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Aim True: Love Your Body, Eat Without Fear, Nourish Your Spirit, Discover True Balance! – A Holistic Guide to Yoga, Diet, and Meditation with Recipes and Self-Care
Are You Ready to Discover What Aim True Means to You?
Yoga teacher and inspirational speaker Kathryn Budig is known for her ability to encourage others to set their intentions and goals, no matter how lofty, and work toward them while staying true to themselves.
In Aim True, Budig extends her empowering message beyond the mat. Life is an adventure that is meant to be explored, challenged, and fully lived. The best part? When you approach life with an open mind and heart, the possibilities are endless. Allow Budig to be your guide along the journey with:
• A 5-day purification process
• 6 yoga sequences to put into practice
• Over 85 recipes to seduce your inner Top Chef
• An introduction to meditation
• Homeopathic self-care and beauty recipes
Whether your goal is to love who you are right now, reshape the way you view food, develop a meditation practice, or discover new ways to embrace the great balancing act that is life, this holistic approach to yoga, diet, and mindfulness has something for you. Filled with vibrant photographs and whimsical illustrations, this guide is as beautiful as it is life-changing.
Yoga teacher and inspirational speaker Kathryn Budig is known for her ability to encourage others to set their intentions and goals, no matter how lofty, and work toward them while staying true to themselves.
In Aim True, Budig extends her empowering message beyond the mat. Life is an adventure that is meant to be explored, challenged, and fully lived. The best part? When you approach life with an open mind and heart, the possibilities are endless. Allow Budig to be your guide along the journey with:
• A 5-day purification process
• 6 yoga sequences to put into practice
• Over 85 recipes to seduce your inner Top Chef
• An introduction to meditation
• Homeopathic self-care and beauty recipes
Whether your goal is to love who you are right now, reshape the way you view food, develop a meditation practice, or discover new ways to embrace the great balancing act that is life, this holistic approach to yoga, diet, and mindfulness has something for you. Filled with vibrant photographs and whimsical illustrations, this guide is as beautiful as it is life-changing.
322 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2016
70 people are currently reading
913 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 19, 2016
Disclosure: I read an ARC provided by the publisher, because of my role with a literary festival.
This may have been a result of the right words landing in front of me at the right time, but I knew from the beginning I'd be giving this book five stars. Thankfully, the further I read, the more that rating was justified.
There were two things I really loved about this book. First, it's accessible to anyone. Even if you've never practiced yoga or eaten a healthy meal in your life, you'll still find Budig's advice relatable, approachable, and doable. Likewise, even if you're fairly far down the path to enlightenment and wellness, this book will offer you plenty of new information, affirmations, or "aha" moments.
Second, this book offers a very holistic approach to becoming your best you, aiming higher, and finding your true direction. Budig covers exercise and movement, beneficial nutrition, external beauty and hygiene, and getting your head in the right place. So many "self-help" books cover only one, or maybe two of these aspects. This book, however, is the total package.
I've shared my copy of this book with another reader now, but you'd better believe I'll be buying my own copy as soon as it's available. It's going to be a staple cookbook in my kitchen, and a well-loved reference tool for my soul.
This may have been a result of the right words landing in front of me at the right time, but I knew from the beginning I'd be giving this book five stars. Thankfully, the further I read, the more that rating was justified.
There were two things I really loved about this book. First, it's accessible to anyone. Even if you've never practiced yoga or eaten a healthy meal in your life, you'll still find Budig's advice relatable, approachable, and doable. Likewise, even if you're fairly far down the path to enlightenment and wellness, this book will offer you plenty of new information, affirmations, or "aha" moments.
Second, this book offers a very holistic approach to becoming your best you, aiming higher, and finding your true direction. Budig covers exercise and movement, beneficial nutrition, external beauty and hygiene, and getting your head in the right place. So many "self-help" books cover only one, or maybe two of these aspects. This book, however, is the total package.
I've shared my copy of this book with another reader now, but you'd better believe I'll be buying my own copy as soon as it's available. It's going to be a staple cookbook in my kitchen, and a well-loved reference tool for my soul.
July 3, 2016
A lifestyle book which covers yoga, diet and meditation along with stories from Budig's life. Lovely book to dip in and out of, nice stuff about body image and authenticity, but perhaps if you read a lot of yoga books there's not loads of new stuff here. Perfect for someone just starting out learning yoga or trying to find wellness and health.
