Product Review: Lorna Jane’s NOURISH The Fit Woman’s Cookbook

Disclaimer:  I was provided a Lorna Jane gift card along with an early copy of the Lorna Jane NOURISH The Fit Woman’s Cookbook to review.  All opinions in this review are my honest own.  

Who wouldn’t want a chance to sneak a peek at a healthy-living cookbook by Lorna Jane?  Exactly!!  She has kicked off a major #LiveLoveNourish initiative highlighting everything healthy and what better way to support this initiative than to launch an amazing new cookbook?

As part of this initiative she is offering my readers a chance to be 1 of 10 winners of a hard copy of her book NOURISH  PLUS a $200 gift card to shop Lorna Jane!

Is that cool or WHAT?

To keep it going SweatPink is hosting a Twitter Party with Lorna Jane on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 starting at 6 pm PST/ 9 pm EDT.  You can RSVP right HERE:  https://www.facebook.com/events/637464919682124/

Cookbook Review:

I went through her cookbook and was very excited and mesmerized by the colorful photos, quality information about maintaining good health and the drool-worthy recipes.  This cookbook shares recipes for elixirs, smoothies, breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snacks.

When I perused the cookbook I first noticed the collage of personal Lorna Jane photos.  Her strong promotion of everything healthy is easily visible and apparent in her cookbook.  I also enjoyed reading and learning the “science” behind acid vs. alkaline foods and the effects on the human body.

See this cookbook is more than any other cookbook you may have or read in the past – she is teaching in the process and I appreciate that.

The recipes appear to be easy enough to make (I feature a few in this post just keep reading).  I would say some of the ingredients may be a little exotic (I searched 2 stores for the garbanzo flour with no luck) for the average Jane (pun intended) but I think there are some easy substitutes that won’t compromise the recipe which will result in delicious food.

What I liked:

The book is colorful, has pictures for each and every recipe, definitely supports the health and wellness message that is strong throughout the cookbook and it is easy to read and follow.  I love cookbooks like this because just reading them makes me feel healthier.  LOL.

Page 29 has an awesome list of when produce is in peak season so you can buy in top season vs. off season which could mean food had to be shipped in to make it to your local grocery store and ultimately hit your plate.

I have to admit that page 34 is my favorite part of the book because I have been trying to get more educated on the subject of alkalinity.  She speaks to alkalinity and how it affects your body’s good health when in balance.

Pros:

• Easy to read
• Beautiful pictures
• Worthwhile information on key topics for good health
• Strong message of health, happiness and wellness throughout

Cons:

• Some ingredients a little exotic for the average Jane feeding herself and her family
• Wish the book highlighted some easy substitutes in place of some of the more hard-to-find food products

Overall Rating:

I definitely give this book an 8 out of 10 stars.  It is perfect for anyone looking to take their nutrition to the next level and need some guidance on how exactly to do that.   This cookbook will help you get on the road to improving your nutrition.

 Rescue Smoothie 

The enzymes in the pineapple and probiotics in the yogurt activate and aid digestions….excerpt from NOURISH The Fit Woman’s Cookbook.  This smoothie is so refreshing.  The perfect drink on a hot Summer day.

1 cup

frozen pineapple

1 cup fresh coconut water

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

8 mint leaves

Instructions:  Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.  Pour into a fancy glass and enjoy!

What I liked:  This blend was so quick, easy and refreshing – I poured it in a fancy glass and walked around the house enjoying it until it was all gone.

Corn and Bell Pepper Fritters with Avocado Salsa

These fritters make a delicious snack and taste good hot or cold….excerpt from NOURISH The Fit Woman’s Cookbook.  I can vouch these fritters are AMAZING!!!!!!

Ingredients for corn fritters

2 cups fresh corn kernals

1/4 cup brown rice flour

1/4 cup garbanzo bean flour (I substituted this because I could not locate it.)

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp each cumin and coriander

pinch of ground cayenne pepper

1 organic free-range egg

1/3 cup filtered water

1 large red bell pepper

1 green scallion

2 tsp cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil

Ingredients for avocado and cucumber salsa

1 medium avocado diced

1 lebanese cucumber diced

1/2 small red bell pepper finely chopped

1/3 cup loosely packed cilantro

1 TB lime juice

1 green scallion

Instructions for corn and bell pepper fritters:  Sift flours, baking powder and spices together.  Gradually wisk in egg and water until smooth.  Add corn/bell pepper/scallion mixture.  Season to taste.  Heat oil in frying pan and form fritters and place in pan.  Fry on each side for 2 minutes each.  Drain on plate.  Makes about 6 fritters.

Instructions for avocado and cucumber salsa:  Combine all ingredients in a bowl and season to taste.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve with fritters.

What I liked:  These fritters were SO good I kept eating away at them until they were all gone.  These are also amazingly filling.  I ate them fresh out the pan and when they cooled off to room temperature.  These will be made again.