Livwise: Easy Recipes For A Healthy, Happy Life

by Olivia Newton-John

Healthy, imaginative, delicious, and well-balanced recipes from the kitchens of Grammy-Award-winning artist, Olivia Newton-John.  

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Cooking, Food

192 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2011

About the author

Dame Olivia Newton-John, AO, OBE was an English-Australian singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, and activist. She was a four-time Grammy award winner who had amassed five number-one and ten other top ten Billboard Hot 100 singles, and two number-one Billboard 200 solo albums.

Reviews

[Sharah McConville · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia Newton-John's book LivWise contains some delicious, healthy recipes from Gaia Retreat and Spa, which she co-owned in Byron Bay. There are also recipes that Olivia cooked for herself and her daughter when she was growing up. The majority of the ingredients are vegetarian and are organic. The introductory chapter talks about her cancer diagnosis and a lifetime of healthy eating which was instilled by Olivia's German mother. Overall, an interesting read that contains lots of tasty sounding meals.

[Judie Parks · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Both ONJ and eating well for over 35 years. I found this ccokbook to be well written and presented but don't see myself ever cooking a single recipe. Most were to "granola" even for me and many called for equipment and ingredients that are not found in your everyday kitchen.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some healthy and rather tasty-looking recipes, but some of the ingredients might be hard to find for this non-Aussie. Beautifully photographed and containing some interesting anecdotes from Olivia, this is a nice coffee table book.

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun combo of raw foodist/vegan/superhealthy cooking with ONJ fanservice and lots of kiwi fruit. She makes her pizza crust on a dehydrator, ya'll. Whoa.

[Chevonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful book! There's several yummy recipes for vegans/vegetarians through out the book, and a lot of the meaty recipes can easily be altered to make them vegan/vegetarian friendly!

[Stephen Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOL, so funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Georgetowner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Initially I found this cookbook uninspiring as I looked at through at the recipes, but then I began to really read it and was more impressed. I am interested in trying some of the recipes now. WAY too many muesli recipes!

[Jessica Thurlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Livwise: Easy Recipes for a Healthy, Happy Life – An Adventure into the Unknown!

I admit it, I was taken in by media – at least it wasn’t a dreaded advertisement! I was watching Anderson the other day and his surprise guest happened to be Oliva Newton-John. They chatted about various things including her new cookbook Livwise. At first I thought, “oh great, another celebrity cookbook – why do they all think they’re somehow nutrition experts?” But I was pleasantly surprised when Newton-John kept talking about it being the first book she’d ever written and one of the things she believes in staunchly. She has even been creating a wellness center around the ideas she’s placed in her cookbook. And, in my opinion, if someone believes in something so fiercely it’s worth listening to – if only to gain a little perspective. Shortly thereafter I found myself on Amazon searching for Newton-John’s cookbook. It wasn’t hard to find and I bought it, along with a couple other cookbooks on juices and salad dressings.

The book arrived yesterday and I was happy to find it is of some substance. The book is just over a hundred and eighty pages and also includes an extensive introduction in which she acknowledges the contributors and her driving force behind writing the book. Saturdays and Sundays are when I plan my menu for the week so the book arrived at a perfect time. I began reading the recipes and I’m not ashamed to say I don’t know what many of the ingredients are. It’s daunting and definitely out of my comfort zone but the flavor combinations sound appealing and the pictures look like something I might eat so I won’t immediately pass this book by.

Lately I’ve been on a fresh juice and salad dressing kick. I love the taste of freshly squeezed juice and the zest of a vinaigrette made by my own hands. So, this book is right up my ally. Though not entirely devoted to these two categories by any means, it contains quite a few interesting and appetizing recipes that’d rev up your engine mid-afternoon or early in the morning! One of the juices I really want to try at home is the “beet, celery and ginger juice”. I’m a big fan of ginger, it’s great for the digestive system and the taste always wakes your senses up, and, this recipe has a green apple in it so it should be nice and tart while the beet makes it sweet and the celery lends it a nice peppery finish. Of course, this is all speculation as I haven’t tried it yet but I can just imagine what the taste combination might taste like.

There are also some classics like baked apples which are always a nice weekday dessert. However, one of the recipes I can’t wait to try out the next time there’s a family potluck or special event are the “date and walnut truffles”. I’m not normally the biggest fan of nuts, or truffles, or coconut – and this recipe has all three – but these just sound chewy, chocolaty and delicious without being too sweet. I think it’s the date that makes me think that – they’re sweet, but they’re also a little zingy – if you know what I mean. Plus, the just look super fancy!

I can’t rightly recommend this book on its merits just yet as I don’t really know if any of the recipes taste good BUT I can say that purchasing this book helps to support Newton-John’s wellness center and anything that promotes wellness is a good thing in my opinion. I can also say that for someone who isn’t the biggest fan of brown rice, nuts and soy milk – I am pretty excited to try these recipes out. It’s a good book to have in your collection if you’re at all interested in health and wellness.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, I got this as part of a goodreads giveaway.

I got home to see this book ready and waiting for me. I've been trying to find good recipes that were both healthy and good for you, so I figured I'd get it. There are nearly all the recipes sound good and would love to try. Not only would I love to try them, but I know many who would like my mother and coworkers. There are even recipes in here for people who live the raw lifestyle. There are plenty of meat based dishes for those who want it, but even more for those who don't.

I've ready many healthy cookbooks and this by far gave off recipes that not only sound delicious, look delicious, but doesn't come off too difficult to make at all. There are ingredients that are easy to find in grocery stores which is also wonderful as I hate having to "special" order these or make special trips out of town as I live far from "large" city grocery stores.

I also liked learning more about Olivia and her reasoning behind making this and the lifestyle she chose. Learning this made reading these recipes that more enjoyable and that more delicious sounding. I'm so glad I got this and can't wait to try out some of these recipes this week and weekend!! Especially the poached eggs and oatmeal cookies, they're my favorite sweets ever!

[Shantria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one may very well become one of my favorite cookbooks among the many that I have acquired! Loaded with a unique array of easy, healthy recipes, with some of my favorite health food ingredients. The recipes are "a breath of fresh air". Nice to find something different that I have yet to experience- even commonly found recipes come with a nice but healthy twist here. But don't be mistaken, these are healthy recipes that are a joy to consume, not the fat-free, unsavory dishes that some may expect to find in a healthy cookbook.

I tend to take a multicultural approach to meal planning in my household, enjoying a variety of dishes of different ethnic groups. I have a strong knowledge base of many spices, herbs, and food items that I may or may not stock in my home. I was very surprised to learn of a few ingredients that I have never heard of before reading this book.
Thanks Olivia, Livwise is such a delight! And 62, I am amazed! You don't look a day over 50! Seriously!

I received this free copy through Goodreads First Reads!

[Vivienli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this LIVWISE cookbook because
1) prosperous content
2) very good idea for the receipes
3) many colorful photos that make me have a good appitite
4) it can be donation
5) a nice picture on the front cover ~ very natural, as Olivia's usual style!
6) a very good price ~ bonus price ~ much more cheaper than others
7) it can really bring us to the HAPPY LIFE, A HEALTHY LIFE, joyfulness. (THANKS, OLIVIA!)
8) the most reason is written by our angel ~ OLIVIA (LOVE YOU ALWAYS! BE GOOD HEALTH!)
Thanks a bunch for signing for me! I look forward for the Vol. 2!
WITH MUCH LOVE~ VIVIEN FROM HONG KONG

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this cook book from a book giveaway and am so happy that I won it! This is definitely a book that I would have purchased on my own. The stories and tips that Olivia Newton-John shares in this book are heartwarming and helpful. Oh, and the photos....I love a cookbook with photos of the dishes! While there isn't a photo for each and every recipe, there are enough that I am happy.

The recipes are a nice mix of vegetarian and meat dishes, making it perfect for both vegetarians, flexitarians and even meat eaters.

This book would make a wonderful gift for anyone who loves cooking and/or healthy eating.

[Maggie Fout · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I was so excited because the book is by Olivia Newton-John who I have always idolized! Secondly I am a total foodie so you can't go wrong with a new cookbook!!! And this book did not disappoint! As a vegan living with meat-eaters this book is perfect. I found tons of veggie recipes and some great meat recipes for my family. My absolute fave was Chickpea Casserole!

* I received this book for free from the Good Reads first reads program.

[Andy Lindley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tasty and healthy recipes, but it requires a trip to the health food store for some of the more exotic ingredients, that don't come cheap. There is a lot to be said for cooking from raw ingredients and the results are amazing. Some of these recipes do take time, but some have become a staple in my culinary repertoire. Recommended for anyone who wants to cook wholesome good food thats healthy for you.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recipes are easy to follow and require mostly basic ingredients. The book is elegant and put together nicely. I will definitely be making the 'cashew, macadamia, and raspberry tart' and her version of cornbread.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cookbook from Olivia Newton-John, THANK YOU GOODREADS for my winning copy, I have tried a few of the recipes and they were pretty good, some of the things will be hard to find but I am looking forward to finding and trying...Thank you again Goodreads....

[Mina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to have won this through Goodreads...I have always loved ONJ...the layout of the book is concise and packed with wonderful tips and lovely photos...I have tried two of her recipes and look forward to trying more...this book makes eating healthy delicious...

[Lana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great tasty, delicious and easy recipes. I have made many dishes from this book already and looking to explore more. No fuss and healthy recipes. Recommend this cookbook.

[Valerie Kite]

This book is about philosophy of.food I met years aago in Coral Gables and with a friend named Peggy Hodgson in Ft. Lauderdalenyears at a school.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing recipes, i have tried most and they all work and are completely delicious and so healthy!

[Samantha Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

This a nice, healthy cookbook, but a lot of the ingredients can be obscure. Not an ideal cookbook if you're not willing to spend more for the odd ingredients.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

can't wait to try a couple of the sweet recipes for Christmas. See what relatives think. great read!!!! great artist

[Marie-Lise Theys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the recipes and hearing about her journey at the beginning of her book.