Recipes look ok, though too many eggs and fish for this lil vegan.
Recipes look ok, though too many eggs and fish for this lil vegan.
December 5, 2016
Kathryn Budig is a yoga celebrity who isn’t all just flashy lycra and superficial spirituality. She has built a dedicated international fan base with her genuinely engaging and informative workshops, classes, online videos and publications. A regular writer and contributor to Yoga Journal, she provides insight into yoga sequences, poses, the spiritual and moral codes (yamas and niyamas) and her own personal experiences of developing and struggling with her practice and her life.
It is her “realness” and ability to share these without self-indulgence or quick-cures that attracts so many to her online identity and to her international classes and workshops.
As a yoga teacher in Melbourne, I still regularly return to The Big Book of Yoga, a collaboration Kathryn did with Women’s Health Magazine featuring some of the most experienced and popular yoga teachers in the US. The sequences, poses and their benefits and purpose still inspire me in my own practice and in designing and delivering creative classes with physical and holistic benefits.
Aim True is her latest release and it is less a guide to yoga and poses, and rather an insight into the daily and lifelong challenges women face to align their choices with their own knowledge, integrity and intuition when there is so much conflict in media messaging, family and community influences and limited time and space to make decisions around how to live.
Kathryn has been frank and open about her start in Hollywood. She began as an actress where her very lean body was still deemed too fleshy to be worthy of star roles. Rather, she was told she’d be the “best friend” until she drastically lost weight and considered breast augmentation.
Thrown into battle with her own body and questioning her desire to be part of the LA entertainment industry that churns and burns relentlessly, for her own good and that of many yogis around the world, Kath discovered yoga and developed, over time and with persistence, a peace and embrace of her body, her relationships, her approach to work and to living.
Aim True is essentially her guide to, and recollection of, how to live yoga beyond the hour a day class on the mat. While not a spiritual guidebook in the style of Patanjali or Iyengar, this is the ideal book to introduce the casual yoga attendee into practices that will enhance their understanding of how yoga applies to daily life.
The book includes Kathryn’s guide to meditation, holistic and natural beauty ideas and principles, and most importantly, fabulous recipes and ideas for yoga sequences to meet varied purposes.
The book is gorgeous to look at, as is Kathryn herself. It is full of whimsical, gelato coloured illustrations and photos. Easily divided into chapters, this is a book that could be delved into for a specific purpose (ie. Finding a recipe or looking up a pose) or perused at length over a long rainy afternoon).
Coming up to the craziness of Christmas and the New Year, this is an ideal time to be considering choices around how we live and what our intentions and goals are. If this book isn’t immediately appealing to you, it will make the perfect gift for a friend or family member who can tell you what a Downward Facing Dog is.
It is her “realness” and ability to share these without self-indulgence or quick-cures that attracts so many to her online identity and to her international classes and workshops.
As a yoga teacher in Melbourne, I still regularly return to The Big Book of Yoga, a collaboration Kathryn did with Women’s Health Magazine featuring some of the most experienced and popular yoga teachers in the US. The sequences, poses and their benefits and purpose still inspire me in my own practice and in designing and delivering creative classes with physical and holistic benefits.
Aim True is her latest release and it is less a guide to yoga and poses, and rather an insight into the daily and lifelong challenges women face to align their choices with their own knowledge, integrity and intuition when there is so much conflict in media messaging, family and community influences and limited time and space to make decisions around how to live.
Kathryn has been frank and open about her start in Hollywood. She began as an actress where her very lean body was still deemed too fleshy to be worthy of star roles. Rather, she was told she’d be the “best friend” until she drastically lost weight and considered breast augmentation.
Thrown into battle with her own body and questioning her desire to be part of the LA entertainment industry that churns and burns relentlessly, for her own good and that of many yogis around the world, Kath discovered yoga and developed, over time and with persistence, a peace and embrace of her body, her relationships, her approach to work and to living.
Aim True is essentially her guide to, and recollection of, how to live yoga beyond the hour a day class on the mat. While not a spiritual guidebook in the style of Patanjali or Iyengar, this is the ideal book to introduce the casual yoga attendee into practices that will enhance their understanding of how yoga applies to daily life.
