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Mind Food: Plant-Based Recipes for Positive Mental Health
*WINNER OF THE NATURAL HEALTH/HEALTH & WELLBEING ‘HEALTHY COOKBOOK’ AWARD 2023*
Mind Food is a delicious and revolutionary invitation to eating whole foods, with a mind-nourishing twist – inspired by years of research around how food can make us happy and boost our moods.
Founder of the Plant Academy and the woman behind Feed Your Mind Candy, plant-based chef and food educator Lauren Lovatt mindfully reconnects readers to the adage of ‘we are what we eat’ in this appetising new-wave cookbook.
Drawing on her own experiences of mental health, Lovatt presents an empowering approach to food and wellbeing which is nourishing, sustainable and good for both us and the planet.
Focusing on hero ingredients of plants, whole grains, healthy fats, legumes, and tonic herbs, vibrant vegan recipes offer emotional balance with a splash of creativity, and a sprinkle of magic!
With recipes presented by season in order to make the most of freshly-grown produce and to maximise the benefits according to our different needs at each time of year, ideas in this book
And many, many more!
Mind Food is about connecting with yourself and the world around you, and offers a holistic toolbox of insights into how to live in sync with the world. It shares lifestyle practices that inspire new activities, and delicious sweet and savoury recipes focused on seasonal ingredients and tonics to support your brain through each life-affirming season.
Nurture your mental and physical health with Mind Food , a must-have cookbook for every kitchen library.
Mind Food is a delicious and revolutionary invitation to eating whole foods, with a mind-nourishing twist – inspired by years of research around how food can make us happy and boost our moods.
Founder of the Plant Academy and the woman behind Feed Your Mind Candy, plant-based chef and food educator Lauren Lovatt mindfully reconnects readers to the adage of ‘we are what we eat’ in this appetising new-wave cookbook.
Drawing on her own experiences of mental health, Lovatt presents an empowering approach to food and wellbeing which is nourishing, sustainable and good for both us and the planet.
Focusing on hero ingredients of plants, whole grains, healthy fats, legumes, and tonic herbs, vibrant vegan recipes offer emotional balance with a splash of creativity, and a sprinkle of magic!
With recipes presented by season in order to make the most of freshly-grown produce and to maximise the benefits according to our different needs at each time of year, ideas in this book
And many, many more!
Mind Food is about connecting with yourself and the world around you, and offers a holistic toolbox of insights into how to live in sync with the world. It shares lifestyle practices that inspire new activities, and delicious sweet and savoury recipes focused on seasonal ingredients and tonics to support your brain through each life-affirming season.
Nurture your mental and physical health with Mind Food , a must-have cookbook for every kitchen library.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published February 15, 2022
17 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 23, 2022
Some of these recipes look nice enough although many have ingredients that are expensive and hard to find, many of the recipes look time consuming. This book just wasn't for me, I love the healthy eating but it had many other 'magical' things included, horoscopes, spiritual beliefs and many other things that I consider total nonsense. Other readers might really enjoy these elements.
One thing I found odd was that many recipes use CBD, although I appreciate it this seems to be an effective remedy for some conditions, if you don't have those conditions I don't see why someone would be taking it. Sometimes the recipes with CBD were cooked, surely if this is an active ingredient cooking it would destroy it's properties? The advice the author gives on CBD is to use a small amount and see how you feel. I think it was irresponsible not to mention that if you are on some medications to check with your doctor first as CBD might not be compatible.
I would recommend this book to Cathbad from the Ruth Galloway series.
One thing I found odd was that many recipes use CBD, although I appreciate it this seems to be an effective remedy for some conditions, if you don't have those conditions I don't see why someone would be taking it. Sometimes the recipes with CBD were cooked, surely if this is an active ingredient cooking it would destroy it's properties? The advice the author gives on CBD is to use a small amount and see how you feel. I think it was irresponsible not to mention that if you are on some medications to check with your doctor first as CBD might not be compatible.
I would recommend this book to Cathbad from the Ruth Galloway series.
