The food at the world-famous Chopra Center for Well Being is designed to delight the senses, enliven vitality, and tap into the joy of being alive. Now, Deepak Chopra, David Simon, and Leanne Backer offer you marvelous recipes from this extraordinary place of healing-showing how nature provides us with all the nutrients we need to create meals that are delicious as well as nutritious. Combining modern nutritional science and Ayurveda, the most ancient healing system on the planet, The Chopra Center Cookbook features more than 200 appetizing, easy-to-prepare recipes and 30 days of balanced meal plans. You'll discover a new world of flavor and enjoyment with these low-fat dishes as the authors show you how to eat food that is good for you, re-establish the mind-body connection, and reverse the aging process. ZUCCHINI PECAN BREAD * THAI NOODLES * BRAISED SALMON WITH MANGO TOMATO SALSA * EGGPLANT CAULIFLOWER CURRY * VEGETARIAN PAELLA * ROSEMARY WHITE BEAN SOUP * MOTHER EARTH'S APPLE PIE * RAINBOW RISOTTO * GREEK GODDESS SALAD * MOROCCAN VEGETABLES * SPICY MEXICAN RICE * VEGETABLE HUMMUS WRAP * APPLE LEEK CHUTNEY * MANDARIN TOMATO SALSA * PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES * NUTTY FRENCH TOAST * HOMEMADE ALMOND BUTTER * BREAKFAST BURRITOS * MEDITERRANEAN PASTA * SPINACH POLENTA * UNBELIEVABLE DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CAKE A revolutionary cookbook to renew body, mind, and spirit The food at world-famous Chopra Center for Well Being is designed to delight the senses, enliven vitality, and tap into the joy of being alive. Now, Deepak Chopra, David Simon, and Leanne Backer offer you marvelous recipes from this extraordinary place of healing-showing how nature provides us with all the nutrients we need to create meals that are delicious as well as nutritious. Combining Modern nutritional science and Ayurveda-the most ancient healing system on the planet- The Chopra Center Cookbook features more than 200 appetizing, low-fat, easy-to-prepare recipes for entrées, soups, stews quick meals, breakfast dishes, snacks, and desserts that take the guesswork out of choosing food that is good for the body, as well as 30 days of balanced meal plans. From Zucchini Pecan Bread, Vegetarian paella, and Breakfast Burritos to Rosemary White Bean Soup, Braised Salmon with Mango Tomato Salsa, and Unbelievable Double Chocolate Cake, you'll discover a new world of flavor and enjoyment as the authors show you how to eat food that is good for you, re-establish the mind-body connection, and reverse the aging process. Deepak Chopra, M.D., Founder and CEO, The Chopra Foundation, Adjunct Professor of Executive Programs at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, Adjunct Professor at Columbia Business School, Columbia University, and Senior Scientist with The Gallup Organization. www.choprafoundation.org DAVID SIMON, M.D. is the medical director and cofounder of the Chopra Center and the author of two books, Return to Wholeness and Vital Energy. He is also the coauthor of Grow Younger, Live Longer. LEANNE BACKER is the Executive Chef of the Chopra Center and a leader in the field of culinary arts. For more information on Chopra Center programs and services, please visit http://www.chopra.com . The Chopra Center Cookbook Nourishing Body and Soul By Deepak Chopra John Wiley & Sons Copyright © 2002 Deepak Chopra All right reserved. ISBN: 978-0-471-45404-5 Chapter One The Wisdom of Food In cooking, as in all arts, simplicity is the sign of perfection. Curnonsky This book is a practical guide to help you prepare delicious, healthy meals that nourish your body and soul. The principles of our program have their roots in both modern nutritional science and the world's most ancient health system, Ayurveda . Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that can be translated as the "wisdom of life," or "the science of longevity." It offers a holistic approach to living that is based upon a fundamental principle: your choices are metabolized into your body. Make healthy choices and you will have a healthy body. To the extent that you can choose, elect the option that is most likely to nourish you, and avoid choices that are toxic or depleting. One of the most direct choices you make on a daily basis is what to put into your mouth. We encourage you to choose to eat healthy, delicious foods so you can create a healthy, vital body. Pay attention to these seven simple precepts and your diet will help you create greater mental and physical well-being. 1. Eat a wide variety of foods during the day. 2. Listen to your body's signals of hunger and satiety. 3. Use food to fill the emptiness in your stomach, not your heart. 4. If the meal isn't delicious, it isn't nourishing you. 5. Favor foods that are natural and vital. 6. Use herbs and spices liberally as both flavor and health enhancers. 7. Eat with awareness. Let's explore each point in more detail. 1. Eat a wide variety of foods during the day. Most anthropologists date