From Publishers Weekly
"Nourishment consultant" Schatz convincingly urges readers to eschew refined and processed foods and replace them with organic fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Her "transformational nourishment" incorporates Japanese and Chinese medicine with philosophy, naturopathic nutrition and herbal medicine. The book's first section sets the mood, counseling readers on "coming home to your spirit" and explaining the semantic difference between "Eating" and "Feeding," leading into the more practical and enticing sections. Part two, "Nourishment as Daily Practice," explains the benefits of "vital essence foods": foods that are as close to the source as possible. Schatz advises readers to eat seasonal produce, since not adhering to nature's rhythms can throw a body out of balance. She describes in detail how to flush toxins out of the body by eating the right foods rather than fasting. Part three, "Awakening Your Spirit," lays out predictable advice on being conscious of what foods one introduces into the body and making eating a pleasant ritual. The final section presents healthy, simple, Asian-influenced recipes. Throughout the book, Schatz shares accounts from clients who changed their lives drastically just by changing their diets. There is an important, useful message at this book's core, and Schatz does offer a unique approach to nutrition. Unfortunately, readers must sort through a great deal of filler in order to get to it.
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Review
" . . . powerful way of bringing mindfulness and sensitivity to our relationship to food, to what's cooking, and to who's eating." -- Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., author of Wherever You Go, There You Are
"Hale Sofia Schatz has developed a truly unique approach to nourishment." -- Lama Surya Das, author of Awakening the Buddhist Heart and Awakening the Buddha Within
"Hale Sofia Schatz translates the wisdom of the oldest cultures on earth to our modern lives . . ." -- David S. Ludwig, M.D., Ph.D., director, Obesity Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
"Hale changed my life. I never have dinner without her." -- Andre Gregory, director, actor, playwright, star of My Dinner With Andre
"Hale inspires us to see our dinner plate in a new yet ancient light, leading us back to the sensual . . ." -- Mollie Katzen, author of Moosewood Cookbook and Sunlight Cafe
"This book will change the way you think about eating forever." -- Cheryl Richardson, author of Stand Up for Your Life, Take Time for your Life, and Life Makeovers
About the Author
Halé Sofia Schatz, nourishment educator and consultant, has cultivated the vital correlation between nourishment, health, and spiritual awareness for over 30 years. Halé presents her nourishment training programs in academic, corporate, and public settings. She lives in the Boston area with her family. For more information about Halé's work, please visit www.halesofiaschatz.com.
Shira Shaiman is a freelance writer. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