The book includes Kathryn’s guide to meditation, holistic and natural beauty ideas and principles, and most importantly, fabulous recipes and ideas for yoga sequences to meet varied purposes.
The book is gorgeous to look at, as is Kathryn herself. It is full of whimsical, gelato coloured illustrations and photos. Easily divided into chapters, this is a book that could be delved into for a specific purpose (ie. Finding a recipe or looking up a pose) or perused at length over a long rainy afternoon).
Coming up to the craziness of Christmas and the New Year, this is an ideal time to be considering choices around how we live and what our intentions and goals are. If this book isn’t immediately appealing to you, it will make the perfect gift for a friend or family member who can tell you what a Downward Facing Dog is.
June 27, 2016
I adore Kathryn Budig's vibe, so I was very excited to read this book. I already lead a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, eating well, and practicing yoga, so this content was not new to me. However, I love her emphasis on finding a tribe. That is what is missing my life.
I hope that this book finds its way into the many hands that need to read the body positive message that pervades the book.
Personally, I never tire of hearing good news about healthy living and a healthy outlook on life -- including learning to stop the war with ourselves. This book promotes a good self-image as an important part of a healthy lifestyle. I particularly enjoyed the tie-in to Artemis (Diana), and that Kathryn believes that all women should recognize, cultivate, and celebrate their inner strength -- and goddess.
I hope that this book finds its way into the many hands that need to read the body positive message that pervades the book.
Personally, I never tire of hearing good news about healthy living and a healthy outlook on life -- including learning to stop the war with ourselves. This book promotes a good self-image as an important part of a healthy lifestyle. I particularly enjoyed the tie-in to Artemis (Diana), and that Kathryn believes that all women should recognize, cultivate, and celebrate their inner strength -- and goddess.
July 22, 2022
A good reference point for anyone who wants to dip their toes in the “yogic lifestyle.” I love Kathryn Budig first and foremost as a yoga teacher, but only about 25% of this book is actually about the physical practice of yoga. So if that’s what you’re looking for, this isn’t it. Most of the book (superficially) covers various aspects of healthy and balanced living, of which yoga plays only a small part, including clean eating, meditation, mindset, and clean living. My biggest gripe with the book is that some of the platitudes that she offers ring hollow because it isn’t very realistic or practical - she is extremely privileged (case in point - she name drops Giada De Laurentiis a few times and one of her many anecdotes is about a “traumatic” experience after modeling for ToeSox). She indirectly acknowledges this but doesn’t really try to make the lifestyle more accessible to the masses beyond that. In addition, many of her holistic and homeopathic remedies are too woo woo and certainly not backed by science (I’m almost certain her pimple buster will not bust any pimples and will probably make the situation worse).
That said, this is still very readable, and most people should find at least a few things relatable or worthy of implementing in their own lives (keep an open mind but definitely do your own thinking). I certainly did (her quick recipes are actually way better than the 50 or so full recipes that she has)! Recommend to people who want an easy to understand introduction to a healthy lifestyle, but I would suggest focusing on the yoga and meditation aspects of this book, which are the most useful parts.
That said, this is still very readable, and most people should find at least a few things relatable or worthy of implementing in their own lives (keep an open mind but definitely do your own thinking). I certainly did (her quick recipes are actually way better than the 50 or so full recipes that she has)! Recommend to people who want an easy to understand introduction to a healthy lifestyle, but I would suggest focusing on the yoga and meditation aspects of this book, which are the most useful parts.
October 26, 2017
A lovely book to flip through and delve into its myriad of life aspects as you discover them. The author keeps an upbeat energy throughout the book, which is both refreshing and inspiring. When I read the recipe for Quinoa Egg Power Bites (p.134), I made them for breakfast, even though I didn't have all the spice ingredients. No matter, they were delicious!
I enjoyed the book and would consider reading it again in a couple years time.
Favourite quotes:
"We have to be so incredibly careful with the words we share, because they have the ability to scar as well as to empower."
"When we aim true with our physical bodies, we're defined by how we feel, which allows energy to radiate."
"Years of experience create a vast web of storytelling that keeps us consenting to aspects of ourselves that aren't even based in reality."
"You are a bundle of unique talent, and you may get tangled from time to time, but you can always be rewoven into something magnificent."
"Words are like the ingredients of a magical potion."
