Cover Image: Eat Feel Fresh

Eat Feel Fresh

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Member Reviews

I'm fascinated by Ayurvedic cooking, so this beautiful cookbook caught my eye, especially since we're trying to eat more plant-based foods. I love the way this book goes into the basics of Ayurveda and the doshas (mind-body types),which helps in understanding which of the following recipe variations is best for you. And the recipes! I've bookmarked the heck out of this book and have high hopes.

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There are things I love about this book and things that are just so-so. The photographs are stunning. Every one is the type that would get a million likes on Instagram -- think gorgeous smoothie bowls swirled with color and then sprinkled all over with flowers. There are also lots of photos of the author, India, etc.

Ketabi gives a lot of information about Ayurveda and also how she adapted it to fit her modern vegan lifestyle. The information is great if you want to learn about Ayurveda or want to adapt it for a plant-based diet.

I don't really follow Ayurveda but it was a good intro to it. The recipes did not strike me as super helpful or appealing to me. I cook vegetarian and do try to cook vegan dishes at least a few times a week, but I doubt I'd cook these recipes much. It was interesting that she had notes about how to change recipes depending on your type (like leave out the garlic if you're this type).

Recommended if you want to learn about Ayurveda and are vegan. Also if you just like pretty food pics. :) You may want to preview it at the library first.

My rating system:
1 = hated it
2 = it was okay
3 = liked it
4 = really liked it
5 = love it, plan to purchase, and/or would buy it again if it was lost

I read a temporary digital ARC of the book for the purpose of review.

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Photography is beautiful. It's so colorful and vibrant. I really love the design and layout of this cookbook. Food looks really great and the recipes look tasty and I like the low-glycemic substitute suggestions.

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Not sure about all the stuff with chakras (something I know exactly nothing about) but the recipes sound absolutely delicious - I love a vegetarian take on anything and these sound amazing - especially the sweet potato lentil shepherd's pie. Mmmmm.

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Eat Feel Fresh is a beautiful book with great pictures and vibrant colors. This is more than just a cookbook. It is a book about how to connect your body with your food. All of the recipes either have different versions or augmentations based on the type of eater you are. This book is a great way to think about food as a method of healing. I look forward to making so many of the recipes in this book.

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I loved looking through this book and would highly recommend to anyone interested in incorporating a more Ayurvedic lifestyle. The photography and fonts were gorgeous and colorful. The recipes look amazing and there quite a few on my list to make in the coming weeks. I can't wait to see more from Sahara Rose Ketabi.

Thank you, DK and NetGalley!

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Wow, this was such a beautiful book and really opened my eyes to the science of Ayurveda. I really enjoyed the knowledge imparted in this book, recipes and the gorgeous pictures. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking incorporate a more plant-based diet into their daily life.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

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When I read the description for this book I was immediately drawn to it.  I had no idea what Ayurveda was but could connect with the idea that we are what we eat, and to go further, we are how our bodies process food.  Those are such interesting ideas and not things that we are taught in the US as children learning to eat and cook.  I think that if I had heard this at a younger age, it would have led to some very fundamental changes in how and what I eat.

The first thing I loved about this book is the depth into Ayurveda that the author goes into.  She obviously has taken a lot of time to study and prepare food in the Ayurvedic way, as to warrant the amount of knowledge she has on the subject.  But seriously, this cookbook is more than just recipes, it's an entire course.  I started taking notes because this is something I am interested in and ended up 5 pages (front and back) later with a ton of notes and things to refer back to.  She is so well-versed in this subject and it is obviously her passion.  The explanation for each thing--doshas, chakras, acid and alkaline foods, alignment, yoga--is all so well-done and detailed.  As you start reading, it doesn't feel like you are reading someone's book on a topic they like.  You are reading someone's passion and life mission.  The author starts the book telling you about her and her problems; she makes the book very personalized.  As you read, you begin to trust her and what she is teaching in this book because she went through her own problems which were fixed by living an Ayurvedic lifestyle, but she also spent ample time living in cultures where this was a key facet to their food culture and health systems.  It's a brilliant collection of time, energy, care, and knowledge that she has compiled into a beautiful and introspective book, packed with exposition, to share and help others.

