Five books that will totally change how you look at diet, wellness and health
Want to read some diet, nutrition and lifestyle books but don’t know where to start? Check out this list of my all-time favorite health and wellness book recommendations.
I love to read. It’s one of my favorite forms of self care.
And one of my favorite subject matters to read up on (to absolutely no one’s surprise), is nutrition and wellness.
Not only does reading help me stay up to date on changing trends and information, but books can be a great form of meditation too, allowing me to relax and stay present in the moment.
There are a handful of books that I find myself constantly recommending to friends, family and clients. Some are new, some are old, but all are packed full of incredible insights.
Today, I’m sharing this book recommendation list with all of you, so that you can benefit from all these words of wisdom too.
Check out my favorites below.
Little Book of Hygge
What it’s about: “Hygge” is a danish word (and way of life), which translates to “comfort” in English. And this book is all about finding comforts in your every day life, in the food you eat, the experiences you have and the people you share them with. What I love about this book, and the entire Hygge philosophy, is that you don’t have to uproot or change your life to experience Hygge; it’s about finding pleasure in your surroundings and what you already have.
Who should read it: Ideal for anyone who wants to reduce anxiety levels and bring more calm into their lives. It will help you learn how to create more joy and warmer atmospheres in your daily life, all by doing very simple things. You will learn how to place yourself in a constant state of pleasant well-being and security, with a more relaxed frame of mind and enjoyment of what’s right in front of you- no matter how small the measure.
Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing
What it’s about: If you’re interested in learning more about Ayurveda - the oldest healing system in the world - Dr. Vasant Lad’s book is the best place to start. Not only is it filled with incredibly valuable information on the history, philosophy and principles of Ayurveda, but it also includes practical tips for improving health and consciousness, using healing foods, herbs, and spices.
Who should read it: Anyone who enjoys a natural approach to healing and wants to better understand how to apply Ayurvedic wellness practices to tend to ailments or generally improve their physical, mental and spiritual health. This book is an excellent place to start for beginners to Ayurveda, and a great tool for those who are already familiar with the pseudoscience of self-healing and want to take a deeper dive.
The Beauty Detox Solution: Eat Your Way To Radiant Skin, Renewed Energy and the Body You’ve Always Wanted
What it’s about: In this book, Snyder shares what she believes are the fundamental principles of eating well, using plant-forward thinking and recipes to help readers achieve optimal health. Unlike a lot of health books that address themes of weight loss or beauty, there is no talk of specific diets or even caloric restriction. Rather, she focuses on eating the right kind of food (think: whole, real, fresh foods) in abundance.
Who should read it: Anyone struggling to make sense of how to “diet” or is tired of diets that feel restrictive, are hard to maintain, and don’t solve other problems such as digestive issues or flawed skin. If you want to learn about the benefits of particular foods (and the harmful effects of other foods), while teaching yourself how to eat to feel good for the rest of your life - this book is an excellent place to start.
The Body Smart System: The 21-Day At-Home California Spa Program
What it’s about: In this book you’ll find a day-by-day program of diet, exercise and internal cleansing designed to help you find relief from a wide variety of nagging health issues, like chronic fatigue, skin problems, indigestion, and more. You will learn how to expel dangerous toxins from your body and increase your energy and vitality, in the most holistic way. It includes daily menus of clean and nutritious foods and drinks, activities, practical health tips and more. The very best part is that just about anyone can incorporate it in their lives - regardless of how busy their schedule is.
Who should read it: Anyone seeking relief from the health issues described above, by way of clean eating ,relaxation techniques, and gentle low-impact exercises. Whether you want to cleanse and follow an exact day-by-day plan that includes menus, activities and practical tips, or are simply looking for ideas on how to renew your health and beauty - you’ll find all of it and more in this book.
Hormone Intelligence: The Complete Guide to Calming Hormone Chaos and Restoring Your Body's Natural Blueprint for Well-Being
What it’s about: One of the most comprehensive books about women’s health I’ve ever read. In it, Romm, a Yale-trained, board-certified family physician (and midwife) with a specialty in integrative women’s health and obstetrics, discusses healing periods, easing endometriosis, increasing fertility, igniting sex drives and feeling good in the skin you’re in.
Who should read it: Women of all ages. Especially those who, like myself, love getting to know their body and enjoy practical guidance to help restore balance when things feel “off”.
How Not To Die
What it’s about: One of the most important books I’ve ever read on the relationship between diet and chronic diseases. In it, Greger, a physician and internationally renowned expert in nutrition, examines the top causes of pre-mature death in America, and how nutrition and lifestyle interventions may be helpful in preventing and reversing disease. In addition, you’ll learn which foods to eat and which lifestyle changes you can make to help you manage your situation and live longer.
Who should read it: Anyone wanting to learn how appropriate nutrition and lifestyle choices can fuel their health and longevity. A great “intro” into the science supporting a plant-forward diet. If you’re interested in plant-based cooking, there’s also a great cookbook by the same title, with over 100 delicious recipes to support your efforts to eat cleaner.
There you have it - my all-time favorite health books.
What I love about this list is what a mixed bag it is. There are lots of popular classics in there (many of which you may have heard of or read already) as well as unique finds you may have never seen or heard of before.
Some of these books I’ve read more than once! Either to brush up on information I’d forgotten about, delve deeper into topics I want to learn more about, or in an effort to support new health goals or resolve specific health issues.
Have a question about any of them before you dive in? Feel free to get in touch. I love to hear from you and offer support and guidance if I can!
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