This is a handy book, with good ideas for those concerned about their health and aging,
This is a soft cover book, with an appealing homely cover containing meal plans and recipes, exercise routines and recipes for home-made beauty items. It claims to be age-defying and although that is in the eye of the beholder, many of the suggestions seem to be based on good health edicts. The philosophy which underpins the entire book is explained in the introductory sections.
Recipes are well spaced, and in large clear font, most of which have an accompanying photograph. The book contains two, 30-minute exercise routines: one yoga and one Pilates. Each pose is clearly explained and photographed. Although there is no index, the format of the Contents pages allow you to quickly find what you are looking for. The book itself is large and takes up quite a bit of bench space when opened up. It has easy-wipe pages which, depending on the angle of the light, may become rather shiny and difficult to read at a glance.
In looking at many of the non-food recipes, I was taken aback by the initial expense for ingredients. Frankincense in the moisturiser may be great if it works for you at only 2 drops per batch, but is rather expensive if it doesn’t. I do not know where you buy soap bases other than online, and these too can be expensive. The recipes are simple and sound if they would work, but then again, I don’t have time to be searching, ordering and waiting for specific ingredients in my general life.
The plan-ahead nature of the food section in this book will appeal to many, with cooking then freezing for later use, or storing in the fridge for the week ahead being a way to have a healthy grab-and-go option for your busy lifestyle. I do not have coconut nor almond flour in my pantry – once again, these are expensive items. I used wholemeal flour, low GI sugar and either coconut or skim milk when trying many of these recipes with success.
Coconut and Raspberry Muffins (page 94)
These were particularly nice, with the coconut background flavour having bursts of freshness from the raspberries. A passionfruit Greek yoghurt accompaniment goes really well when fresh raspberries are out of season.
Pumpkin and Lentil Red Curry, (page 108)
This other recipe I chose has become a regular in my meal rotation. I used both red and brown lentils to make this curry and found that they taste different, but both are very good. For volume, I prefer the brown lentils as these make a larger serve and can easily feed six rather than four. You will find that the red curry paste used (recipe on page 111) is great but if in a hurry, any Thai red curry paste will do – just adjust the amount to suit your palette. I only use half the recommended amount.
This is a handy book, with good ideas for those concerned about their health and aging, it also has many good wholesome recipes for anyone looking to improve their nutrition in busy times. There is the opportunity to look at your exercise and skin regimes as well as your nutritional requirements. All meals and snacks are catered for, so you can pick up a few ingredients and just get cooking.
Reviewed by Leanne Caune
Distributed by: New Holland Publishers
Released: February 2019
RRP: $36.99