20th Anniversary Edition Winner, 1998 Independent Publisher Book Awards Feeding the Body, Nourishing the Soul  teaches you how to focus your attention and prepare food so that you are nourished on multiple dimensions each time you eat. Before 20th century nutritional science, when seeking guidelines on what and how to eat, humankind turned to world religions, cultural traditions, and Eastern healing systems.  Nutrition researcher Deborah Kesten re-introduces us to this ancient food wisdom from the world's predominant faiths (including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). She also explores regional traditions (including yogic nutrition, Japanese tea ceremonies, Native American fasting, and African-American soul food). Lastly, she explores cutting-edge scientific studies on the life-giving properties of food. By identifying a remarkable unity and common vision around eating, Kesten leads us back to a deeper, more meaningful, and spiritually-oriented relationship to food. "[Kesten] helps you move from the failings of dieting..." - Mehmet Oz, M.D. Host, The Dr. Oz Show "Synthesizing food and feelings ...while offering insights into the spiritual ingredient we have neglected for too long." - Dean Ornish, M.D. "Deborah Kesten has restored my faith in books about nutrition. Normally, I can't read anything about diet. All that info about carbs, proteins and fats being good one day, bad the next, make my head explode. Deborah Kesten's approach is like a good friend, who sees you're confused, sits you down, and gently guides you back to clarity... She makes eating not only safe again but a true delight." - Karen Andes (Amazon Review) " ...a practical approach to rethinking how you approach your lifestyle and diet..." - Dawn A. Marcus, M.D. "An enormously practical guide that affirms the importance of food, family, friends, and ritual in transforming everyday meals into a sacred celebration." - Joan Borysenko, PhD. "...make eating what it was meant to be: a joyful, delicious celebration of life, nurturing, and friendship." - Christine Northrup, M.D. "I agree with Kesten that food shared is food much more delicious and healthier." - Marlena Spieler, Author of The Vegetarian Bistro " Nutritionist/author Deborah Kesten... has blazed a path to vitalizing and refreshing new nutrition terrain.... what I appreciate most about Kesten's approach is her ability to blend the science of nutrition with the art of eating from the heart." - Amazon Reviewer " As an endocrinologist and nutrition expert, ...I have had major concerns that little attention has been paid to the emotional and lifestyle factors that influence the way we eat as well as what we eat." - Leonard A. Wisneski, M.D., F.A.C.P. " It tells of the nutrients missing from the food charts: ritual, intention, spirit, and love...a must-read for everyone interested in broadening their understanding of diet beyond the merely biochemical." - Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., N.D. " ...a broad perspective on nutritionone that integrates mind, body, and spirituality. I have found her message inspiring and worthy of attention." - Herbert Benson, M.D. " I read Kesten's first book about food and spirituality, Feeding the Body, Nourishing the Soul, several years ago. Since then, I've known that whatever she writes about will be thought provoking and will offer a new perspective in some way." - Katherine O'Connell (Amazon Review) " [Kesten] combines science, storytelling, and heart to address our relationship to food and how this relationship links us to family, culture, and spirit." - Marilyn Schlitz, Ph.D. " Kesten brilliantly looks at how we all have the same basic need for feeding and maintaining the body, yet express it so differently." - Amazon Reviewer " By integrating emotions, relationships, and spiritual ingredients into the experience of food and eating, [Kesten] offers an alternative to the focus on just 'what to eat...'" - David Riley M.D. " Excellent for foodies interested in multi-cultural traditions and the stories behind the foods of special occasions. Kesten's research is impeccable and her writing a joy to read. " - Amazon Reviewer " [Kesten] provides a scientifically sound, unique, and enjoyable way to eat optimally, inspired by ancient food wisdom from great cultures and civilizations worldwide." - Jean-Marc Fullsack Executive Chef/Instructor, University of San Francisco School of Management Used Book in Good Condition