See if it works for you: Cooking Your Way to Calm by Julie Ohana

#CookingYourWaytoCalm #NetGalley

Before picking this book up, I did not know that there was such a thing as “culinary therapy.” I can see now how it makes sense as one tool for self-help. In these pages the author hopes to help lessen the anxiety level of those who pick up this interactive title.

This book is written by a social worker who is passionate about her subject. Ohana offers an eight week plan in which she connects cooking, self-reflection and mindfulness in interesting ways.

To give a sense of what is inside. A couple of chapter headings are week four’s Marinate on Mindfulness and week seven’s Self-Esteem, Julia Child Here I Come.

While this book most definitely has recipes, they are in the service of the goal of lessening anxiety and being happier. There is much more written than the recipes in these pages. There are also many journal pages for self-reflection.

I recommend this book more to those who are looking for a way to cope than to those who are looking for a straight recipe book. It may be of service to those who are willing to take the eight weeks and then see how they feel and what good things they have eaten.

Many thanks to NetGalley and John Murray Press US-Sheldon Press for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 20 November 2025

My thoughts:

About the book:

From the publisher

Many of us are consumed each and every day with stress and the daily struggles of life. How do I take care of myself, make time for friends, and still prioritize my health and wellbeing? How do I get all my daily tasks done without feeling like a stressed-out lunatic?

The good news is the answer is already within reach. Take a moment to consider the last time you rolled up your sleeves in the kitchen and finally took the first bite of the food you’ve been craving. Do you remember the satisfaction, the feeling of accomplishment? This is exactly what can lead to lower anxiety. And we have a wealth of opportunities each and every day to try it out.

Cooking Your Way to a Calm Mind is an empowering guide to cook your way to less anxiety, more confidence, and a happier life-whether you are comfortable in the kitchen or a nervous newbie-from a licensed social worker and expert in culinary therapy. Each week, we’ll focus on developing a specific life skill linked to reducing anxiety and tackle a recipe designed to help you learn and master this skill. You’ll find the kitchen is the perfect setting to practice:

Mindfulness
Problem-solving
Communication
Time management and stress management
And more!

---

Advance Praise

“As you read, learn, and cook your way to calm—I promise you’re in the best hands. 

This cookbook will help you recognize the value in spending time in the kitchen. Whenever I have a stressful day at work or I’m feeling anxious, making dinner at the end of a long day is my time to unwind, relax, slow down, and reconnect with myself and my family. As soon as I begin, my two-year-old son scoots his toddler tower up to the counter to watch what “Mama” is doing.

As Julie so importantly emphasizes, cooking is an incredible way to express your inner creativity. Personally, I don’t measure anything when I cook. Just like a dancer improvising a routine, I freestyle my way through every meal I make. With practice, you too, will learn that cooking can be one of the most calming and creatively fulfilling experiences in your day—and with Julie as your guide, you will become a master.” – Danielle Brown (Founder of HealthyGirl Kitchen and two-time The New York Times bestselling author)

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Julie has been cooking all her life. A passion of hers since childhood, it started while baking family recipes with her grandmother. Later, Julie discovered a second love- helping people through therapy. She went on to get her in BA in Counseling from SUNY Empire State College and earned her MSW from Yeshiva University.

A recognized expert in culinary art therapy, Julie has been featured in media outlets all over the world including The Huffington Post, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health Magazine, CNN, The Washington Post, and the TV show The Doctors.

Currently, Julie lives in Michigan with her husband (who also happens to be an outstanding cook) and two sweet children.