Book Review: Shred Happens: So Easy, So Good, by Arash Hashemi

Hashemi, A. (2025). Shred happens: So easy, so good: 100+ protein-packed Mediterranean favorites with a low-carb twist. New York: Rodale.

Summary

The author shares his journey to regaining his health and a better relationship with food. In addition to losing 100 pounds, he taught himself how to cook and shares 100+ recipes inspired by his Persian roots, Mediterranean favorites, and crave-able global cuisines.

Nine chapters cover shareable plates, spreads and dips, salads, mains, pasta and rice, power bowls, sauces and salsas, spice blends, and desserts.

Author’s Food Philosophy

1.       Consistency versus intensity: Make small, sustainable changes that can be maintained

2.       Continuous improvement: Minor improvements over time, compound and lead to profound positive change

3.       Community: Celebrate and share food together

4.       Bring on the flavor: Don’t settle for bland or boring meals, experiment with global cuisine, try new recipes from different cultures, and seek new produce

5.       Make it easy and accessible: Fit it into your day-to-day lifestyle; have the essential ingredients on hand, and experiment with flexible and versatile recipes

6.       Fuel right, feel good: Focus on nourishing foods; find the right balance between indulgence and taking care of your body

Advantages

The author’s story is relatable for anyone who has struggled with their weight and yo-yo dieting. The recipes include prep time, cook time, and servings. While the author follows a low-carb lifestyle, he notes where regular rice and pasta can be substituted. You do not have to follow a low-carb diet in order to enjoy the recipes. The introduction for each recipe conveys his passion and kind spirit. The photographs are beautiful and inspirational.

Disadvantages

This book is not for you if you do not like Mediterranean cuisine. And, if you are left wanting more recipes, you can follow him on Instagram, @shredhappens.

Highlights

·         Page 14, “Through this journey, I realized the importance of taking small but actionable steps toward our big goals. I learned that the big things are the little things; and that the little things really are the big things.”

·         Page 14, “There is a word in Japanese for this practice of continuous improvement in small steps: kaizen.”

·         Page 19, “It took me twenty-plus years of yo-yo dieting to realize there wasn’t a miracle solution, and to rethink my relationship with food. I finally understood that to make the big change I was looking for, I needed to focus on the little things.”

·         Page 23, My Food & Pantry Essentials: flavorful spices, healthy fats, sauce ingredients, sides, protein sources

·         Pages 24-25, My Kitchen Essentials: knives, cutting boards, gadgets and tools, pans and pots, serving tools; Techniques: marinating protein, grilling, searing, sautéing, roasting, cutting veggies, plating