I enjoyed the book and would consider reading it again in a couple years time.
Favourite quotes:
"We have to be so incredibly careful with the words we share, because they have the ability to scar as well as to empower."
"When we aim true with our physical bodies, we're defined by how we feel, which allows energy to radiate."
"Years of experience create a vast web of storytelling that keeps us consenting to aspects of ourselves that aren't even based in reality."
"You are a bundle of unique talent, and you may get tangled from time to time, but you can always be rewoven into something magnificent."
"Words are like the ingredients of a magical potion."
January 12, 2018
This is as book that I'll come back to a lot in the future. Kathryn has a beautiful, warm tone and the "Love your Body", "Nourish Your Soul", and Discover True Balance" were truly moving to me.
A lot of spirituality and self-help is very "your mileage will vary", so I can't say it will work for everyone. But as a fellow woman centered Greek mythology buff, this really spoke specifically to me and to my worldview in a way that no book in this genre had before, and the "Aim True" philosophy really has helped my framework in how I want to change my life. I actually took a notebook and made notes!
If the book was only those three sections I'd give it five stars; however the beauty, homeopathy, yoga, and recipes part of the book was pretty rote. I found Kathryn on YogaGlo and think she's a very compelling teacher, so I'm surprised the yoga part fell a bit short. I ended up speeding through those parts to get back to her teaching.
A lot of spirituality and self-help is very "your mileage will vary", so I can't say it will work for everyone. But as a fellow woman centered Greek mythology buff, this really spoke specifically to me and to my worldview in a way that no book in this genre had before, and the "Aim True" philosophy really has helped my framework in how I want to change my life. I actually took a notebook and made notes!
If the book was only those three sections I'd give it five stars; however the beauty, homeopathy, yoga, and recipes part of the book was pretty rote. I found Kathryn on YogaGlo and think she's a very compelling teacher, so I'm surprised the yoga part fell a bit short. I ended up speeding through those parts to get back to her teaching.
January 1, 2017
This is a book that I needed in my life at this time and I didn't even know it. It really helped me take a look at my life and showed me many different ways I could chance things up to help make myself healthier and happier. I've enjoyed adding yoga and meditation to my day and I've really found that it makes me feel better so far. This book also made me look at how I was living my life and I realized that I tend to stay in a state of fear of change and rejection, which was making me stay in situations that weren't good for me just because I was afraid of what would happen if I moved on to different situations. I'm learning to say yes to positive change and opportunity in order to enhance my life. This is a book I will keep closer to look back on and keep myself motivated.
July 19, 2025
I own a Kindle version, or I would have had a harder time letting it go during my 2025 book "stuff I own" purge. This is a beautiful book with pleasing colors, layout, information, etc. If you know Budig's story, then you know that she walks her talk and does "aim true." She's known for being a foodie, so maybe I'll try her recipes, even though that's not why I bought the book. The art design on this book is gorgeous.
May 22, 2018
It's a good book of common sense and it reminds you that no one has a perfect body. However, she also talks about acknowledging the parts of you you like best. Her recipes aren't for me but a few of her homemade beauty products seem worthwhile to check out. I only gave it 3 stars because I have read other books in the past that touch on these similar values. It's a fast read.
June 28, 2017
A gem!
September 22, 2017
Not something you really need to read cover to cover. It's a great resource, though. And while I have made my way through it, I will be turning back to it again and again.
December 1, 2017
If the information wasn't already things I knew, I probably would have enjoyed it more. It is a great book if you are just getting started on getting your life on a better health and wellness path.
March 19, 2018
Love this woman's outlook, so enjoyed getting more context of her views in word form, outside of the yoga practice. Great to have the yoga poses in the book, along with challenges and recipes.
July 23, 2018
Positive Read
It has a little bit of everything to show you how to make positive changes. Positive message and easy read with good tips.
It has a little bit of everything to show you how to make positive changes. Positive message and easy read with good tips.
September 20, 2018
a lot of variety in this book. self care, recipes, yoga
December 26, 2018
This is one of my favorite wellness books for yogis--both beginners and more advanced students.
December 29, 2021
Really enjoyable book on self-care and love.
Read
April 20, 2024A wonderful book, totally loved reading this book and it helped to expand my yoga practice
March 9, 2017
Recipes are the best part
March 9, 2017
Good book. I'd heard a lot of the ideas before, but it was nice to have everything together. The recipes look good, but I haven't tried any yet.