Secondly, and this is something that I noticed from the get to, was the photography.  She says early on that she went to India to do photography for this book, so we know that most if not all of the photos (maybe not all the food photos) were taken in India.  The photography is so bright and moving, it's almost could represent a collection of ethnographic work from the country.  The photos tell stories and they are perfect for this book.  I would buy this book for the photos alone!  The food photos, while just photos literally of food, are just as breathtaking!  They really make the food jump off the page and demonstrate how beautiful simple things put together can be.

Next, the setup of the book is so smart.  It starts with an emotional connection to the author and an understanding of where she is coming from and why she has taken on this subject.  Then, she continues with a rich and deep exposition about Ayurveda and the multiple systems that go into our health and the food we eat.  She doesn't skimp or shy away here.  As discussed, she goes over everything a beginner could possibly need, and probably more, even venturing into some academic-feeling work comparing and contrasting yoga with the subject.  Once you have this thick background and base knowledge, she introduces the recipes and does so in a way that is light and easy to follow.  Even though they are all vegan, it doesn't feel intimidating or not satisfying.  Rather, it's the complete opposite.  They are beautiful and seem so easy to prepare and incorporate into your own life and eating routine.  I loved that you get to enjoy the recipes after you feel like you know what you are reading about and the benefits of food.  The setup of the book demonstrates and reflects the author's own connection between mind, body, and food.  You begin with the knowledge-rich, mind-building base and then move to how this works and effects the body.  The book ends with the food that ties directly into those two.  It's an ideal setup and works perfectly for this book. 

And lastly, those recipes!  I make a lot of vegan food and eat a lot of it.  I know from experience that finding new recipes and ways to cook things can be daunting.  There were so many recipes and ways of preparing and combining food in this book that I had seriously never thought of.  There were things that I had never seen on Pinterest (where I gather most of my recipes).  I, no lie, copied almost all of these recipes down to use for the future.  

On Goodreads, I gave this book 5 stars because it's a good one!  The writing is well-done and clear, the educational based half of this book is concise and easy to follow.  I didn't get bogged down by foreign words or ideas; everything was outlined and explained in a way that was so easy for me to understand and export my own notes from.  I genuinely feel like I learned a lot from this book both about the subject and about myself and food.  I cannot wait to try some of these recipes and get a hardcopy of this for reference in my kitchen.

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Eat Feel Fresh is more than a cookbook. This book is about Ayurveda and the science behind it and it also provides recipes and other ideas for each individual. They say you eat with your eyes, if that's the case, this is a beautiful book that people will gobble up. I just love the vibrant beautiful pictures.

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This book was absolutely fantastic. I will definitely be buying myself a copy! It was extremely informative, which is what I really look for when it comes to food and diet.

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A wonderfully vibrant and colorfully picturesque guide to living a more balanced life. Prior to reading this book, I did not completely understand the Ayurvedic practices and what the different types and chakras meant, and then I read this book! This book is contains so much information put into charts and visuals that help the reader understand even the most complicated systems. I loved all the photos so much, this would be the perfect present for someone struggling in their life to find out who they are or what the best type of healthy foods they should try to live an modern Ayurvedic life.

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First of all, this cookbook has some stunning photos, which I loved! But I chose to read this title because I was just curious about an Ayurvedic lifestyle. Not that it's necessary, but now I am wishing I would've read her first book (Idiot's guide to Ayurveda) just to have a bit more of a knowledge base prior to reading this cookbook. Nevertheless, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of delicious looking recipes and the fact that most included ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store. On one hand, I was somewhat discouraged because, despite my attempts at expanding his horizons, I didn't see a lot of recipes that I think my husband would try. However, I was very excited to see some new ideas using quinoa because it's so highly recommended and I find myself getting bored of it.

Very interesting and certainly pleasing to the eye. This one will make you hungry!

*Thanks to NetGalley for providing this review copy in exchange for my honest review!

