaster to make breadcrumbs before. Incredibly simple as receipes go.

Fragrant Pork and Prawn Noodle Broth (p.127) smells really good when its cooking but is incredibly spicy. My blender died half way through so that was a little tricky, but its all good. Would probably use less chilli next time (or take the seeds out as them recommend).

Southern Style Jambalaya (p.147) this is delicious but needs to be eaten hot. It makes up a lot of food so it feels really filling. Have frozen the left overs and will have to see how those come out.

Chili Salad Bowls (p.106) these are a bit tricky to make but really pleased I have learnt how to make my own healthy tortilla bowls after loving the taco salads in the states. I've made this without the cheese, the lime, the salsa and the creme fraiche and added extra salad to make it super tasty and had two for dinner as they are low in calories and have been to the gym.

Paprika Chicken (pg.91) - trying this recipe for the first time tonight, it's relatively simple but does take quite a long time to make. This is not a whip it up on a work night type of recipe. I love the smell of paprika and it's great on a chilly winter night, makes it feel really homey. I'd probably have it with the mash as its winter and I like the stodgy after a long cold day, but I think the rice would work just as well in the summer for a bit of a lighter dish.

Simple Tuna and Sweetcorn Pasta Salad (pg.174) - I've adapted this recipe slightly for my meal - I've added some olives to the salad and left out the spring onions as I couldnt get any in the supermarket. I've also substituted the dressing for a chilli salad dressing that I had in the cupboard...I've still thinned this out with the water but it does mean the salad isnt quite the 183 calories stated...

Chili Con Carne (pg. 151) - this is relatively easy. I didnt like that there wasnt any veg in there, so I adapted the recipe slightly by chucking in 1 pepper, 2 carrots, a courgette and a handful of sliced mushrooms - this meant I could have it on its own without rice and I felt full. Its a bit spicier than the normal chili I make but I could adjust that...

Home Made Butternut Squash Tortellini (pg.138) - a bit fiddly to make but delicious. Don't be fooled into thinking you need more than the portion size, its very rich and heavier than your normal pasta

Minestrone Soup (pg.33) - a tasty and light alternative to more of a wintery soup.
Profile Image for Michael Gardner.
Author 20 books73 followers
October 12, 2018
One of the best cookbooks I’ve ever used for those times when your clothes decide to spontaneously shrink. Unlike other fad dieting books, the bikers have looked straight to the heart of reason why dieting makes people miserable: if you need to lose weight, there’s nothing worse than feeling hungry and not enjoying what you eat.

Their recipe is simple: create a variety of recipes that fill you up and taste good without being loaded with calories. Si and Dave aren’t chefs. They’re enthusiastic foodies. What you get is home comfort classics that are simple to make. I particularly like the lasagne recipe that replaces the pasta with sheets of leek. It tastes bloody wonderful even though I can’t quite get it to stay in a slice. It doesn’t last long enough for that to matter anyway.
Profile Image for Cora Tea Party Princess.
1,323 reviews861 followers
February 8, 2016
A fantastic cookbook filled with easy to follow, delicious recipes - and surprisingly generous portions.

There are also tips and tricks and ideas to expand on the recipes included in the book.
Profile Image for Orinoco Womble (tidy bag and all).
2,237 reviews229 followers
August 11, 2013
First cookbook I ever bought online. We watched the series and my OH said, "Right, get online and order it." And I was glad I did. After it came, I cooked my way through it.
This book is for people like me: hardline foodies who love to cook--and love to eat. People who need a little push, a few tips and tricks, to do what we need to do--eat well and sensibly at the same time. I've prepared a good 90% of the recipes (skipped the dessert section) and they are all keepers. I didn't try the desserts because I'm not a big dessert eater. Desserts are not my problem; my problem is main dishes. That's why I love this book so much. As Si King says in the TV series, they give you a proper plate of food, even respecting portion sizes. You won't feel deprived if you prepare one of these recipes.
Many times, doctors prescribe diets that are more like punishment--no seasoning at all. Well newsflash--herbs and spices don't add calories!! You can have delicious meals without guilt if you know how to go about it.
Some may say these are "standard" tips but some of us just needed to hear it in simple language: that a nonstick pan is (or should be) what it says--you don't need more than a brush of oil. That baking is leaner than panfrying, without having to sacrifice taste. That home-made versions of processed or takeaway foods taste better and can be calorie-controlled without sacrificing the good stuff.
I was prescribed to eat a lot of fish, which I didn't care for, until I learned a few tips from our lads. And the best recommendation is, a year on, they have kept the weight off.
Can't wait for the second book in the series to come out! If you love tasty, filling, satisfying food, you will use this book even if you don't "need" to.
Profile Image for Libbeth.
298 reviews43 followers
September 3, 2012
The recipes I have made from this book turned out just like the photographs and tasted yummy. You have to bear in mind that some of the recipes are not a complete meal and so you would have to count in extra calories for rice and such.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,882 reviews63 followers
January 14, 2020
It was interesting to come to this book after reading the Bikers joint autobiography which goes into more detail about what led up to the TV programmes and the book, and the experience of working to lose weight after some nasty realisations (perhaps more serious than they let on here). The strength and weakness of the book is that it is quite personal, even though the underpinnings are universally applicable, so that they experienced very satisfying results quite quickly as big chaps, when a petite woman might take a good deal longer and need to be sure to add in more exercise. It demonises nothing and nor does it elevate anything to wonderfood or strategy: there's an eclectic mix of tweaks. It's recognisably Hairy Biker food and pretty accessible for anyone, needing to lose weight or not. I'd've liked more recipes for fewer portions since my own difficulty is that when I have cooked and eaten something delicious, leaving 2 or 3 portions for another time is not always something in which I succeed.
Profile Image for Holly.
49 reviews5 followers
May 28, 2017
I actually got this book because my dad is a fan of the Hairy Bikers and is wanting to lose weight, but I found myself reading the whole thing and really enjoying it - as well as saving lots of recipes for later.

I've so far made four of the recipes and all of them came out brilliantly. Paprika chicken (lovely with brown rice), Old fashioned chicken and vegetable stew (great with new potatoes), Our special cassoulet (I used chilli sausages and they turned out great), and Italian meatballs with chunky tomato sauce. I made them all in one day and have frozen them in individual portions that I can eat during the week after a long day. It's made for a great system, and they freeze well!

Lots of other variation in recipes with the Hairy Bikers style, such as fakeaways and healthier versions of stews and pies. The personality of Si and Dave shines through in the book. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone trying to eat more healthily.
Profile Image for Sophie Crane.
5,080 reviews174 followers
February 8, 2025
Bought this on the recommendation of someone who’d used it and lost weight. I love Si and Dave’s (sadly missed) TV cooking. This book contains great advice and a wide range of recipes. I’ve already made 7 or 8 of the meals, several more than once. It’s hard to believe these are diet recipes as the flavours are so good. To me these feel more like indulgence than a diet. Great ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Weight loss is happening and with such good guidance will be really easy to continue. I found it so good that I’ve already bought books 2 and 3 which look just as good.
Profile Image for Sam.
540 reviews9 followers
June 14, 2020
Always reliable recipes, tasty and lighter than other mains.

Aimed at people on a diet, there's a decent variety, and they're good if you're just looking for a lighter meal. Pretty good about giving the nutritional values for their recipes and being quite filling.
33 reviews
December 26, 2020
Chicken and chorizo bake is a family favourite. The lamb and potato curry is the best curry I have ever made according to my dad. Many recipes here are repeated regularly in my kitchen. Family favourites
21 reviews
February 23, 2024
Mouth-watering, calorie counted recipes

My first Hairy Bikers cook book and I’m loving it. The friendly tone of advice given at the start of each section is encouraging and inspires me to try the recipes. My favourite diet book so far and I have many!
Profile Image for Michelle McManus.
7 reviews
November 27, 2017
Really tasty everyday recipes

Really tasty everyday recipes they are easy to name and easier to enjoy! Go hairy dieters! . . . .
Profile Image for Sharon.
4 reviews
March 24, 2019
Enjoyed working my way through this book. All the recipes turned out well, but I didn't lose much weight! Chicken jalrezi in particular was delish!
Profile Image for Sue.
7 reviews
May 6, 2019
Having spent 3 months on the fast 800 diet, this book has fabulous recipes to help me keep eating in a calorie controlled way without it becoming mundane and boring.
4 reviews
June 4, 2019
Some great recipes. Have tried a few. Just have to have will power to use more with no snacking.
Profile Image for Jules.
65 reviews
July 4, 2020
Some lovely low fat recipes. I've already tried a couple and they are so very taste.
93 reviews8 followers
January 1, 2022
Their first diet book and certainly their best. Engaging recipes coupled with solid nutritional science from a respected redbrick university. A recommended read, some lovely recipes
Profile Image for EatSleepReadRepeat.
46 reviews
May 14, 2025
This book is like my bible - so many brilliant recipes and I have made countless meals from it for friends and family who have all enjoyed them too.
Profile Image for Veronika.
9 reviews7 followers
June 8, 2016
tl;dr - Quite decent recipes, very basic, but scientifically solid weight loss advice.

I have picked up this book because I love food, and would like to lose weight, and have read it in a day. While I haven't tried any of the recipes yet (obviously), I trust the hairy dudes to do their usual thing and I believe that the recipes will be delicious as always.

The book's principle is a very good one - it recommends restricting calories somewhat, and eating sensibly with more fiber and protein, and less carbohydrates. It is not a fad diet cookbook, and while it doesn't promise magical results, I can see how it will absolutely work for people who are, at the point of reading it, eating really badly and too much, and drink excessively - the book recommends cutting out alcohol, or restricting it to weekends, not eating giant piles of food, and reducing the amount of carb-heavy sides for dinners.

For someone like me who already drinks 1-2 glasses of wine a week at most, eats a lot of salads and vegetables, and does not load up on carbs, most of the advice is redundant, if a good reminder that yes, I should be doing all these things. However, I still think it is a decent book, and for those who guzzle beer with each meal and eat a pizza plate of fries with gravy for lunch, following it will certainly make a good change. I will definitely try some of the curry and stew recipes (they look and sound delicious),, but I cannot say this book was any sort of revelation.

I do recommend it for anyone who plans to start eating sensibly and wants to do it while cooking at home.
Profile Image for Justyna.
23 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2014
Nie oszukujmy się. Si i Dave Ameryki nie odkrywają. Nie dowiedziałam się z tej książki niczego, czego nie wiedziałam wcześniej. Ale to nic, bo te wszystkie oczywistości, to naprawdę jeden z najlepszych kroków do stracenia na wadze (jeśli połączy się dietę z ćwiczeniami!).
Po pierwszym przejrzeniu uznałam, że jest to książka dla ludzi otyłych, zmagających się z ogromna nadwagą. Nic bardziej mylnego. Ale na pewno może być bardzo pomocna dla osób, które nigdy na diecie nie były, lub wcześniejsze w ogóle im nie wychodziły (poddajesz się po dwóch dniach, bo nie możesz wytrzymać z głodu? Przeczytaj tę książkę :) )
Poza fajnymi trikami i wskazówkami w książce jest cała masa fantastycznych przepisów. Niektóre jak dla mnie są za ciężkie, czy zbyt kaloryczne, bo chłopaki jednak mieli wcześniej sporą nadwagę, ale poza tym pozostaje masa rzeczy, które na pewno wypróbuję!
Dodatkowym plusem jest to, że właściwie wszystkie produkty są bez problemu dostępne w Polsce, a jest to częsty problem z angielskimi czy amerykańskimi książkami kucharskimi, czasem nie wiem nawet gdzie zacząć się rozglądać za jakąś rzeczą.
Fajna książka, dieta też może być fajna. I przyjemna. Bez dwóch listków sałaty i plasterka chudego białego sera :)
Profile Image for Chris.
298 reviews
August 20, 2013
Obviously not reading this book cover to cover but dipping in and out of it try some of the recipes or at least adapt their philosophy which is all about ingredient substitution. There is clear information in about what is a calories and about healthy eating. This quote isn't rocket science but it seems to be something we all forget in our quest for the 'perfect diet':

"Our experts explained to us that in order to lose weight, you have to take in fewer calories so that body has to use its stores - makes sense so far doesn't it?"

There are some great tips about rethinking eating habits and re-educating yourself and making sure you eat breakfast and don't skip meals. They also talk about exercise and how that didn't necessarily take of the pounds by itself but it did make them feel healthier.

I want to try the balsamic tomatoes as I love tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. The prawn and chive omelette is not something I would have thought of at all.

Thanks for the loan Fiona :-)
4 reviews16 followers
April 20, 2013
This book has become my bible for great recipes of comfort foods that are healthy at the same time, and a family pleasure for those who are not interested in eating healthy, they don't even know they are. Broken down into a well thought out and constructed sections: calories calculated per portion and clear ingredient lists make these straight forward and easy to prepare. Simple ingredients list which is truly refreshing to most cook books that need over 15 ingredients for each. All ingredients I owned or were simple to purchase and found in even my rural supermarket. The recipes are extremely tasteful and do not suffer like most healthy recipes from lacking in taste.
Profile Image for Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) .
1,062 reviews124 followers
June 19, 2015
Published: 2012
Author: Hairy Bikers
Recommended for: people who are wanting to lose weight

A really great diet book that does help you lose the pounds while eating delicious meals. Packed full of wonderful recipes that leave you feeling full and not guilty for eating. A definate must have for anybody who is trying to lose some weight. The book is full of recipes that a easy and quick to make, either if you are making a meal for alot of people or just yourself. You might find alot of new family favourites that you can make again and again
Profile Image for Joanna.
2 reviews
September 9, 2012


Great book to inspire weight loss. However it is probably best to double check the calorie count as in one recipe (chicken bake) the tally was far higher than quoted. Others tried are right though, and thee skinny beef lasagne tasted just like lasagne, with the cheese topping despite being 364 calories a person!
Profile Image for Pauline.
544 reviews15 followers
November 1, 2012
Really delicious recipes and low fat! Is that possible? Yes it is, those Hairy Bikers have produced wonderful meals to keep you healthy.
Simple to make, easy to follow instructions and superb results.
Wonder how they will follow this book as they surely can't go back to their fatty ways can they?
Profile Image for Audrey.
12 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2012
Although many of the recipes are meat/fish based, there are enough vegetarian ones or ones that are easily adapted to be meatless, to make me glad I got this book. The best thing is that they give tips you can use to reduce the fat/calorie content in many recipes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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