What originally drew my attention was how my "recommended reads" is overflowing with cookbooks (I am clearly looking for an eating change) and this book is written by the chef/author of another cookbook I drool over. I have known about Ayurveda (not how to pronounce it, but as a girl who loved all those "who are you" quizzes, I had heard of doshas). Flipping through the recipes, I really liked the spice profile and the anticipated flavour of the food. I also want more vegetarian in my diet, so I liked that the veggie dishes looked appealing to this meat-eater.

I think the recipes are great (I even liked the guidance to do a detox cleanse). The challenge I found - for me, at least - is that Ayurveda is a really complicated concept. There are probably a lot of people who are more "typical" than me, but after doing the quiz inside several times, I decided I was a Vata with a Kapha imbalance; the advice to reduce Kapha conflicted with the vata maintenance, so I was just confused. I don't think everyone would make it this difficult, but I think I would need some more specific help and not the generic info Anand provides to attempt to balance oneself. It has potential, but not everyone will be able to immediately follow it (or ever).

I have this habit of copying recipes I like from cookbooks I borrow into a Try-This Cookbook. However, I found myself unable to as there was just so much information to record (modifying recipes for each dosha, then being prepared for changing dosha balances and/or the doshas of others). I really think this is a book that, if you are going to sincerely try, you have to own the book. So, the question: is it worth buying? Ultimately, I have put it on a wishlist and mentioned it as an idea for the next gift-giving holiday. I would accept it as a gift, but I decided to get her other cookbook instead when spending my own money; you have to feel prepared and like you understand the plan, but I did not. One day, possibly.

EDIT: I bought it when it went on sale. I struggle with the Ayurveda but, simply as a cookbook, I rather enjoy it. ( )

What originally drew my attention was how my "recommended reads" is overflowing with cookbooks (I am clearly looking for an eating change) and this book is written by the chef/author of another cookbook I drool over. I have known about Ayurveda (not how to pronounce it, but as a girl who loved all those "who are you" quizzes, I had heard of doshas). Flipping through the recipes, I really liked the spice profile and the anticipated flavour of the food. I also want more vegetarian in my diet, so I liked that the veggie dishes looked appealing to this meat-eater.

I think the recipes are great (I even liked the guidance to do a detox cleanse). The challenge I found - for me, at least - is that Ayurveda is a really complicated concept. There are probably a lot of people who are more "typical" than me, but after doing the quiz inside several times, I decided I was a Vata with a Kapha imbalance; the advice to reduce Kapha conflicted with the vata maintenance, so I was just confused. I don't think everyone would make it this difficult, but I think I would need some more specific help and not the generic info Anand provides to attempt to balance oneself. It has potential, but not everyone will be able to immediately follow it (or ever).

I have this habit of copying recipes I like from cookbooks I borrow into a Try-This Cookbook. However, I found myself unable to as there was just so much information to record (modifying recipes for each dosha, then being prepared for changing dosha balances and/or the doshas of others). I really think this is a book that, if you are going to sincerely try, you have to own the book. So, the question: is it worth buying? Ultimately, I have put it on a wishlist and mentioned it as an idea for the next gift-giving holiday. I would accept it as a gift, but I decided to get her other cookbook instead when spending my own money; you have to feel prepared and like you understand the plan, but I did not. One day, possibly.

EDIT: I bought it when it went on sale. I struggle with the Ayurveda but, simply as a cookbook, I rather enjoy it. ( )

This cookbook is based on the ancient philosophy of Ayurveda - which breaks everything down into 5 elements: ether, air, fire, wind and water. Every person has a unique body type (either Vata, Pitta or Kapha) and by eating correctly for your body type, it is claimed that you can reduce stress, improve your health and sleep patterns.

The book begins with an introduction and a questionnaire to identify your body type. I found it hard to identify myself as one of the three Ayurvedic body types described in Anjum's introductory text, but I did like the message that she is trying to send. In our western world, with busy deadlines and days, it is all too easy to forget to examine the food that we use to fuel our bodies.

Overall, it's a nice addition to my kitchen shelf as most of the recipes are light and healthy, made from fresh ingredients. I have no doubt that such food would make anyone feel healthier, fitter and slimmer if eaten regularly, but I don't see anything too dramatically different in this cookbook. ( )