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An absolutely stunning cookbook and resource on the ayurvedic lifestyle from Ketabi, with a foreward from Deepak Chopra. The first part of the book takes an in-depth look at Ayurveda and how to determine your dosha then select the foods that you should be eating that will most agree with and rebalance your body. I've followed a basic ayurvedic diet for some time now, but for someone who has no idea where to start, this would be a great resource. Ketabi breaks down what foods are best for each dosha, including giving a chart about the alkalinity/acidity scale of most common foods, which is extremely helpful. The recipes all look delicious and very easy to follow. The photographs in this book are gorgeous and the pages where there is primarily text have this beautiful mandala design on them. Because this was an ARC, I only have the digital edition, but I am placing an order for the hardcover book because there is so much information in it and I want to be able to highlight and make notes. This will be a staple in my kitchen for many years to come. *Advance copy provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

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The first thing that struck me as I paged through Eat Feel Fresh was how beautiful the photography was. The prepared dishes are exquisite art that makes you want to immediately grab a fork or spoon.

I was peripherally aware of the Ayurvedic lifestyle from an article I read a few years ago, but like a lot of things, I read it, found it intriguing, but didn’t pursue it further. However after reading Sahara Rose Ketabi’s Eat Feel Fresh, I want to try out the recipes for my particular dosha and see what happens.

Another thing I loved about this book is that it’s like a vegetarian’s paradise. I can eat every single one of these recipes! You don’t know how infrequently that happens (yes, unless I’m looking at a vegetarian cookbook, ha).

The recipes include a lot of familiar favorites but with a slant. Pho, Shepherd’s Pie, and tacos are included and sound absolutely delicious, and healthier. Lentils for breakfast is a thing, and one I probably want to try as having a big dose of protein first thing in the morning is a great way to start the day. I also like the idea of a savory oatmeal as I’m a huge fan of oatmeal.

There are different takes on the Buddha bowl, a variety of hummus recipes, including one with sweet potatoes, which sounds intriguing. I’m not always keen on sweet potatoes, but in a hummus with turmeric? That might just happen in my kitchen.

And, oh, goodness, the raw rose and pistachio cheesecake looks simply too beautiful to eat, but considering how I love pistachios that’s unlikely to happen. And the spiced pistachio milk is also likely to happen. Yum.

I highly recommend Eat Feel Fresh, especially if you feel as if you’re in a rut and your body could use a jump-start. I just wish I could share the photographs with you!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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After going vegan a year ago, I heard a lot about Ayurveda but I always found it quite difficult to follow this lifestyle.
I love this contemporary twist on it it's so new and perfect for me. The pictures and design of this book is phenomenal and gorgeous. My favorite part has to be the amount of information given before diving into the recipes and the little quizzes to discover your Dosha. Most cookbooks I always skip the intros (guilty as charged) but this cookbook is insightful, informative, and worth reading the introductions.
All of the recipes in this book sound delicious and contain ingredients I normally use and eat! The recipes are rather quick and easy to make. They don't seem too time consuming which is exactly what I need.
I plan on using every single recipe in this book back to front!

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Eat Feel Fresh is a planted based ayurvedic approach to eating. I had no idea what to expect nor did I know anything about this approach to eating. This newer ayurvedic approach is plant-based, low glycemic, and alkaline. The diet is low sugar, little wheat, and less dairy. The main focus of the cookbook is that the foods we eat have a direct impact on the way we feel. It isn’t just about eating but our digestion. Eat Feel Fresh looks into the chakras or energy in the body. The 3 body-mind types (doshas) are the focus of how we should eat. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are the doshas and the book details what each dosha's characteristics might be from physical body build to digestion. We are a combination of all 3 but we tend to be more one than the others. Most recipes have ingredients to omit based on the dosha we have. Recipes are heavily focused on bowls, soups, and curries of different varieties. Also included are refreshing drinks for all types are rose cardamom latte, turmeric coconut water, and alkaline green juice. Eat Feel Fresh offers something different to mainstream American diets.

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For anyone curious about the Ayurveda approach to living, this books is a great place to learn. Ketabi gives the traditional information and more modern substitutions and goes on from there making Ayurveda accessible for modern lives.

The pictures are stunning and the information invaluable. Ketabi's love for India shines from the pages.
A wonderful book that makes you feel great and gives you wonderful advice for a healthy lifestyle.

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EAT FEEL FRESH is a book that perfectly suits my needs. As a yoga instructor and a follower of a keto diet, I wanted to learn more about an Ayurvedic plant based diet to suit my needs. The keto diet makes me feel good but I wanted to move completely away from animal proteins and explore how the seasons affect my body and my mood. Ketabi gave me all the information I needed. Loved the book and am incorporating what I learned in to how I eat.

