The books are centred around the interconnection between food and mental health with over 90 recipes that tie back to finding balance through a healthy lifestyle and strong mental wellbeing.

“I wanted to write a cookbook that showed the importance of the relationship between food and mental wellbeing. The book is structured around the different experiences in life and how certain meals can evoke particular emotional states”, says Judy.

The books are a compilation of recipes from cooking classes taught in Judy’s home, old family recipes including treasures from her Hungarian grandmother and mother; as well as recipes Judy put together from her travels through Europe and the Middle East and served at weekly Friday night meals to her large Jewish family.

“I have always been incredibly passionate about the art of cooking, from sourcing the right produce to presenting beautiful dishes. I am constantly looking for new recipes to sink my teeth into (figuratively and literally). Having raised five kids, I also know the importance of organisation in a busy life and strive to prepare meals that are healthy, quick, and delicious. Now I want to pass on everything I’ve learnt”.

From kitchen basics to involved and impressive recipes, these books are for anyone who wishes to develop their skills in the kitchen, cook well for their family or cater a dinner party that will leave their guests amazed.

Judy advocates for the power of food to aid mood. All proceeds from book sales go towards mental health organisations, supporting the Black Dog Institute and Headspace.

Black Dog Institute is a not-for-profit facility for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Judy Phillips has been involved with the Black Dog Institute for the past 6 years since publishing her first cookbook, ‘Good Life Great Food’.

“We partnered with the Black Dog Institute at this time because we lost a dear friend to suicide and saw the invaluable work they do in the mental health research space. We still think about our friend every time we sit down at a table and celebrate the joy of eating a meal with friends and family”, says Judy Philips.

Headspace is an Australian non-profit youth mental health organisation organised by the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds.

“With my daughter working as a GP for this organisation, I am constantly touched by the important role headspace plays for young people across Australia”, says Judy Philips.

You can get in touch with Judy Philips via her website, judyphillipsfood.com, or email [email protected]. Both cookbooks, A Balanced Life and Good Life Great Food, are available for purchase on her website https://judyphillipsfood.com/. You can purchase A Balanced Life for $40 or a great cookbook combo of both books for $50.