cover image The Kitchen Shrink: Food and Recipes for a Healthy Mind

The Kitchen Shrink: Food and Recipes for a Healthy Mind

Natalie Savona. Duncan Baird, $14.95 (144pp) ISBN 978-1-84483-607-9

Though a proper diet is just one of many factors crucial to physical and emotional wellbeing, this enlightening, beautifully organized guide to eating well from British nutritionist and author Savona (Wonderfoods) offers a bevy of dietary tips to help readers defeat specific, everyday maladies from a number of angles. She lucidly explains how particular foods affect the body, from the spiking blood sugar levels caused by coffee or a cocktail to the epidermal benefits of oily fish like mackerel and salmon. Though none of the material is revolutionary, Savona's direct tone, sensible approach and bright, clean presentation are certainly refreshing, and always inviting. Armed with nutritional data, readers can begin modifying their diet to alleviate health complaints such as lack of energy, gut problems and even depression; for each malady, Savona provides a breakdown of the nutrients involved and helpful recipes for sides, light meals and mains. Recipes are within the range of novice chefs and range from salads and stuffed potatoes to dishes like Broiled Swordfish in Caper Salsa. Those looking for a complete introduction to basic nutrition and a sensible, healthy diet should book an appointment.