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. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


Cheryl Richardson, author of Stand Up for Your Life, Take Time for your Life, and Life Makeovers
"This book will change the way you think about eating forever."


Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., author of Wherever You Go, There You Are
" . . . powerful way of bringing mindfulness and sensitivity to our relationship to food, to what's cooking, and to who's eating."


David S. Ludwig, M.D., Ph.D., director, Obesity Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
"Hale Sofia Schatz translates the wisdom of the oldest cultures on earth to our modern lives . . ."


Lama Surya Das, author of Awakening the Buddhist Heart and Awakening the Buddha Within
"Hale Sofia Schatz has developed a truly unique approach to nourishment."


Andre Gregory, director, actor, playwright, star of My Dinner With Andre
"Hale changed my life. I never have dinner without her."


Mollie Katzen, author of Moosewood Cookbook and Sunlight Cafe
"Hale inspires us to see our dinner plate in a new yet ancient light, leading us back to the sensual . . ."


Book Description
"Imagine for a moment that the Buddha is coming to dinner. What would you prepare? Most likely you wouldn't run out for fast-food burgers and onion rings. Instead, you'd spend time shopping and cooking the freshest, most tasty, wholesome meal you could produce with your very own hands, in your very own kitchen. Now, let's imagine that you too are a spiritual being -- which you are! -- what would you feed yourself?" --from If the Buddha Came to Dinner Many people don't realize that the simple daily act of eating can be a profound catalyst for spiritual growth, from experiencing a renewed sense of vitality to living a richer and more satisfying life. That's because each time we eat we have the opportunity to pay attention, care for ourselves, and feed the real source of our hunger: our spirit. Nourishment isn't a fad diet but a lifelong journey, and Hale Sofia Schatz is the ideal guide. Gentle, wise, and humorous, she shows us how to feed our Buddha within. A perfect blend of inspirational guidance and practical suggestions, If the Buddha Came to Dinner includes guidelines for selecting vital foods, tips for keeping your energy balanced throughout the day, a cleansing program, and recipes to awaken your palate.


About the Author
Hale Sofia Schatz, nourishment educator and consultant, has cultivated the vital correlation between nourishment, health, and spiritual awareness for more than 30 years. Schatz presents her nourishment training programs in academic, corporate, and public settings. She lives in the Boston area with her family. Shira Shaiman is a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"Imagine for a moment that the Buddha is coming to dinner. What would you prepare? Most likely you wouldn't run out for fast-food burgers and onion rings. Instead, you'd spend time shopping and cooking the freshest, most tasty, wholesome meal you could produce with your very own hands, in your very own kitchen.

Now, let's imagine that you too are a spiritual being-which you are!-what would you feed yourself?"(If the Buddha Came to Dinner)

Many people don't realize that the simple daily act of eating can be a profound catalyst for spiritual growth, from experiencing a renewed sense of vitality to living a richer and more satisfying life. That's because each time we eat we have the opportunity to pay attention, care for ourselves, and feed the real source of our hunger: our spirit. Nourishment isn't a fad diet but a lifelong journey, and Hale Sofia Schatz is the ideal guide. Gentle, wise, and humorous, she shows us how to feed our Buddha within. A perfect blend of inspirational guidance and practical suggestions, If the Buddha Came to Dinner includes guidelines for selecting vital foods, tips for keeping your energy balanced throughout the day, a cleansing program, and recipes to awaken your palate.

Hale Sofia Schatz, nourishment educator and consultant, has cultivated the vital correlation between nourishment, health, and spiritual awareness for more than 30 years. Schatz presents her nourishment training programs in academic, corporate, and public settings. She lives in the Boston area with her family. Shira Shaiman is a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

FROM THE CRITICS

Cheryl Richardson

Schatz's profound approach to food and healing goes beyond the body to include our emotional and spiritual well-being . . .

Publishers Weekly