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I recently got the chance to review a pre-release copy of Lorna Jane’s latest book, Nourish: The Fit Woman’s Cookbook. (I received a free copy of the eBook and a $50 Lorna Jane gift card for my honest opinions). I was somewhat familiar with Lorna Jane before, but have never tried the clothing and never really knew what the brand stood for. However, after reading through the cookbook and trying a few recipes, I look forward to following along – I was impressed! 
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The book starts out with Lorna Jane’s thoughts on health and wellness. I loved her balanced approach, focus on real foods, emphasis of fruits and vegetables, encouragement to stop the fad diets, and inclusion of topics such as exercise, digestion, and alkalinity. The layout and photography are gorgeous – even though it’s a cookbook, it’s a fun reading experience! 
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The book has loads of information – from eating plans to myth busters to talk about hydration (you know how I feel about hydration!). It includes 120 nourishing recipes, divided into Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Dinner, Desserts, Smoothies, and Elixirs. Almost all of them look delicious, and I will soon try more, but today, I get the chance to share two recipes with you!
After a week of indulgence last week, I selected two uber-healthy recipes to try yesterday. I added the “Cleanse Elixir” to my breakfast, and added the “Detox Soup” to my dinner. They seemed like the perfect, veggie-packed additions to get my week started off on the right foot, and I enjoyed them both. (Note that my own slight adjustments to the recipes are included here).
Cleanse Elixir
I’ve never juiced grapes before, but the juice overall tasted similar to green juices that I make frequently. I like having just a few sips of juice in addition to a breakfast balanced with healthy fats, protein, and fiber. This one had a great dose of greens and started off my day well!
To make, simply juice 2 large leaves of kale, 1/2 of a large cucumber, 1/4 of a lime, and 1/2 cup (80g) of green, seedless grapes. Stir, and enjoy! I made this into about 3 mini-servings.
Detox Soup
I’m generally not the biggest fan of cold soups, but I really enjoyed this one. The raw almonds in the soup make it frothy and almost creamy, and it tastes fresh and cleansing. It’s just one of those meals where you can feel yourself getting healthier – in a good way! I almost skipped the topping, but I’m glad I didn’t – it was a nice addition and rounded out the dish.
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Want to win your own hard copy of Nourish? 10 brand new copies and a $200 Lorna Jane gift card will be given away at a Twitter Party tomorrow night (July 9th, 6pm PST / 9pm EST). Use hashtags: #LiveLoveNOURISH #sweatpink #lornajane @LornaJaneActive @FitApproach.
So tell me in the comments … What’s the best recipe you’ve tried lately? Does the Cleanse Elixir or the Detox Soup sound better to you?
Almonds are a perfect substitute for cream in a lot of sauces and soups. I use them for things like rich pasta sauces all the time. The key is the Vitamix to mix them up.
For an all-star veggie cookbook, I love PLENTY. Recipes are a little more challenging in terms of ingredients but I am amazed by every single recipe that I get out of it.
To those of you who have Lara Jane’s Nourish cookbook already, would it be suitable for women wanting to slim down? Or would it be better to follow Michelle Bridges or the CSIRO wellbeing diet as they have been designed specifically for weight loss? I feel as though Lara Jane’s guidelines are for already slim women…
Cheers!!
Hi Maree – I think that with this cookbook (like with most), there are recipes in here that would be suitable for trying to slim down OR to maintain. It’s all about making the choices that balance your activity level with what you need to refuel. If you need help getting on track and would be interested in my health coaching programs, I’d love to hear from you – just email me at megan@thelyonsshare.org. Good luck with your goals!
She has me drooling over here. You are good if you can make someone drool over healthy food. I love the added almonds to give it some fat and texture.
I agree, Milan! A soup of just vegetables might not have kept me satiated, but this one was good and more filling than I anticipated!
You’re right, that cookbook is gorgeous! I’ll have to check it out! I haven’t tried any detox soups before. I may now though. Thanks!
This is a good one to start with, Lori. To me, “detox soup” just sounds scary, but this one has the nice base of almonds to give it creaminess and doesn’t make it quite as intense! It’s yummy!
Great choices Megan, I must have looked at this book a gazillion times! It is gorgeous. My recipes will be a follow up post 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it, too, Lynda!
I loved the recipes I tried so far and I think I will try the energy bars next- everything has been yummy!
That’s the second recommendation for the energy bars, Mary Beth – they must be good!
I made an EPIC recipe this weekend (to be shared on the blog soon) but I totally agree with you, the book is fabulous. I can’t wait to sit down with it now that I have a bit more time to play in the kitchen!
Ooh, heading over to check out the recipe you made, Susie!
This book sounds fabulous! The soup looks great to me!
Thanks, Becky! I don’t usually love cold soups, but this one was great!
The detox soup looks really yummy! I made three of her recipes and really love the out-the-door energy bars….delicious and awesome for breakfast or a snack!
Oh thanks for the recommendation, Annmarie! I’ll add the out-the-door energy bars to my list!
Love love this more-than-a-cookbook cookbook! Try the beauty tonic. Yum! Everything I’ve made so far has been so good.
That one is on my list to try, Jill!
I hear great things and the pics are fabulous!
Hope you check it out, Deborah!