The Ranch Malibu

For more than a decade now, The Ranch Malibu has lured celebs, moguls, and health-obsessed guests from all over the world to fork over $10,000 a week to eat a totally plantbased, low-calorie diet—one that has to fuel them through grueling workouts and make them feel like they’re indulging in fine dining.

Our own Danny Seo was put to their test, and came away a few pounds down, energy level up, and hooked on their delicious low-cal menu. It’s one that somehow provides enough fuel for climbing mountains and pushing through intensive workouts without a feeling of deprivation. And let’s face it, these must be well-thought-out meals—deprivation plus $10K per week just never adds up.

These recipes are from the Ranch’s recent cookbook, Food, Food, Food. Ranch Malibu Chef Meredith Haaz let us in on a little secret that explains her strategy for developing delicious recipes that don’t leave guests wanting more. “One of the biggest concerns I hear at the beginning of the week is “Will this be enough food?” she says. “But by the end of the week, I hear “I was never hungry!” The food we serve is filling—full of fiber and protein—and it’s satisfying. Part of the goal is changing the idea of feeling full. Guests do not leave these meals feeling stuffed, they leave feeling satiated.”

And how do we get that satiated feeling? “The key to these recipes is striking the right balance between grains, legumes, and vegetables,” Chef Meredith says. “In addition, using herbs and spices makes the dishes more flavorful so people don’t miss the animal products.”