Simple Pleasures: Reading & Eating: Size Always Matters by Sally Cronin and a Recipe

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Hi everyone, its Robbie Cheadle here with my first post in a new series called Simple Pleasures: Reading & Eating. This series comprises a book review combined with a recipe which could be anything from a cocktail to a dessert.

The book I am reviewing for this first post is Size Always Matters: Don’t be part of a statistic, start losing weight today by Sally Cronin.

My review of Size Always Matters: Don’t be part of a statistic by Sally Cronin

Picture caption: Cover of Size Always Matters featuring a red apple wrapped in a measuring tape

This is a fabulous and informative book to help everyone eat better and be more aware of the nutritional value of what we put in our mouths. I am not overweight, and I never have been, in fact, I struggle with losing too much weight through stress and anxiety. The information in this book is just as useful for someone like me who can also use guidance on better eating to help reduce my specific health issues. This book is packed with factual information on the impact of a huge variety of vitamins and minerals on the human body and deals with every aspect of health. The author also points out that part of her eating disorder was anxiety and stress related so it actually does go both ways depending on your personality type.

The author also puts a lot of emphasis on moderate and healthy exercise which is an aid to weight loss but it also vital for good health for everyone. I liked the emphasis on moderate exercise as overexercise has become one of the health problems faced by people and goes hand-in-hand with eating disorders.

I bought paperback versions of this book for two family members who both struggle with weight gain, both of whom have faced some of the problems the author has such as candida overgrowth. The importance of gut health is stressed throughout this book, and I am a strong believer in health issues caused by overuse of antibiotics and other medications. Of course, these have their place and have saved many lives, but they also have numerous side effects that need to be combated through diet and exercise.

I recommend this to anybody who is keen to live a long and healthy life. You just can’t go wrong with the excellent information provided in this book.

You can purchase Size Always Matters from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/Size-Always-Matters-statistic-losing-ebook/dp/B0DBW294T1

and from Amazon UK here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Size-Always-Matters-statistic-losing-ebook/dp/B0DBW294T1

Recipe for low sodium, low GI health bars

Ingredients

1 kilogram (4 cups) rolled oats

125 ml (1/2 cup) sunflower seeds

125 ml (1/2 cup) unsweetened coconut flakes

375 ml (1 1/2 cups) unsalted mixed nuts, chopped

250 ml (1 cup) clear honey

160 ml low sodium peanut butter

5 ml cinnamon

15 ml vanilla extract

12 pitted dates, chopped

Method

Mix the oats, nuts, coconut flakes and sunflower seeds in a bowl. Spread out over two baking trays. Toast lightly in the oven at 170 degrees Celsius for 10 to 15 minutes until the coconut flakes are golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Turn the oven down to 150 degrees Celsius. In a large saucepan on a low heat, melt the honey and peanut butter. Add the cinnamon and vanilla essence. Combine the dry ingredients and the dates. Press into greased baking trays and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

Cut while still hot into rectangles.

Enjoy this healthy treat while reading Sally’s terrific book!

About Sally Cronin

Sally Cronin is the author of eighteen books including her memoir Size Matters: Especially when you weigh 330lb first published in 2001 which followed her weight loss of 150lbs and the programme she designed to achieve a healthy weight and regain her health. A programme she shared with her clients over her 26 year career as a nutritional therapist and on her blog. This has been followed by another seventeen books both fiction and non-fiction including multi-genre collections of short stories and poetry.

Her latest book Size Always Matters is an extended and updated version of her original book Size Matters and now includes the nutritional element to losing weight and some recipes with ingredients that provide the nutrients necessary for healthy weight loss and continued good health.

As an author she understands how important it is to have support in marketing books and offers a number of FREE promotional opportunities in the Café and Bookstore on her blog and across her social media.

After leading a nomadic existence exploring the world, she now lives with her husband on the coast of Southern Ireland enjoying the seasonal fluctuations in the temperature of the rain.

Sally writes about health on her blog, Smorgasbord. This link is to one of her recent health posts: Smorgasbord Health Column Extra – Hacks and Benefits – #Skin, #Digestion, #Inflammation, #Immune System, Castor Oil… by Sally Cronin | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

About Robbie Cheadle

Picture caption: Robbie Cheadle author photograph

South African author, photographer, and artist, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated seventeen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, written and illustrated four poetry books and written and illustrated one celebration of cake and fondant art book with recipes. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.

Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/

Social Media Links

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVyFo_OJLPqFa9ZhHnCfHUA
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15584446.Robbie_Cheadle
TSL Publications: https://tslbooks.uk/product-tag/robbie-cheadle/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robbie-Cheadle/author/B01N9J62GQ
Unsplash profile: https://unsplash.com/@r_cheadle

98 respuestas a “Simple Pleasures: Reading & Eating: Size Always Matters by Sally Cronin and a Recipe”

  1. Avatar de Cindy Georgakas

    You do know how many of us would give our eye tooth to have your problem with not being able to keep weight on, right, Robbie?! However, I’ve worked with enough people to know that it’s also just as hard when people can’t keep weight on.
    Great review of Sally’s book and she is certainly a role model for others to follow with tried and true support to get people where they want to be!
    That recipe looks amazing. Thanks a lot! I’m going to make some!!
    🙏💕

    Le gusta a 4 personas

    1. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

      Thanks very much Cindy and finding the right balance is a challenge for most of us, and as you say keeping the weight on is equally important, particularly as we get older.. ♥

      Le gusta a 1 persona

      1. Avatar de Cindy Georgakas

        You’re so welcome, Sally! It really is and there are so many factors! I might send you an email soon. With this new bone health program I’m 100 % adhering to, that’s a whole other interesting process! Eating the right food and nutrients with supplements etc… I’m still full all the time and can barely get enough food in. Always something! 😱🩷

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      2. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

        It is definitely an area which tends to be neglected by the mainstream.. Like you I am very aware of my bone health and so many of the nutrients are missed off particularly for women.. Glad you are finding your programme works.. ♥

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      3. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        I also have to watch bone density 💗

        Le gusta a 1 persona

      4. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        💜🙏

        Me gusta

    2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Hi Cindy, yes, I know everyone wants to be thin but thin can have its own set of problems. This was a great and tasty snack. Thank you.

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      1. Avatar de Cindy Georgakas

        Exactly, Robina! Looks awesome. 👏 🩷

        Me gusta

      2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        🌈💙

        Me gusta

  2. Avatar de Darlene

    Sally’s book should be on everyone’s bookshelf. Thanks for the great review and the perfect recipe. I will be making that one!

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    1. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

      Thanks so much Darlene for your ongoing support… and those bars look delicious. ♥

      Me gusta

    2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      HI Darlene, this is a nice tasty treat. I agree that Sally’s book is a great one and most useful.

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  3. Avatar de tidalscribe.com

    We know Sally gained a good understanding of how food works! This sounds like a book to be read before and instead of resorting to operations and the latest injections and of course food should be one of life’s simple pleasures. I know from having chemotherapy when everything tasted horrible, how much good food plays a part in our lives whether we’re eating alone or having family round the table.

    Le gusta a 2 personas

    1. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

      Thanks for the support Janet… I know to my cost how very low calories diets and rapid weight loss can make the problem worse… And at a time when you need optimum nutrition, losing your taste bud functions is at the worst possible time… and food is definitely a comfort both to eat and to share. ♥

      Me gusta

      1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        You are completely correct, Sally. Great words of wisdom.

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    2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      You are right about good food being a pleasure and this is a useful and helpful book to assist people in eating well but healthily.

      Me gusta

  4. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

    Thanks so much Robbie for sharing your review for Size Always Matters here today and I am very grateful for the boost… Y muchas gracias Robbie por compartir hoy aquí tu reseña de Size Always Matters, ¡te agradezco mucho el impulso! ♥

    Le gusta a 1 persona

    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      It’s a pleasure, Sally. It’s a great book.

      Le gusta a 1 persona

      1. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

        Thanks again Robbie. ♥

        Me gusta

      2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        💛

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  5. Avatar de brazannemuse

    This is a great review Robbie. Like you anxiety makes me drop weight, but also I have had to take so many antibiotics I was left with digestive issues…. It’s taken nearly a year to combat.. so this is very interesting – I think the recipe could work here too. I have to be extra vigilant now on preparing food due to my daughter being diagnosed with several severe allergies! For years told IBS, gastritis etc finally investigated for crohns with a CT scan but the contrast they used sent her into serious allergic reaction that has finally made docs start looking deeper. She has auto-immune disease but also allergy to tBHQ and iodine! Iodine is such a difficult one as it’s a natural element our bodies need – but she has to reduce intake as much as possible so no dairy, or fish (limited meat – due to what they eat) and even vegetables and fruits contain iodine… everything has to be made from scratch as pre-prepared will always have something she can’t have! She also can’t have soya, mustard, paprika, leeks, courgette, aubergine or peppers… and probably more. I make my own mayo with Aquafaba, can ONLY use natural sea salt (many have added iodine as they think it’s good for us!) and only oatmilk (but even lots of these made add iodine!) can only use pure extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil – so ANY recipes you come across that are basic and natural I would greatly appreciate knowing about…. 💞

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Hi Suzanne, I cook a lot from scratch and will be sharing recipes each month for this series. Not all my own recipes but some will be mine.

