Demi Lovato is set to make her debut in the culinary world with the release of her cookbook, *One Plate at a Time: Recipes for Finding Freedom with Food,* which will be available on March 31, 2023. This move marks a new chapter for the multi-talented star, renowned for her singing, acting, directing, and producing, as she shares her journey towards finding joy in cooking.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/demi-lovato-one-plate-at-a-time-portrait-062425-e7ff3b384000429aa43dcfb1e8ed04ef.jpg)
The singer recently spoke to *PEOPLE* about how her battle with an eating disorder influenced her motivation to write the cookbook. Lovato confessed that her initial experiences in recovery were overwhelming, particularly when it came to food. “When I first was in recovery, I was so overwhelmed by food, that stepping into a grocery store would make me break down into tears,” she recalled, illustrating the emotional weight of her struggles.
Lovato’s turbulent relationship with food spanned many years, especially during her battle with bulimia. Despite recommendations from dietitians and therapists to explore cooking as a therapeutic outlet, she found herself unable to connect with the kitchen. It wasn’t until she turned 30 and began cooking with friends that she experienced a shift. The moment she prepared a spaghetti squash salad was transformative. “That was the first recipe that I cooked with friends where I was like, ‘Wow, this is actually really fun,’” she shared.
This realisation marked the beginning of a new chapter for Lovato. Cooking transitioned from a source of anxiety to one of joy and accomplishment. The kitchen evolved into a space where she found pride in her creations, leading her to view cooking as one of her “love languages.” It was through this newfound appreciation that she began to contemplate the idea of writing a cookbook aimed at helping others with similar struggles.
*One Plate at a Time* is designed to be an accessible resource for those who may have faced challenges with food or feel intimidated by cooking. Lovato expressed her desire to create a book that equips readers with basic culinary skills, stating, “It’s just about getting in the kitchen and getting comfortable around cooking, and that will set you up for success later down the road with more recipes.”
The cookbook features over 80 recipes, including classic dishes that Lovato holds dear, such as “Spag Bol” (spaghetti bolognese), “Chicken Milanese with Arugula Salad,” and “Foolproof Pulled Pork.” Additionally, it includes five recipes inspired by fast food favourites from her youth, including her “Classic Cheeseburger Deluxe” and “Drive Through Tacos,” which are characterised by their simplicity and flavour.
Beyond the recipes, Lovato’s journey with food is deeply personal. The book provides insights into her home life, personal anecdotes, and practical pantry tips. Among the pages, readers will find photographs of her mother, Dianna De La Garza, who has her own recovery journey with food and played an influential role in Lovato’s culinary revival. “Seeing her get into the kitchen really inspired me to get into the kitchen,” she said.
The release of *One Plate at a Time* comes alongside Lovato’s ninth studio album, *It’s Not That Deep*, and a North American tour scheduled to commence in April. Emphasising her evolving relationship with cooking, she noted that “nothing is off limits” and hopes that her shows will reflect that spirit.
Ultimately, Lovato aspires for her readers to embrace the act of cooking as a source of pride and joy. “I really want people to enjoy stepping foot into the kitchen—and finding freedom with food,” she said, reinforcing her commitment to making cooking a joyful experience for all.
With its forthcoming release, *One Plate at a Time: Recipes for Finding Freedom with Food* promises to be an inspiring addition to the culinary landscape, offering not just recipes but a message of healing and empowerment.