Eat, Taste, Heal: An Ayurvedic Cookbook for Modern Living

by Thomas Yarema, Daniel Rhoda, Johnny Brannigan

Eat.Taste.Heal is a groundbreaking work within the field of holistic health and nutrition, written by a medical doctor, a patient, and an acclaimed chef. A complete guidebook and cookbook in one, Eat.Taste.Heal demystifies the ancient healing science of Ayurveda, humankind's most ancient system of healthy living. The aim of the book is simple: to create harmony within through using common foods and healthy lifestyle practices as medicine. The collection contains over 150 cross-cultural recipes and received a Maverick Award for excellence in photography. The authors are a unique trio: physician, patient, and chef. Dr. Thomas Yarema M.D., director of the Kauai Center for Holistic Medicine and Research, created for his patients an understandable dietary program rooted in common sense. Daniel Rhoda, a patient who found healing through Ayurveda, demystifies the ancient science that helped restore his health. Chef Johnny Brannigan, an internationally trained Ayurvedic chef, has created more than 150 recipes to empower individual healing through the exploration of taste.

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

352 pages, Hardcover

First published February 15, 2006

Reviews

[The Badger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I actually followed the directions and COOKED! Granted, I was only making soy chai tea and it wouldn't have happened at all if my friend studying Ayurveda medicine hadn't given me all the ingredients, but damnit, I found the knobs to my stove and made soy chai tea! (I had removed the knobs from the stovetop a year previously when I was fostering a polydactyl kitten with 8 toes on each foot--for a cat, that's four thumbs per paw, and since he could open drawers, open cat food cans, and use my iPad, I wasn't taking any chances.) Anyway, this is a fun book to read--it's not just recipes. This is a good thing, because some of the ingredients are difficult to find unless you enjoy foraging the woods with your pet truffle-sniffing pig.

[Nadine Feldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a GREAT cookbook. It provides interesting Ayurvedic recipes that don't all taste like Indian food. It's also a beautiful book, filled with color and thoughtful information. Even though I have read a lot about Ayurveda, I couldn't help perusing through information I already know, just because of the loving care in the way this book was prepared.

Plus, it includes some recipes for those of us who aren't strict vegetarians. I made the sesame trout for my husband, and it was a hit.

I made some adjustments to a few of the recipes as I saw fit. There's an avocado soup, for example, that calls for fresh carrot juice. Instead, I roasted carrots and blended them into the soup without juicing them. I thought the roasted flavor would add to the recipe, and it was delicious!

There are some snack recipes in here, too. In Ayurveda, the ideal is to eat three meals a day with no snacks, but I'm going to use these for a plane trip when it's hard to get good, wholesome meals.

One thing to note: the folks who designed this cookbook live in Hawaii, and a lot of the recipes seem more geared to warm weather. When I made the avocado soup, I noticed that nearly all the ingredients were on my "winter vegetable" list for Ayurveda, so I made it and served it warm rather than cold. It worked just fine.

[M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're at all interested in Ayurveda - the ancient healing system from India - this is the one book to get started with. It covers the major facets of Ayurveda including the three doshas, the six tastes, how to tell what your dosha(s) is(are), what doshas lead to certain illnesses, what foods to eat to balance your doshas and what the rhythms of each dosha is. There are handy tables in the back and a large section of recipes explaining why it's good for a particular dosha and how it can be tweaked to be good for other doshas. The foods are aren't all "exotic" either - there's tacos, tapioca pudding, meat & potatoes along with the more exotic dishes.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome cookbook. It has recipes for your specific Ayurvedic dosha. It also has some great natural suggestions for common ailments that have been around for thousands of years (and really work!)

I'm Vata, and the oatmeal (yes, oatmeal) is my personal fave.

[Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great photos, good recipes, almost entirely vegetarian. Got from library first and then bought it because we didn't want to give it back.

[Caleb Lagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Curious

[Lolli · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than just a cookbook. This is a very informative book with a lot of recipes. A good read!

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

On this book one can feast one's eyes along with one's taste buds, the design and layout are that beautiful. An easy to follow introduction to the basics of Ayurveda is followed by a trove of recipes, duly marked as to Dosha (constitutional type), often accompanied by notes on what could be varied to make it suitable for a different type. The only set-back here is that many of them seem quite complicated and time-consuming to make. My rating, however, is still a five as I have reaped so many little jewels from this book. My personal favorite is the section on making Ayurvedic spice mixtures and staples. Finally, all is rounded up by very handy food charts according to compatibility by Dosha and comprehensive glossaries and index.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good intro to ayurvedic lifestyle and cooking. Lots of pretty pictures and interesting recipes to experiment with. I tried out the Creamy Fennel & Leek soup. Recipe says it makes 4 servings, but the servings would have to be pretty small. I roasted leeks according to recipe for 30 minutes and they burned, so I redid for only 15 minutes. Soup came out ok, but citrus-y from the lime juice, which seems contraindicative for my dosha. Will try others.

[Julie Thomason · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've implemented an Ayurveda regime in my life twice with good results, but it s difficult to follow. This lovely presented book served as a refresher for me and well sectioned it will be easy to dip into. I do wish though it had been prepared fr the international market as I'm going to have check measurements and over temps. A to of recipes look tempting. don't know of it would entice a beginner. I have read several books on the subject and this is one of the more accessible ones.

[M. Jane Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every recipe I have made from this book has been absolutely fabulous.

The non-recipe content--introduction to Ayurvedic concepts, food as medicine etc.--is interesting but... over-written. It could have been tighter.

A really petty complaint: I did not like the lay-out. Reading a book laid out in columns, especially when the text in each is double-spaced, is a little cumbersome.

But the recipes are worth every inconvenience.

[Brindi Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even though this is only a couple years old, the layout and heavy text feels so outdated.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Ayurveda Reference. Recipes look a tad complicated.

[Tami Chesnut · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cleanse portion of the book is easy to follow.

[Bonita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing cookbook with Ayurvedic theory nicely summed up for a better understanding of doshas, elements, and taste!

[Dr. Shailla Vaidya the Yoga MD]

This book is a great introduction to the system of Ayurveda. though I haven;t had any success with the recipes, it is still a good guide.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great but the measurements and proportions are definitely to be adjusted!

[Korina Papuico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fácil de seguir ;) algunos ingredientes son extraños para mi país. Pero funciona ;)

[Vadim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Аюрведа - древне-индийская наука о долгой и здоровой жизни.
Она считает, что еда питает не только наше тело, но также разум, чувства и душу.
А правильное питание способно не только исцелять, но и помогать нам в самопознании и личностном развитии.

В момент рождения мы получаем от родителей генетически определенную конституцию тела, которую должны поддерживать в равновесии всю жизнь.
Согласно Аюрведе наш организм представляет собой совокупность первоэлементов: пространства (эфира), воздуха, огня, воды и земли.
Также как всего семь цветов создают множество оттенков, так и из 5 основных энергий Природы создаются три основные доши - биологические силы человеческого тела и разума.

Традиционно в Аюрведе выделяют 7 основных телесных конституций: Вата, Питта, Капха, Вата-Питта, Питта-Капха, Капха-Вата, Вата-Питта-Капха.
Они отличаются ростом, весом, метаболизмом и темпераментом.
В книге приводится тест для определения своей конституции.

Чтобы быть здоровым, нужно правильно питаться, поддерживая баланс дош и подбирая подходящие нашему телу вкусы и продукты.

Каждый продукт имеет свой вкус, который оказывает определенное воздействие на наш организм.
Идеально, если хотя бы один прием пищи в течение дня (например, обед) будет содержать все 6 вкусов.
Для каждой доши в книге есть свои предписания по питанию.

Общими для всех дош являются рекомендации питаться в спокойной обстановке, не на бегу и когда мы действительно голодны.
Тщательное пережевывание пищи помогает не переедать и способствует лучшей усвояемости продуктов.

Принимая пищу в одно и тоже время, например, завтрак в 9, обед (основной и самый обильный прием пищи) в 13:00 и ужин в 6 вечера (за 4 часа до сна), мы помогаем организму максимально эффективно переваривать съеденное.

Если мы расстроены, лучше отложить трапезу, пока ум не придет в спокойное состояние.
Небольшой отдых после еды (15-30 минут) также помогает процессу пищеварения.
Подробней о питании в соответствии со своим строением тела, можно прочитать в книге.

Изданная в большом формате и прекрасно иллюстрированная, она является кладезем восточной мудрости в области поддержания здоровья.

Первая половина книги дает теоретические знания об основных принципах Аюрведы, а вторая посвящена оригинальным кулинарным рецептам, подтверждающим, что здоровое питание может быть не только полезным, но и вкусным.

Книга может быть полезна всем заинтересованным в сохранении/поддержании здоровья или станет прекрасным подарком близким.

Приятного чтения!

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every culture has a way of perceiving the human body, its’ ailments and essentially ways to treat or avoid said conditions. Ayurveda teaches to live in harmony with the basic laws of nature and offers a holistic guidemap for awakening our self healing potential. “Recognize the power of self-healing within, and you will become your own greatest doctor,” is the theme of Ayurveda teachings within this book.

There are 5 elements in nature: space, air, fire, water, and earth, which are the building blocks of all material existence. These 5 substances are the same in composition and character to our own underlying make-up and yet there are people who can eat a 5 course meal with ease while another at the table can hardly get through a salad at one sitting, but grazes all day long.

The characteristics and idiosyncrasies that make every person unique are described in Ayurveda as biological energies called doshas. Each dosha is comprised of 2 elements and their presence in a body is through distinct qualities and actions, ranging from biological functions to personality traits.

Without delving deeper into the breakdown of reactions of the body to various stimuli and how food and the mind (self-awareness and individuality rather than ‘the brain’) work together or apart, I will say this book has a lot of information but is not easily digested for the self professed skimmer of books. The explanation of each concept takes the reader spiraling into another language so this is not a book to skim for ideas without understanding.