February 6, 2022
The most enticing part of a book about food is the photographs; Mind Food is crammed with stunning, colourful mouthwatering dishes that makes you want grab your apron and start cooking! Interesting concepts shared, you can’t avoid the feel good vibes promoted by the fresh, natural ingredients used to create these healthy recipes. Amazingly, the decadent dessert section which looks truly ‘naughty’ might actually be ‘nice’ - the ingredients used are innovative offering just the sweet treats we love without the guilt!
March 16, 2022
This is a beauuutifully presented book, full of delicious ideas and recipes to soothe your mind. There are plenty I'd like to try. You will need to source some extra ingredients that may not be in your pantry, for example, buckwheat flour, miso and CBD.
If you want to be inspired to try something new, it's well worth a read.
My thanks to Netgalley, publisher and author for the opportunity to review a digital copy.
If you want to be inspired to try something new, it's well worth a read.
My thanks to Netgalley, publisher and author for the opportunity to review a digital copy.
February 22, 2022
I didn't like this book at all. The ingredients used in the recipes are prohibitive when it comes to price and availability. Unless you consider fancy mushroom powder, Brazil nut butter and cacao nibs pantry staples, you'll find it difficult and expensive to make almost all of the recipes. And considering how much research there is into the relatio ship between nutrition and mental health, it's pretty much not mentioned. I would give this book a skip
January 25, 2022
It's not a bad recipe book but it surely isnt for me. More than half of the ingredients arent really easy to find and usually not affordable.
Some recipes look really good and I would have liked to try, some looked unappetizing.
Overall as I said before it's not a bad recipe book but it's not one I would have bought for myself
Some recipes look really good and I would have liked to try, some looked unappetizing.
Overall as I said before it's not a bad recipe book but it's not one I would have bought for myself
February 15, 2022
Mind Food is a fairly slim volume written under the premise, "We are what we eat." The author has used her own mental health struggles to come to a way of eating healthy, plant based food for well being. You know who else espouses this? Jane Goodall, my hero!
The author presents a series of recipes with a "tag" of how they may affect mood. The tags are soothe, chill, lift, balance, and focus. Some reviewers seem to take umbrage at the book, as if the author is giving medical advice on how to handle mental illness. I had a different take. To me, these recipes and this way of eating are just one of many tools in the toolbox to live a healthy life. Who hasn't binged on a bag of potato chips, then suffered the greasy, queasy regretful aftereffects? Conversely, who hasn't eaten a salad made with fresh seasonal ingredients beautifully presented, and not had the resulting feeling of well being and contentment of a choice well made afterwards?
This book presents the reader with a few of these recipes to sprinkle into your week, in the hopes of ultimately eating delicious foods that will garner good feelings, in addition to their healthy effects. The pictures are gorgeous, and while I wouldn't say the recipes necessarily look easy or quick to prepare, the author presents them as almost a meditative way to give attention to one's health. I have reviewed a few cookbooks, and generally they are filled with lovely pictures and recipes, but this is one I will actually be seeking out because I like the premise, and there are some interesting recipes. I also like the way the author divides the recipes into seasons, as this is when it is easier to find certain produce. Lastly, I was most drawn to the chapter on fermentation, as I have felt the postivie effects of drinking kombucha, and I would like to add more fermented foods into my diet.
Thank you to author Lauren Lovatt, Quarto Publishing/White Lion, and NetGalley for allowing me to view this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The author presents a series of recipes with a "tag" of how they may affect mood. The tags are soothe, chill, lift, balance, and focus. Some reviewers seem to take umbrage at the book, as if the author is giving medical advice on how to handle mental illness. I had a different take. To me, these recipes and this way of eating are just one of many tools in the toolbox to live a healthy life. Who hasn't binged on a bag of potato chips, then suffered the greasy, queasy regretful aftereffects? Conversely, who hasn't eaten a salad made with fresh seasonal ingredients beautifully presented, and not had the resulting feeling of well being and contentment of a choice well made afterwards?
