The Kitchen Shrink: Foods and Recipes for a Healthy Mind

Insomnia, chocolate cravings, mood swings and mid-afternoon slumps may have their roots in improper diet, writes Savona, a former journalist who now has a nutritional practice in London, but""feel good foods"" can help. The first part of her glossy, lovingly photographed cookbook covers the basics on foods that help stabilize blood sugar levels, improve response to stress and curb binges. The latter half offers easy-to-prepare dishes with a healthy, vegetarian bent (while also delivering a tempting leg of lamb and a luscious chocolate pudding) that aim to increase energy, promote concentration and flush out toxins. Savona has a lot of dietary zeal: she gives instructions for a three-week""cleansing program,"" and directs readers to avoid almost all sugars. But her tone is cheery and accepting; she says, for example, that while alcohol should generally be avoided (despite recent data suggesting a drink a day can be beneficial), a glass of wine can be""good for the soul."" Savona's diet advice, too, is eminently reasonable, favoring fresh fruits, vegetables and fish. Her best recipes recall her childhood in the Middle East, such as Shekshouka, a stew of tomatoes, peppers, and onions, and Khosaf, a fruit dessert. Seatown Kedgeree and Gobble Pie, two hash-like main courses, may be a tad on the British side, but they, too, are appealing, presented with confidence and flair. Color photographs throughout.