Simply Fresh by Kylee Melo: Why I’m Loving This Cookbook
I’ve been using this cookbook for as long as I can remember. It is a cookbook that actually makes healthy eating feel simple. You know how some “healthy” cookbooks look gorgeous, but every recipe calls for ingredients you’ve never even heard of? Or you flip through and realize half the recipes would take you two hours on a weeknight? Yeah, that’s not real life for me.
*Simply Fresh: Healthy Made Simple* by Kylee Melo caught my attention because the recipes are simple, under 30 minutes, and look and taste delicious as well as nutritious. The title alone had me curious, but once I started flipping through it, I realized it was exactly what I’d been looking for: everyday recipes that are healthy, plant-based, and still realistic for a normal schedule.
More Than Just Recipes
This book isn’t only about food — Kylee actually spends the first part of it giving practical tips on health and nutrition. She talks about lowering blood sugar, fighting inflammation, how to stock your kitchen with the basics, and even how faith and wellness tie together. It’s written in a way that feels straightforward and encouraging, not preachy or overwhelming. I liked that part a lot because, as a culinary student passionate about healthy eating, it made me see the recipes as part of a bigger picture of health, not just one-off meals.
What the Recipes Are Like
There are over 75 recipes in this book, covering a wide range of dishes: breakfasts, soups, salads, main courses, sides, desserts, drinks, and even basic ingredients like sauces. The vibe is plant-based, but it’s not one of those books that makes you feel like you have to be vegan to enjoy it. Each recipe has clear icons to show if it’s gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, or diabetic-friendly, so it works for a lot of different lifestyles.
One thing I really appreciated is that she includes the full nutrition breakdown for every recipe — calories, carbs, fiber, fat, sugar, protein, and cholesterol. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s nice to know exactly what you’re eating. For me, that transparency makes me trust the recipes more.
Some Favorites
So far, a few recipes have stood out. The Banana Bread is one of my favorite recipes because it is simple, moist, and delicious, and it’s one of those desserts that you can throw together when you are craving something sweet but healthier. The Cauliflower Soup is creamy without using any dairy, and it feels like the perfect cozy dinner for colder nights. And then there’s her take on mac and cheese — completely plant-based but still rich and satisfying. Honestly, it’s kind of shocking how good it is considering how simple the ingredients are.
Why I’d Recommend It
If you’re trying to add more plant-based meals into your life, or just eat healthier without it feeling like a huge hassle, *Simply Fresh* is the cookbook for you k. It doesn’t talk down to you, and it doesn’t make you feel guilty if you’re not “perfect.” It’s just full of recipes and tips that make sense and are easy to follow.
For me, it’s less about going on some strict diet and more about making small, realistic changes every day — and this cookbook fits right into that mindset.
So if you’ve been feeling like you want to eat healthier but without spending hours in the kitchen and using simple ingredients or if healthy eating always feels like too much work, I’d definitely say give Kylee Melo’s *Simply Fresh* a try. It’s exactly what the title promises: simple, fresh, and doable.
