Kimberly Parsons - The Yoga Kitchen: Over 100 vegetarian recipes to energise the body, balance the mind & make a happier you

ALL THE RECIPES IN THE YOGA KITCHEN ARE:

- Vegetarian

- Gluten-free

- Refined sugar-free

VEGAN (V):

Throughout the book, the (V) sign indicates that these particular recipes are suitable for vegans.

Welcome to The Yoga Kitchen! This book isnt just for yogis who practise yoga on a regular basis, it is for anybody who wants to balance their mind and energise their body by feeding themselves health-conscious vegetarian dishes, free from gluten and refined sugar. Each chapter is designed to improve our lives with recipes that support our core and create a greater synergy between our mind, body and spirit. The Yoga Kitchen follows the yogic principle that by combining our diet with our holistic health we can unite and strengthen our entire system. This book aims to bring this yogic philosophy into your kitchen and also into your life.

Each chapter is designed to help, support and transform the different energy systems within our bodies called the chakras; Ground, Flow, Vitalise, Nurture, Strengthen, Calm and Pure. They each provide different types of nutritional support which target various parts of our bodies. When reading this book, it is important to focus and concentrate on deciphering how you feel; what your body craves and how you want to personally evolve and develop, as this will lead you to the right chapter for what you need.

The central belief to The Yoga Kitchen is that by concentrating on what we need and reacting accordingly with the food we eat, we can all correct and align our balance, energy and happiness.

The chapters in this book are based on the ancient yoga chakra system. The system came to the West from the ancient traditions of India, where they originated more than 4,000 years ago. It can be seen as a collection of homes in our bodies for our spiritual, mental, emotional and physical elements. It helps us navigate the connection between our inner- and outer-worlds, creating an alignment through a set of seven portals, which we move between throughout our lives.

The Yoga Kitchen has been inspired by my journey through yoga and the synergy I see between it and my own naturopathic experience. I believe that if our health is to be transformed, the process must begin from within. Integration of mind, body and energy makes healing possible. It is not enough to simply understand what needs to be done without action and it is not enough to move without understanding of what needs to be moved. It is the integration of these two actions that can create long-lasting health and can bring change into our lives. In the same vein, the food choices we make throughout our lives need to be in balance with our emotional needs and overall bodily functions.

By eating The Yoga Kitchen way, I hope you will all become energised, balanced and ultimately more happy!

The Yoga Kitchen has been divided into seven chakra-based chapters, which each represent yogic energy centres within our bodies. Each chakra is associated with different emotions, organs and body systems. The recipes in each chapter have been created to help you strengthen and balance that chakra, emotional need and body system.

The goal is to ascend from the root chakra in the Ground chapter to the crown chakra in the Pure chapter, through the various chakra stages. The beauty of this system is that it not only helps us to discover who we are, but it also helps us to create who we want to be. By bringing awareness to each energy centre we can discover more about ourselves and strengthen aspects, which we feel, are integral to who we are and who we want to become.

Location in the body:

The base of the spine.

State of mind:

For when you want to feel: secure, energetic, balanced, vibrant and passionate.

How you want to feel:

For when a sense of belonging and community is needed in your life. When you need to find your sanctuary, to anchor back to your roots and be reminded of your home.

Location in the body:

The sacrum located between the pubis and navel.

State of mind:

For when you want to feel: the juices of life flowing through you again, enthusiastic and confident.

How you want to feel:

For when a sense of movement, growth and change is needed in your life. When our vital force is depleted and our digestion feels sluggish.

Location in the body:

The diaphragm located between the navel and the heart.

State of mind:

For when you want to feel: energised, powerful, happy and hopeful.

How you want to feel:

For the moments when a sense of empowerment and will are needed in your life. These recipes will fuel you, providing you with the will and determination to choose the right path to take.

Location in the body:

The heart.

State of mind:

For when you want to feel: nourished, loved, natural, youthful, rejuvenated and intelligent.

How you want to feel:

For the moments when a sense of gratitude and caring is needed in your life. These recipes will evoke emotions of conviviality, caring and sharing within you. These recipes should be shared with others and made with love.

Location in the body:

The base of the neck.

State of mind:

For when you want to feel: tranquil, calm and steady.

How you want to feel:

For when you want to be able to speak your mind and live authentically, tranquilly and calmly. For the moments when you need to find a sense of harmony between your body and mind. Cook these recipes when you feel your heart and mind are in conflict.

Location in the body:

The centre of the forehead.

State of mind:

For when you want to feel: focused, calm, sophisticated, logical and wise.

How you want to feel:

For the moments when a sense of self-reflection and wisdom is lacking. Make these recipes when your imagination needs a boost and perspective is needed in your life.