This book presents the reader with a few of these recipes to sprinkle into your week, in the hopes of ultimately eating delicious foods that will garner good feelings, in addition to their healthy effects. The pictures are gorgeous, and while I wouldn't say the recipes necessarily look easy or quick to prepare, the author presents them as almost a meditative way to give attention to one's health. I have reviewed a few cookbooks, and generally they are filled with lovely pictures and recipes, but this is one I will actually be seeking out because I like the premise, and there are some interesting recipes. I also like the way the author divides the recipes into seasons, as this is when it is easier to find certain produce. Lastly, I was most drawn to the chapter on fermentation, as I have felt the postivie effects of drinking kombucha, and I would like to add more fermented foods into my diet.
Thank you to author Lauren Lovatt, Quarto Publishing/White Lion, and NetGalley for allowing me to view this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2022
As a vegan junk food addict, I'm really excited to start making some healthier and more fulfilling choices; this book has pushed me in the right direction and given me a more positive mindset.
Previous recipe books I've used, (whilst delicious) have been heavily focused on comfort and recreating popular meat based favourites. Whilst I expect I'll always enjoy these types of food, I want to find balance and introduce more nutrition into my daily diet.
This book introduces lots of interesting ingredients, if you're looking to start eating more seasonaly, you'll appreciate how this can be made exciting and surprisingly easy.
The pictures are beautiful and the recipes are easy to follow. It's quite refreshing to get away from the typical BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER format that most recipe books follow.
As someone who has taken antidepressants for over 13 years, I'm well acquainted with the relationship between my mental health and my diet. Whilst I don't think poor mental health can be entirely salvaged by diet alone, I know I have bags more energy (physically and mentally) when I cut down processed and heavily carby food for fresh vege, grains, nuts/seeds etc.
I've ordered some of the more niche ingredients and can't wait to start cooking "D
Previous recipe books I've used, (whilst delicious) have been heavily focused on comfort and recreating popular meat based favourites. Whilst I expect I'll always enjoy these types of food, I want to find balance and introduce more nutrition into my daily diet.
This book introduces lots of interesting ingredients, if you're looking to start eating more seasonaly, you'll appreciate how this can be made exciting and surprisingly easy.
The pictures are beautiful and the recipes are easy to follow. It's quite refreshing to get away from the typical BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER format that most recipe books follow.
As someone who has taken antidepressants for over 13 years, I'm well acquainted with the relationship between my mental health and my diet. Whilst I don't think poor mental health can be entirely salvaged by diet alone, I know I have bags more energy (physically and mentally) when I cut down processed and heavily carby food for fresh vege, grains, nuts/seeds etc.
I've ordered some of the more niche ingredients and can't wait to start cooking "D
March 2, 2022
Mental health and food is often talked about but usually an underrated connection.
It's nice to see vegan and vegetarian dishes that are whole in their own right, not edited from an existing classic meat dish.
The recipes are interesting and sufficiently varied I think, with pictures of near enough everything (which I find to be one of the most important things in a cookbook). It's unusual and entertaining that the recipes are split into seasons, I think it's a nice touch.
I feel like it's a little preachy in places, a little too "this is the only way to live" for my liking, although I don't doubt it could help a person's general health considerably. A lot of the recipes are quite complex and not really suitable for every day cooking, but could certainly be showstoppers for special occasions.
It's nice to see vegan and vegetarian dishes that are whole in their own right, not edited from an existing classic meat dish.
The recipes are interesting and sufficiently varied I think, with pictures of near enough everything (which I find to be one of the most important things in a cookbook). It's unusual and entertaining that the recipes are split into seasons, I think it's a nice touch.
I feel like it's a little preachy in places, a little too "this is the only way to live" for my liking, although I don't doubt it could help a person's general health considerably. A lot of the recipes are quite complex and not really suitable for every day cooking, but could certainly be showstoppers for special occasions.
February 7, 2022
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
While some of the recipes in this book are appealing, the approach is concerning at times.