The Ayurveda lifestyle is also a vegan lifestyle. There is much information on organic vs additives, microwaving vs basic cooking techniques, packaging processes, milk products, decreasing deep frozen items, soaking and sprouting seeds and legumes, seasonal and sustainable solutions, storing foods, composting, when to eat, proper chewing, breathing techniques, how the rhythms of the day, night, month and season affect each dosha, fasting, foods for specific illnesses, yoga, and recipes. A very thorough book for those beginning an Ayurveda lifestyle.

The majority of recipes have ingredients that are easily obtained. For the recipes which require ingredients that are on the exotic side finding substitutions is not a problem on the internet. For those who do not wish to dive head first into vegan eating there are recipes for chicken and fish included as well.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eat Taste Heal is a combination Ayurvedic guidebook and cookbook. The first half of the book is devoted to an overview of Ayurvedic concepts, including the 6 tastes of food & how food becomes your body, lifestyle & its affect on your overall health, food as medicine, as well as the 3 doshas or body/psychological types & how food can help create order or disorder for each dosha. I do not believe in this philosophy nor was I convinced of its validity by this book, but found the information interesting neverless.

The second half of the book is devoted to recipes with the first section divided by dosha-appropriate recipes that take you through each meal of the day, & finishing with "archetypal" recipes grouped by categories (main dishes, legumes, etc). Most recipes are gluten-free and many are dairy-free, with many of those given alternative ingredients if you wish to avoid gluten &/or dairy. Almost all recipes are vegetarian, with only seven containing fish or chicken. Recipes are also labeled by the dosha for which they are most appropriate, again usually with alternatives given to make the recipe workable for the other doshas. There are some errors in the recipes, but if you are paying attention, they should not cause any great difficulties. There are occasionally ingredients used which are out of the ordinary for most home cooks,such as asefetida, but the majority of the recipes are very accessible for the average cook.

The book ends with extensive appendices including food lists of items to favor & avoid for each dosha, a bibliography & a list of various Ayurvedic institutions of interest.

[Emily Kestrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part of this book consists of a simple explanation of Ayurveda, and the second of recipes suitable for each dosha (constitutional type). It's a glossy book with pretty pictures, which--call me shallow--is always a plus for me. It lacks the philosophical depth of Maya Tiwari's Ayurveda: A Life in Balance, but is much more approachable for the average person, I think. I could actually picture myself cooking and enjoying most of the food, for one thing. I waffled about buying this for a long time because I'm not really that interested in trying to follow an Ayurvedic approach, but this book turned out to be a good addition to my cookbook shelf.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the philosophy of Ayurvedic living, but what do you do when you overlap into multiple types and the recommendations are conflicting? I found it wasn't clear cut enough for me, but for those who are clearly one type it would be nice to have a guide for healthy living like this. It's a beautiful book, contains lots of tools for assessment, guidelines for eating and lifestyle, and even recipes.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading about the practices of Ayurveda for a little while now, and this book is about as comprehensive as you can get. Starting with a introduction to the practices of Ayurveda, this reference covers all the aspects of healthy living in one. This makes things much clearer for me and completely nails what works for me, and what doesn't. Now I understand why I love the foods that I do so much and why I react poorly to others. Amazing reference that belongs in every kitchen.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great explanation of how each author became interested in Ayurvedic Medicine. Explains natural, healthy ways to balance doshas. About half of the book was devoted to recipes, the other half gave great information about the characteristics of each dosha and how food impacts the balance or imbalance of each dosha. Includes a short quiz to help identify your dosha.

Excited to try the recipes.

[Azure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eat Taste Heal is a fantastic resource for understanding the basics of Ayurveda. This fantastically well written and composed book has left me more inspired than ever to learn about food as medicine, and a wholesome approach to whole health. Wonderful recipes and explanations. I highly recommend this book.

[Jennifer Barr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the recipes in this book, and how they categorized for different doshas with substitutions for other ones. I also like the layout of the recipes by meal of the day. These are the reasons for 3 stars. What I don't like is a lot of the info in the beginning is outdated, recommending that people avoid saturated fat for example.

[Rebecca Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome. Breakdown food recomendations bashed on your dosha (vata , pitta, kapha). All the recipes and are healthy, indian inspired but a modern take on it. Just started cooking a few recipes out of it

[Cherie · Rating 2 out of 5]

C I'm still a little confused at some of the basics of ayurveda--I'm a combo of a pitta and vitta. This book features recipes (inc some rather complicated ones) and while many of them sounded yummy, I wasn't tantilized into wanting to create any of them. Still, some interesting stuff.

[Elizabeth7781 · Rating 4 out of 5]

My brother gave me this book for my birthday, and it is simply fascinating. Ever since starting meditative yoga, I've been doing more reading on the mind-body connection to whole health. This is so much more than just a cookbook.