      Le gusta a 1 persona

    2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      I’ve know a few people with Crone and their health has been good once their are diagnosed and on the correct diet.

      Me gusta

  6. Avatar de Meelosmom

    Yum!

    Me gusta

    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      These came out very well, Barbara.

      Me gusta

      1. Avatar de Meelosmom

        Thanks so much!

        Me gusta

  7. Avatar de joynealkidney

    The new series sounds terrific, and what a great book and recipe to begin with!

    Le gusta a 1 persona

    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Thank you, Joy. Sally’s books are all wonderful

      Le gusta a 1 persona

  8. Avatar de merrildsmith

    It sounds like an interesting and useful book!

    (How many series are you doing now, Robbie?! 😂)

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    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Three a week on LatinosUSA and 3 a month on Writing to be Read.

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      1. Avatar de merrildsmith

        It was sort of a rhetorical question because it seems almost like you have a new one every day, Robbie! 😂

        Me gusta

      2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        I know. LatinosUSA came along as an unexpected opportunity. I was a bit unsure but decided to go with it.

        Le gusta a 1 persona

      3. Avatar de merrildsmith

        🌹

        Me gusta

  9. Avatar de Dave Astor

    Great mix of a review and recipe, Robbie! Sally’s book is a very important one.

    Le gusta a 2 personas

    1. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

      Thanks for the support Dave. x

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      1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        💚

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    2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      I agree, Dave. I’ve given them as gifts to two people who are struggling with yo-yo dieting.

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  10. Avatar de Priscilla Bettis

    Moderation is important. I have been through cycles of overexercising in the past … no fun. Thanks for sharing Sally’s granola bar recipe, Robbie!

    Le gusta a 1 persona

    1. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

      Thanks Priscilla… I wish I could claim the kudos for the recipe but it is all Robbie’s… sounds delicious.. hugsxx

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      1. Avatar de Priscilla Bettis

        Ah! Well in that case, thanks, Robbie, for the recipe!

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      2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        🩵

        Le gusta a 1 persona

      3. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        😋💗

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  11. Avatar de Dale

    Now that is a good book to have in one’s library. We have a friend in the family who is like you. She cannot gain weight for the life of her. She even took pills, was thrilled when she put on five pounds. Stopped the pills, lost the weight. Sigh.

    And that recipe looks delicious. Must note it!

    Le gusta a 1 persona

    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Thanks, Dale. My mom is so think you can almost see through her. I am just like her and we get thinner as we age. Luckily we have good bones.

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      1. Avatar de Dale

        We are what we are! And yes! Good bones are most important!

        Me gusta

      2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        You are right 🩵

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      3. Avatar de Dale

        💞

        Me gusta

  12. Avatar de D.L. Finn, Author
    D.L. Finn, Author

    Great review, Robbie. I found this book to be a great source of information. I am the opposite,I eat more when stressed or tired. Your bars sound yummy! Xo

    Le gusta a 1 persona

    1. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

      Thanks very much Denise…♥

      Me gusta

      1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        💙

        Le gusta a 1 persona

    2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Thanks Denise, it’s a great book 🌈

      Me gusta

  13. Avatar de Lauren Scott, Author

    I agree with you, Robbie, on Sally’s book. It’s a great tool, and losing weight or trying to put weight on both have their challenges. Congratulations to Sally for being featured. ❤️

    Le gusta a 1 persona

    1. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

      Thanks for the support Lauren for the book ♥

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      1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        💛

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      2. Avatar de Lauren Scott, Author

        You’re so welcome, Sally! xo

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      3. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        💜

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    2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Thanks for adding your thoughts and boost for this book 💙

      Le gusta a 1 persona

      1. Avatar de Lauren Scott, Author

        My pleasure, Robbie! 💞

        Me gusta

      2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        🌈

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  14. Avatar de Nicole Sara

    Thank you for the review, Robbie! 💖 I’m sure Sally’s book is a very useful read, and interesting. Congratulations to Sally for the spotlight on this book! 💕

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    1. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

      Thanks very much Nicole…♥

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      1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        💗

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    2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Hi Nicole, this is a useful book for everyone, regardless of weight.

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  15. Avatar de Liz Gauffreau

    Thank you for the review of Sally’s book, Robbie. Those health bars look very good!