The premise of this book is essentially we are what we eat, so the less steps between food coming out of the ground and us eating it is makes us feel better. While this may be true, this book focuses on eating to improve mental health, which isn't something that can be guaranteed. There's a small disclaimer that food can't replace medication, but other than that this book doesn't have a super nuanced exploration of food and mental health.
The recipes themselves are interesting. I was hoping for more pictures since I like pictures in recipe books. There's a big focus on vegetables and minimally processed foods.
While some of the recipes in this book are appealing, the approach is concerning at times.
The premise of this book is essentially we are what we eat, so the less steps between food coming out of the ground and us eating it is makes us feel better. While this may be true, this book focuses on eating to improve mental health, which isn't something that can be guaranteed. There's a small disclaimer that food can't replace medication, but other than that this book doesn't have a super nuanced exploration of food and mental health.
The recipes themselves are interesting. I was hoping for more pictures since I like pictures in recipe books. There's a big focus on vegetables and minimally processed foods.
November 5, 2022
I have never read a cookbook quite like this one and it is a worthwhile resource. There is a deep connection between our emotional selves and the food we eat and the social bonding we have through food. This book is a beginning exploration of that rich content that traces the contours of the authoress's personal experience and observations. There are a lot of great recipes that stand on their own simply from a taste standpoint and even the plating is elegant. But the deeper impact is the true value of this book. Recommended.
January 25, 2022
Mind Food is an absolutely gorgeous book. The photographs are just stunning! I thoroughly enjoyed reading the notes and recipes throughout the seasons. From purple plants to peaches and cream chia, there is not a recipe in here that I wouldn't try. If you are diving into plant based eating, or are already vegan, you will love this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and The Quarto Group for the eARC in return for an honest review.
Many thanks to NetGalley and The Quarto Group for the eARC in return for an honest review.
February 4, 2022
Food for health reasons is what primarily interested me about this book. Sometimes it's really hard to know what to eat as there is so much information out there and this book really allows you to break that information into pieces you can understand. The food is broken down by season, which is great so you can get things while they are fresh. But while some of the recipes were interesting, there wasn't a lot that tempted me. There is also a drink section which did look interesting.
February 10, 2022
I have been leaning more plant based lately and MIND FOOD looked exactly like a cookbook I would be into.
I really enjoyed the sections separated by season. Having foods and nutrients by season is important. There are also sections for desserts and fermented foods. The focus on mental health is seen throughout and I really needed to take in some of this information. The author also included some self-care rituals to go along with the recipes, which I appreciated.
I really enjoyed the sections separated by season. Having foods and nutrients by season is important. There are also sections for desserts and fermented foods. The focus on mental health is seen throughout and I really needed to take in some of this information. The author also included some self-care rituals to go along with the recipes, which I appreciated.
January 28, 2022
So picturesque!! This cookbook is nothing but good vibes and hearty, healthy, delicious meal ideas. The interludes with healthy living tips were inspirational and wholesome. I have plenty of fun smoothie ideas to try!
Thank you to netgalley for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to netgalley for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2022
This is a beautiful recipe book with some intriguing and thought-provoking concepts. I don't think I'll be making many dishes from this book, but I enjoyed leafing through the pages anyway.
[I received a copy of this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review]
[I received a copy of this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review]
April 5, 2022
What a great way to eat. Seasonally and lovely. The pictures that go along with every recipe make you want to dive right in. Not every recipe is for everyone but this is more a jumping off point than a hard rule.
May 31, 2022
The photography is stunning and the recipes looked delicious. My only qualm is the stance on mental health. Food is important but it alone will not cure depression, anxiety etc. That being said, this is a great tool to have and a wonderful way to diversify your diet
September 11, 2023
I think this book has been incorrectly named.
Maybe call it the "The CBD cookbook" as most recipies require you to add several pippetes worth of CBD. Beautiful photography and interesting twists on some classics however.
Maybe call it the "The CBD cookbook" as most recipies require you to add several pippetes worth of CBD. Beautiful photography and interesting twists on some classics however.
