Joyfull: cook effortlessly, eat freely, live radiantly

by Radhi Devlukia-Shetty

Cook Effortlessly, Eat Freely, Live Radiantly (A Cookbook).

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Nonfiction, Health, Vegan, Self Help

Paperback

Published February 27, 2024

Reviews

[Julia T J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. The no onion no garlic life is what my gut and body needs and this is the first cookbook that has really done that consistently and well. Delicious easy to follow recipes that I can eat, don’t flare IBS, and that make my body feel good. The recipes are fully plant based and I like that it is still flexible so you can go vegan or still use the dairy equivalent if that is better for you. The author is a dietitian, nutritionist, and Ayurveda practitioner- so much good stuff 💕

[Cass · Rating 2 out of 5]

While there are some solid recipes in here, I don’t care for a cookbook that uses such brash language regarding eating habits. I was just disappointed to see Devlukia-Shetty’s take on when and what to eat. While mindful eating is great and all, limiting yourself to when, how, and what you eat down to the time and calories is just a bad way of getting the point across. What works for some folks can be disordered eating for others, whether it’s eating all day long or within a certain window, listening to your body is so much more important.

And not let my negativity get the better of me, there are some great things about this book! There are lots of gut friendly dishes for those who have a hard time digesting certain ingredients (garlic, onions, etc.). I just wish it was more about being kind to your body than looking at it through an oddly restrictive lens.

[sabina👩🏻‍🎨 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed! LOVE IT! Love Radhi!

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book…I did not! Super complicated and long ingredient lists, high carb recipes, and overall I found it very restrictive and inaccessible. I read the first half of the book. Disappointing!

[Jackie]

A few interesting recipes but her food philosophies at times gave me the ick. Focus on the recipes and not the rest of the book and you’ll be ok

[tatum · Rating 5 out of 5]

i keep coming back to this!!!!

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book just didn't do it for me. I love to cook and try new recipes, but I only liked about 4. One plus - there are pictures of every recipe.

[Rt_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg i love this book, im a terrible cook, but after reading such amazing recipes I tried some recipes , and it was really yummyyy.

[Anne Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book with some nice well-being strategies to try. The recipes sound delicious but some ingredients might be difficult to find in rural settings.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second vegan cookbook I’ve read in a row that didn’t work for me. I do think the recipes in this one are better, overall.

This book has a lot of autobiography and a lot of spirituality/religion. The author has a Ayurvedic Health Counselor 1 degree. She is also listed as a clinical dietician, nutritionist, and always learning cook. She has a strict life regimen that is described in detail. The food ingredients and the reasoning behind them are also explained.

I was not that interested in the Ayurveda specific portions but I enjoyed reading about her life and her family. I appreciated that some of the recipes in the book were created by several of her family members. If I had known the book was a philosophy book I might have skipped it. I’m trying to read fewer vegan cookbooks. This book has a long queue at my public library but I was able to renew my copy a few times. I guess they have a lot of copies, or maybe there was a glitch. Either way I’m glad I had the time to read it before having to return it.

Most of the recipes I’d want to tweak. I wouldn’t have to add garlic and onion but I like them so I might. For me there is too much full fat coconut milk, too much coconut sugar and other sweeteners in savory dishes but there were several recipes I found intriguing and several I think I’d enjoy as they are written.

I loved the idea of the French Toast Casserole. The buckwheat pancakes looked good. I appreciated the creative and healthy options for the Rainbow Grain Bowl recipe; it’s a great reference. I was fascinated with the Magic Protein “Paneer” recipe and got a kick out of how it came to be through serendipity, though I don’t think I’d like it. I never liked paneer. The Spicy Bean Burgers looked delicious, as does the Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts with Chickpea Flour Curry.

There are many photos of the food and also photos of the author and her family members and her living spaces.

It’s a gorgeous and well-designed book.

Contents:

Introduction: The JoyFull Kitchen
Your Invitation to Ayurvega
Easing In
Liquid Love (Drinks)
Awakening the Fire (Breakfast)
Grounding Grains - Prayers
LBPCs (Lentils, Beans, Proteins, and Curries) – Kitchari Reset
Bread is Life
Bowls of Abundance (Salads) – Tuning in with Your Breath
Hero Veg – Eating with your Senses
Sun to Moon Soups
Feeling Saucy (Condiments, Dips, and Crunchy Bits)
– My Mindful and Relaxing AAAAH Evening Routine
Sweet Treats
Appendix: Spice Up Your Life
Index

2-1/2 stars, my personal rating reflecting my enjoyment level and the use I got out of it, but I can see this being rated as a 5 or 4 star book by many.

[Paul Sutter]

There is little question that Radhi Devlukia-Shetty is most passionate about food. She has a Ayurvedic Health Counsellor 1 Degree from the California College of Ayurveda. In the book she mentions conscious eating, which is eating with intention. Just as preparing food mindfully and joyfully translates into a more nourishing meal, so does receiving it mindfully and joyfully.
Radhi later mentions nine tips for living joyfully. Among them are: cook and eat with love, eat until satisfied not stuffed, eat without distraction, eat your dessert before dinner, and eat (and cook) with your hands. The main focus of the book besides spiritual and practical advice, are of course the recipes.
The book is filled with more than 125 plant-based recipes, that are most varied in nature. There are many photos to accompany the recipes. Some of the recipes you will find in this entertaining book include: South Indian Lemon Rice, stuffed pita four ways, three bean red pepper curry, spicy Indian pasta, sweet potato cauliflower, green bean and cashew curry, spiced stewed apples, spiced carrot and sweet potato soup, one-pot lemony spaghetti, butternut bean and sun-dried tomato dip, and cannelloni bean and tomato soup.
This is just a small sampling of the most varied recipes throughout the book. The author has divided the book into several specific sections, so it is easier to locate the type of recipes that intrigue you the most. There are traditional and family recipes in the book. For those who seek out a plant-based healthier lifestyle, this book definitely gives you many options, from an author who embraces inspirational dishes done right.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked this book out as an e-book from the library and screenshotted so many recipes I ended up buying the actual book, and I’m so glad I did for two reasons so far:
1. The kitchari recipe - its called a belly cuddle for a reason, and is known as a cleanse food which makes sense because the week I was eating it I felt so gooood, just giving my system a break
2. The sweet&sour orange tofu- this was my first experience with tofu AND my first time cooking it, and this recipe exceeded my expectations and BEYOND. I even bought a tofu press which is the coolest lil gadget ever. I think I like tofu better than chicken now tbh. Will definitely be making this many more times

I also really appreciate the Ayurvedic wisdom in this book, it’s a great reminder on how we can connect with the natural cycles of the universe and ourselves.
I can’t wait to make more of the recipes in this cookbook🥰

[Ashley Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

I love Radhi and I LOVE ayurveda so I was very excited to get my hands on this book.

I think she did a wonderful job explaining ayurveda and ayurvedic techniques in the beginning parts of the book. The recipes showcased classic ayurvedic principles in a plant based and modern way.

I believe if you are someone who wants to learn how to diversify your diet following an ayurvedic lifestyle then this book is for you.

My only con is that a lot of these meals are for warmer climates and while I live in the winter for 6 months or more of the year the recipes would have to be modded quite a bit for them to work for me.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m always skeptical of self taught nutritionists and this book is a reason why. The author is an influencer not a registered dietitian - though she states she earned a Ayurvedic Health Counselor 1 degree. Right off the bat she misinforms readers with a detox tea. Your organs detoxify your body. She excludes onion and garlic & implies some foods are bad - there are NO bad foods! A lot of the recipes require a laundry list of ingredients & many require ingredients that aren’t readily available. She tells us when to eat. It does not matter when you eat. You can fast. You can eat 12 mini meals/snacks - calories are calories. I’d advise you skip this cookbook and “nutritional” advice.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this cookbook. Though it is predominantly a cookbook, it covers a lot more than just food. I read it cover to cover. I couldn't help it. It's so good and interesting! I learned so much. Since reading, I refer back to it often, and use the recipes every week. Radhi Devlukia is great.

[Mrs. Dunwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very lovely cookbook; the pictures are beautiful and vibrant. The recipes are flavourful and vegan. One star removed simply because I live in a more isolated area and some of the ingredients are hard to find.

[John Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joyfull 9 tips: gratitude for food, eat til satisfied, chew food, eat and cook with hands, eat without distractions, no cold drinks while eating,limit snacking, eat sweets first, walk after meals Morning routine - tea, meditation, Night routine- lower lights, no eating, no electronics

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tofu recipes are especially excellent. I am not super into the ayurvedic theory, but I thought the general advice about eating better and more conscientiously was helpful. I especially liked the advice that doing better doesn't mean you have to do everything all at once.

[Dray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indian inspired with a touch of Ayurvedic recipes. Original and creative and plant based. Yumm. Recommended.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely some to-try recipes in here. Especially some of the lentil recipes, dressings, and salads.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version and this book just feels like a big hug from a friend and a reminder to prioritize self care

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75*

[Melanie Biehle]

I want ALL the food in this book but I hate cooking. 😂❤️

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading about making recipes in the Ayurvedic style but still absolutely delicious.

I am especially going to add her CCF chai, Masala Chai and Pasta with lentils to my repertoire

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first cookbook I've come across that translates the Aryurveda principles into modern language. These recipes are delicious and she is delightful.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m wow’d by this book! It’s full of delicious-sounding recipes with beautiful photos.

[Tory Cashman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have not tried the recipes yet but lots of wonderful, delicious looking plant based options. A lot of interesting information around how the author consumes, enjoys, and appreciates meals.

[T A]

Love this book, flavorful recipes. Easy Asian flavors and healthful too!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've basically dog-eared all the pages 😂😂

[Raghavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

an absolute joy to read and to recreate.