    Le gusta a 1 persona

    1. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

      Delighted with the feature Liz. xxx

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      1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        😃🩵

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    2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Hi Liz, I make them for Michael who is always watching his weight. Of course, I try to cook healthy food for everyone in my family.

      Le gusta a 1 persona

  16. Avatar de T. W. Dittmer

    Great review, Roberta, and a good recipe! Sally’s book sounds very helpful, though, like Roberta, I don’t need to lose weight. It could help some of my health problems and is now on my list.

    Me gusta

    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Hi Tim, this is a useful book and includes a lot of good advice and details around healthy eating 🥑🥦🍑

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  17. Avatar de memadtwo

    It’s refreshing to see someone approach weight problems with balance and common sense.

    Thanks for the review and the recipe! (K)

    Me gusta

    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Sally has an innate understanding of people. It comes out in all her writing. Thanks, Kerfe 🧡

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  18. Avatar de Carla

    I have the original book that Sally wrote and it is definitely time I read it. It sounds like one that I really need to read and apply the principals if I want to get healthier. Great review, Robbie.

    Le gusta a 1 persona

    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Hi Carla, yes, this book gives great advice on healthier eating which is helpful for everyone regardless of their weight.

      Le gusta a 1 persona

    2. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

      Thanks very much Carla… and the basic programme is in the original book and hope you find interesing.. the newer version has more of a nutritional profile.. ♥

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      1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        Thanks for the clarification, Sally

        Me gusta

  19. Avatar de Kay Castaneda

    This is a good review of Sally’s book, Robbie. The bars look delicious. I saved seeds from my sunflowers. This would be a perfect recipe for them.

    Le gusta a 1 persona

    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Hi Kay, it’s a great book and my family enjoy these bars 🩷

      Le gusta a 1 persona

    2. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

      Thanks very much Kay.. delighted by Robbie’s review.. ♥

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  20. Avatar de lyndhurstlaura

    I love Sally’s books, and this one is on my list! Thanks for sharing your review. 😊

    Le gusta a 1 persona

    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      My pleasure, Laura. It’s a worthwhile investment of time and money.

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    2. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

      Thanks for the ongoing support Laura… and very grateful for Robbie’s wonderful review ♥

      Le gusta a 1 persona

  21. […] My thanks to Robbie who shared her much appreciated review for Size Always Matters on The Simple Pleasures blog this week along with a delicious recipe for low sodium, low GI health bars. I hope you will head over to enjoy the post and copy down that recipe. Robbie Cheadle with a review and recipe. […]

    Me gusta

  22. […] My thanks to Robbie who shared her much appreciated review for Size Always Matters on The Simple Pleasures blog this week along with a delicious recipe for low sodium, low GI health bars. I hope you will head over to enjoy the post and copy down that recipe. Robbie Cheadle with a review and recipe. […]

    Me gusta

  23. Avatar de olganm

    Thanks, Robbie, for the recipe and for the review. Sally is an endless source of knowledge and she is always updating her materials and sources. ♥

    Le gusta a 1 persona

    1. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      I agree. I find Sally’s articles to be very useful and informative.

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    2. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

      Thanks so much Olga.. appreciate your support always. ♥

      Me gusta

  24. Avatar de dgkaye

    Amazing review for Sally’s well researched book on finding and maintaing good health! Congrats to Sally! xx

    Le gusta a 1 persona

    1. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

      Thanks very much for the added boost Debby… ♥♥

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      1. Avatar de dgkaye

        Had to add my two cents Sal. 💜❌⭕

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      2. Avatar de Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

        Worth a darn sight more than that Debby ♥♥

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      3. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        💛

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      4. Avatar de dgkaye

        🤣😁😍💜

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      5. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

        💰

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    2. Avatar de robertawrites235681907

      Thanks for visiting, Debby.

      Le gusta a 1 persona

      1. Avatar de dgkaye

        🧡

        Me gusta

  25. […] My thanks to Robbie who shared her much appreciated review for Size Always Matters on The Simple Pleasures blog this week along with a delicious recipe for low sodium, low GI health bars. I hope you will head over to enjoy the post and copy down that recipe. Robbie Cheadle with a review and recipe. […]

    Me gusta

  26. […] My thanks to Robbie who shared her much appreciated review for Size Always Matters on The Simple Pleasures blog this week along with a delicious recipe for low sodium, low GI health bars. I hope you will head over to enjoy the post and copy down that recipe. Robbie Cheadle with a review and recipe. […]

    Me gusta

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