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I was very interested in reviewing this book; unfortunately, could not get the file to cooperate! What I was able to view looked very promising. It appears the first half of the book introduces you to ayurvedic principles, and the second half consists of recipes. The photography is stunning.

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I love food. I enjoy gorgeous photography. I practice yoga. And I feel that every day can be a good day when you learn a new thing or two. So, I was quite happy to snatch up a copy of “Eat Feel Fresh” for review. First of all, it is simply the most beautifully illustrated book I’ve had the pleasure to read this year. The colors explode off the pages and bring a smile to your face, which can only be a good thing. Secondly, it is chock-full of new spins on recipes but as always, let’s stick to the advice of the Red Queen and start at the beginning.

One thing you will likely notice right away is that Deepak Chopra is literally plastered all over this book, cover to cover and anywhere in between, having written the foreword and being quoted once or twice, as well. If you’re not a fan of Dr. Chopra’s, you won’t enjoy the close relationship he and Ms. Ketabi clearly have. Another point that didn’t take long to irritate me was the reference to an ‘alkaline diet.’ There is no evidence whatever that you can change the pH value of your body chemistry through diet, nor should you. Various parts of your body have different pH values, so what would you even be aiming at? Also, the term ‘detox’ is used, and saying something that silly even once costs you points in a review. Detoxing is done by your organs all the time, every minute of every day, and it is simply incorrect to claim that you need to change your diet to accomplish this. More correctly, you can assist your organs in their admittedly life-supporting function by avoiding to indiscriminately stuff yourself with items of questionable nutritional value. If we can agree on this, then let’s move on to the good stuff, and there is certainly plenty.

I had never heard of Ms. Ketabi before, but apparently, she is an expert in the field of ayurveda, the ancient Indian ‘science of life,’ a system of medicine that encompasses far more than simply treating symptoms of illness. “Eat Feel Fresh” gives you a semi-thorough introduction into ayurveda and the three doshas, or elements, that form a person’s body type and personality, frequently in a unique combination. The way you eat can help balance the doshas, leading to increased wellness. I find Ms. Ketabi’s writing personality quite accessible. “Eat Feel Fresh” aims to bring a new, modern approach to ayurvedic principles so that they can be more easily integrated into the Western lifestyle. There is a spiritual component to this approach, as ayurveda is a holistic system. Some may find this esoteric, others refreshing and insightful.

Once you have determined your dosha, head right into the recipe part of the book which offers tridoshic meals, meaning there is a base recipe with variations, according to what you have learned in part one. All recipes are gluten-free and plant-based, and the number of recipes containing what some might consider exotic ingredients is very, very small. We love experimenting with food and frequently cook Indian dishes, so our kitchen is well stocked in that regard. If you are only starting to branch out into international cooking, the initial investment could possibly seem daunting, but you will use most spices and staples over and over.

There is good basic information about stocking your pantry, meal planning and prepping, what to do with leftovers, and how to prepare basic staples, like grains and legumes. The recipe section ecompasses everything, from breakfasts, bowls, dinners, snacks and sides, to desserts and potions (which actually means teas, mylks, and juices). You won’t be eating endless varieties of curry, either: there are colorful soups, burgers, pizza, shepherd’s pie, tacos, grain-free chapatis and naan, creative variations on hummus, delicious Indian sweets like kheer, and intriguing twists on American favorites, like Raw Rose and Pistachio Cheesecake, Chickpea Chocolate Crunch Bark, and several versions of brownies.

As is common these days, there is no nutritional information given for any of the dishes. Would I get a copy for myself? Likely. I am intrigued by the idea of maximizing my personal health and wellness, based on ayurvedic ideas, and most certainly fascinated by a lot of the recipes (I’ve bookmarked a couple to try but have not had the chance yet). I did find some of the information on balancing your doshas a bit confusing, though, and on days when I’m more skeptical than spiritual, the ‘esoteric babble’ would likely bug me to a point.

“Eat Feel Fresh” will be published by DK, a publisher with a huge catalog of informational and educational titles. I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a review. It should be fairly obvious that all opinions are my own.

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