March 7, 2022
*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Really cool cookbook, would love to buy a physical copy to have around!
March 8, 2022
Such a lovely book, so many great recipes and I love the photo’s which makes my mouth water!
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Read
January 3, 2024Too fancy schmancy and too much CBD.
February 26, 2022
The photographs of the cooked food look tempting and delicious. I have cooked the Ultimate Kimchi Curry recipe, which was very moreish! I can’t wait to try the other recipes.
I liked the way the book was divided up by the Four Seasons celebrating and making the most of season vegetables. There are also further chapters looking at Desserts because who doesn’t enjoy a good pudding?! Also, a section on fermentation, which has so many gut and health benefits.
I feel a little uneasy about the title - Plant-based Recipes for Positive Mental Health. It implies that by simply following the recipes will improve ones mental health. I think eating healthily is important, and eating a plant based diet is healthy and sustainable, but I think that there are other factors that can contribute to ones positive mental health.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, for making this book available to me for a fair and honest review.
I liked the way the book was divided up by the Four Seasons celebrating and making the most of season vegetables. There are also further chapters looking at Desserts because who doesn’t enjoy a good pudding?! Also, a section on fermentation, which has so many gut and health benefits.
I feel a little uneasy about the title - Plant-based Recipes for Positive Mental Health. It implies that by simply following the recipes will improve ones mental health. I think eating healthily is important, and eating a plant based diet is healthy and sustainable, but I think that there are other factors that can contribute to ones positive mental health.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, for making this book available to me for a fair and honest review.
August 25, 2022
Not a bad recipe book it definitely needs a bit more work in my opinion and has potential to go further.
Most of the ingredients are difficult to find not to mention quite pricey and that's before you've even got the meal prep together, some of the recipes actually don't look the appetizing and I have to confess I flicked straight past those ones, others are slightly better.
Some of the ingredients - mushroom powder, cacoa nibs - (these are difficult to find and sooooo expensive) brazil nut butter, buckwheat, CBD.. (a bit strange) - I have to say, I don't think I'd find any of this in my local tesco express and the price of some of these made my eyes water!
Now I'm under no illusion that food is brain power and mind food is essentially that and to look after one's body and mind it does help to have decent food, but this cannot fix you mentally and that should be duly noted, also
The benefit to this book is that everything is made from scratch and so you know exactly what you will be cooking as it's easy for most levels and that nothing is coming from GM foods, E numbers etc as its mostly wholesome ingredients and that is the benefit, you know what you're putting in your food. That I agree with nothing packaged should be making its way into our food if we don't know what it is and if it doesn't state its ingredients.
St John's wort - seek medical advice before you start with this, it's not for everyone and can be dangerous to start without consulting your doctor first! Especially if you're already taking medications!
With thanks to Netgalley and publishers for this free ARC in return for my review.
Most of the ingredients are difficult to find not to mention quite pricey and that's before you've even got the meal prep together, some of the recipes actually don't look the appetizing and I have to confess I flicked straight past those ones, others are slightly better.
Some of the ingredients - mushroom powder, cacoa nibs - (these are difficult to find and sooooo expensive) brazil nut butter, buckwheat, CBD.. (a bit strange) - I have to say, I don't think I'd find any of this in my local tesco express and the price of some of these made my eyes water!
Now I'm under no illusion that food is brain power and mind food is essentially that and to look after one's body and mind it does help to have decent food, but this cannot fix you mentally and that should be duly noted, also
The benefit to this book is that everything is made from scratch and so you know exactly what you will be cooking as it's easy for most levels and that nothing is coming from GM foods, E numbers etc as its mostly wholesome ingredients and that is the benefit, you know what you're putting in your food. That I agree with nothing packaged should be making its way into our food if we don't know what it is and if it doesn't state its ingredients.
St John's wort - seek medical advice before you start with this, it's not for everyone and can be dangerous to start without consulting your doctor first! Especially if you're already taking medications!
With thanks to Netgalley and publishers for this free ARC in return for my review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews