Cheap Cook'n Lean (Software) (Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 95) Price

Based on Dana Thornock's book Lean & Free 2000 Plus, a copy of which comes with the program, the fundamental concept of this particular Cook'n outing is that the key to effective weight management and healthy eating is to avoid starvation diets and serious food deprivation. Users are provided with hundreds of nutritionally balanced recipes, which can be combined into an infinite number of menus. Videos included in the package walk you through the process of implementing Thornock's lifestyle recommendations and the basics of making her suggested meals.

This program features a number of high-tech cooking options, such as the ability to halve or double recipes at the touch of a button. Its database can be increased by means of online updates, and the program allows users to build a personal cookbook of favored meals. Cook'n Lean also generates grocery lists automatically, based on the menus created by the user. Unfortunately, its most important potential tool is very limited--the search engine allows users to filter recipes to some extent, but does not distinguish carefully between differing types of food content. For example, many recipes have been carefully labeled to say which are diabetic-friendly and which are not. However, a search for the terms "diabetic" or "diabetes" brings up recipes in both categories.

Even so, Cook'n Lean is easy to use, even for those who are still new to computer use. A series of large buttons at the top of its interface allows you to choose between the recipe index, shopping list, and other features. Beginners will find all of the recipes easy to cook. Many of them are designed with quick preparation in mind, and feature canned or other prepared foods as essential ingredients. For users who are truly strapped for time, Cook'n Lean advocates a highly tactical approach to meal planning, where you set out your chosen meals before shopping, and perform certain prep tasks--like cutting vegetables--only once for several meals. The point of this dovetailing is that users never duplicate effort unnecessarily.

Particularly useful for newer cooks, this database delivers quick and easily prepared meals that focus on fully rounded nutrition. --Alyx Dellamonica