November 8, 2016
With 2016 rapidly coming to a close, it’s time to start thinking about the new year ahead, new beginnings, and maybe resolutions (if that’s your thing). Aim True is the perfect book to ease you into new healthy habits.
Kathryn Budig’s style is not to guilt you into cleaner eating or meditating everyday. Rather she convinces you of the need to do these things for yourself out of love. The theme of “self-care” runs throughout as she guides you to detox, eat better, do yoga, meditate, and pamper yourself. This beautifully illustrated and photographed book has lots of recipes that look easy to prepare. There are few ingredients that seemed a little exotic for everyday cooking and may not be budget friendly for some (like me), but could easy be substituted with other things.
I’ve read quite a few books similar to this one and I was struck by how loving and non-judgmental it is. I’m happy to include it on my healthy living bookshelf.
Kathryn Budig’s style is not to guilt you into cleaner eating or meditating everyday. Rather she convinces you of the need to do these things for yourself out of love. The theme of “self-care” runs throughout as she guides you to detox, eat better, do yoga, meditate, and pamper yourself. This beautifully illustrated and photographed book has lots of recipes that look easy to prepare. There are few ingredients that seemed a little exotic for everyday cooking and may not be budget friendly for some (like me), but could easy be substituted with other things.
I’ve read quite a few books similar to this one and I was struck by how loving and non-judgmental it is. I’m happy to include it on my healthy living bookshelf.
February 22, 2017
A good intro to the full gamut of yoga, from philosophy and meditation to body positivity and community. And the butternut mac and cheese recipe is worth the cover price. Very accessible to the newbie without making the cynic roll their eyes too hard.
February 15, 2017
Recipes and words of wisdom, a fun read.
June 2, 2016
More delicious food, for my little soul!!! Oh, my God!! This book was amazing!!!! So much information...about positive thinking, about loving yourself and your body, about eating clean and healthy, tons of delicious and healthy recipes, juice recipes, beauty recipes, self-care ideas and the best of all.....yoga poses (asanas)!!!! And, on top of that....the book itself is gorgeous. I'm serious, it's full of color, full of life! I'm pretty sure I'll try some of the recipes and I'm a 100% sure, I'll try (hopefully I can do them right) all the yoga poses. The recipes look and sound delicious and healthy, they are not just vegan or vegetarian recipes, so anyone can try them. I'm just now starting to do yoga, so I need some asanas that are...idiot proof (because I'm so annoyingly clumsy)..Lol
April 5, 2016
Wow. I can't say enough good things about this book. Kathryn's light shines out of every page and she feels like the friend you've always been looking for. She does not cut any corners with her standards for healthy food, a committed practice and cruelty free beauty regime and yet with her guidance all of these things become not only practical and doable but enjoyable. The style of this book is so refreshing and shows the joy she's put into a lifetime of cultivating this knowledge for us. I would recommend this to anyone and will reference if often.
May 8, 2016
Aim True is a glorious celebration of authenticity, yoga, nourishing food, inspiration, and natural beauty. Kathryn Budig, a beloved yoga teacher who fills her classes with laughter and physical challenges, effortlessly distills onto the page everything she has stood for in the yoga community: body acceptance, pushing physical limits, and finding one's own inner strength. Filled with beautiful photos, recipes for both food and for beauty products, multiple yoga practices, and joyful writing, this book will be a mainstay of my yoga library for years to come.
January 4, 2019
I follow Kathryn Budig on Instagram and absolutely love her vibe and her approach to the sometimes-craziness of the yoga world. That said, there were many moments in this book that felt a bit hokey in their you-can-do-it-ness. However, many others really resonated and will serve as an important blueprint for how to work towards self-forgiveness, acceptance and love. The yoga and meditations portions are great, but even better are the recipes -- both food and wellness. Aim True will definitely be a well-used reference in my home.
August 23, 2016
I didn't read this book cover to cover as it wasn't at all what I expected. If you are new on the health journey and need a starter plan then it is probably helpful. I wasn't interestedly into the yoga primer or the majority of the recipes. I personally don't think a book is the best way to learn or practice yoga. I was interested In some to the smoothie and beauty products recipes. Overall this is a good introductory book on living a more healthful life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews