Recomended Readings


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Nutrition and Health Books:


How Not To Age
Dr. Michael Greger MD
Dr. Greger bases his recommendations on quality scientific research to help you decide what foods are best for you as you age. Another large book packed with the true science of nutrition, but there is much more to learn that he couldn’t fit into the book, so Dr. Greger includes more than 400 short videos that you can view online that provide additional information regarding many of the studies he discusses in the book. In addition, the book includes more than 8,000 citations with links to peer reviewed studies. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to live a long and healthy life.
How Not To Die
Dr. Michael Greger MD
Dr. Greger provides the truth behind scientific research related to health and nutrition in a manner that is easy to understand. This is a big book full of information related to the healthiest and some of the most unhealthy foods, but it is organized well and easy to use as a guide when you have questions on a specific food or element of nutrition. He includes real-life experiences that speak to the reader, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about nutrition.
How Not To Diet
Dr. Michael Greger MD
What is a diet? Is there an optimal diet for health and longevity? Maybe you don't need to diet, but changes in your lifestyle will help you live a healthier life. Dr. Greger provides information that is based on science and very easy to understand. This is another big book by Dr. Geger that is full of information on the healthiest foods you can add to your daily plan.
Fiber Fueled
Will Bulsiewicz, M.D.
This is a great book that explains how the flora in your gut (your microbiome) affects your overall health and immunity. The book includes advice on food sensitivities as well as recipes to help optimize your fiber intake and improve your overall health.
The Cheese Trap
Neal Barnard, M.D.
Is dairy healthy? Do you need milk and cheese to maintain calcium levels in your body? Are there any harmful effects of the bovine hormones in dairy? This book answers all nutrition related questions when it comes to dairy products.
The Blue Zones Solution
Dan Buettner
This is a wonderful and well-written book that provides a brief look at the lifestyle and culture of some of the healthiest and longest lived people in various parts of the world. The book also follows communities in the United States where lifestyles are being transformed through nutrition and moderate exercise. This is a great guide for people who want to learn how others are changing their habits to become healthier and happier.
The China Study - Revised and Expanded Edition
T. Colin Campbell, PhD and Thomas M. Campbell II, M.D.
The clear science behind diet and health as studied by T.Colin Campbell. This book is often referred to as the most comprehensive study ever taken on the relationship between diet and the risk of developing disease. A must read for anyone who wants to improve their overall health!
Proteinaholic
Dr. Garth Davis MD
Dr. Garth Davis is a bariatric surgeon with a great philosophy on health. He would prefer to transform people through nutrition rather than surgery, and that outlook definitely deserves respect. I recommend this book to every client and anyone who has ever gone on a diet to lose weight or to control hypertension, blood sugar, or cholesterol.
Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease
Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr., M.D.
Caldwell Esselstyn is a pioneer in the research of nutrition and heart disease. This is a must read for everyone that lives the typical American lifestyle and eats the typical American diet.
Mastering Diabetes
Cyrus Khambatta Phd and Robby Barbaro MPH
If you or a family member have been diagnosed with diabetes of any type, this is an absolute must read book. I have met both authors at various conferences and events. Both are living with Type 1 Diabetes, but their book contains information on managing all forms of diabetes, included information on how to potentially reverse Type 2 diabetes.
Reversing Diabetes
Neal Barnard, M.D.
Neal Barnard is an iconic Doctor in the nutrition world. He studied the science and pioneered a new method of managing and potentially reversing Type 2 diabetes. The great news is the same program also helps control cardiovascular disease and other chronic health conditions.
Becoming Vegan: The Complete Reference to Plant-Based Nutrition (Comprehensive Edition)
Brenda Davis and Vesanto Melina
In terms of nutrition and health, this book provides an immense amount of information with the references and data to back up the claims. If you are considering a lifestyle change for health, begin reading at chapter 3, if you want to learn how a lifestyle change can help protect future generations and the planet, start at the beginning of the book.
UnDo It!
How Simple Lifestyle Changes Can Reverse Most Chronic Diseases
Dean and Anne Ornish
From nutrition to physical and emotional health, this book discusses what is most important. Some of the material in this book was previously covered in the book "The Spectrum" by Dr. Dean Ornish, but that information has been refreshed in a way that may make more sense to many readers. There is quite a bit of new information, and I feel the book is much easier to read and understand than it was in the previous book.
As with most books, I have both the printed and the audio version. In the audio version of this book, both Dean and Anne Ornish narrate the book, which helps to convey the message appropriately. I recommend this book for anyone who is struggling with health issues related to nutrition, physical activity, or anyone who struggles with their mind and the decisions they make related to healthy lifestyle choices.
It Simple, Keep It Whole
Aolona Pulde, MD and Matthew Lederman, MD
This book explains nutrition in a very easy to follow manner. Rather than telling you that you must make drastic changes in your diet, the authors explain how little steps can go a long way. The book can help you develop a plan to move toward healthier nutrition choices with the end result being a much healthier lifestyle. If you have health issues that you want to address with your diet, whether it is weight loss, high blood pressure, cholesterol or other concerns, this is a must read book.
Whole: Rethinking the Science of Nutrition
T. Colin Campbell, PhD
If you have heard the term "Reductionist" as it relates to medicine, but you don't fully understand the concept, this is the book to read. Along with his son, T. Colin Campbell is the author of the "The China Study", one of the most comprehensive studies on nutrition ever conducted. Campbell uncovers the truth behind pharmaceutical research and explains how research can be manipulated to produce desired results. The book also focuses on nutrition, explaining what you should and shouldn't eat, and the scientific reasoning behind those decisions.
The Spectrum
A Scientifically Proven Program to Feel Better, Live Longer, Lose Weight, and Gain Health
Dean Ornish M.D.
This book provides the insight to the benefits of proper nutrition, physical activity, and emotional health for all humans. If you are currently healthy, Dr. Ornish provides advice on maintaining your health. If you have chronic disease and want to improve your health, you may need to move further along the spectrum of choices, but you do have the ability to improve your health.
We all have choices in life. In this book, Dr. Ornish provides important information on the consequences of those choices. It is up to every human to make the decisions that are best for achieving their personal goals, and this book can guide you to make the best decisions.

Cookbooks:


The Fiber Fueled Cookbook
Will Bulsiewicz MD
This is the companion book to the book written by Dr. Bulsiewicz on foods that will help balance your gut microbiome. It includes simple recipes to improve and restore your health.
The Vegetarian Flavor Bible
The Essential Guide to Culinary Creativity with Vegetables, Fruits, Grains, Legumes, Nuts, Seeds, and More, Based on the Wisdom of Leading American Chefs
Karen Page
If you want to learn more about flavor profiling and what flavors match well in a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, this is a great book
It is not 100% Vegan, but it will give you great ideas on combining flavors to make wonderful tasting meals.
No Meat Athlete Cookbook
Matt Frazier, Stepfanie Romine, Rich Roll
I recommend this book to all of my clients that are very athletic, meaning they exercise more than 2 hours per day. This book includes plant-based recipes to provide the protein and carbohydrates that will help you feel great and perform at your maximum level!
How Not To Die Cookbook
Dr. Michael Greger MD
This is the companion book to How Not To Die. Dr. Greger worked with culinary professionals to create magical recipes based purely on whole plant foods. Some of the recipes are extremely simple while others are a little more complex.
How Not To DIET Cookbook
Dr. Michael Greger MD
This is the companion book to How Not To DIET. Dr. Greger worked with culinary professionals to create magical recipes based on the scientific information from his How Not To DIET book. All recipes are based on whole plant foods. Some of the recipes are extremely simple while others are a little more complex.
The China Study Cookbook
Revised and Expanded Edition
LeAnne Campbell
This is a companion book to The China Study written by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell, MD. This is not a cookbook based on Chinese cuisine, it is based on the science behind the studies on food, nutrition, and health performed by T. Colin Campbell.
The China Study - Quick and Easy Cookbook
Del Sroufe
Another companion book to The China Study written by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell, M.D. that contains simple recipes along with great ideas for meal planning and preparation.
Pevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook
Ann Crile Esselstyn and Jane Esselstyn
A companion cookbook to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease written by Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr., M.D. This book contains many simple recipes developed by Dr. Esselstyn's wife and daughter along with contributions from other plant-based cooks. The recipes in this book are not only specific to reversing heart disease, but will help with other chronic issues such as cholesterol, blook pressure, and weight.
Plant Strong
Discover the World's Healthiest Diet
Rip Esselstyn
Rip Esselstyn is a former firefighter and the son of Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr., M.D., author of Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease. This book contains information on why a plant-based diet is the healthiest diet option according to science. In addition there are 150 tasty and nutrition plant-based recipes.


Motivation and Guidance Books:


How To Be Here
Rob Bell
I have both the printed version and audio version of this book. I listen to it while I am running, walking, or working out. It is very inspirational and helps to keep you motivated and stay on track with your goals.
This is not a book on nutrition or lifestyle; it is a book on life in general. Why are you here? What do you want from life? This book will help you formulate answers to key questions in your life and give you direction.
I enjoy audio books where the author is the one who narrates the book, and Rob Bell does a wonderful job with the narration. His message is clear, and anyone can benefit from his teachings.
The Compound Effect
Darren Hardy
Darren Hardy is the publisher of Success Magazine, and he has wonderful insight on how you can transform your life to achieve any goal you desire. Whether you want to make health and lifestyle changes or improve your success at work, this book will get you motivated to start today.
Take the Stairs
Rory Vaden
Although this may sound like an exercise and physiology book, it is actually a book that helps you change the way you attack life. Providing motivation through common sense decisions, this book helps you focus your efforts to succeed in whatever aspirations you may have. One of my favorite analogies in the book is how the wild bison in Colorado deal with the heavy and blinding snow storms they face. If you want to learn how to get through the blizzards that life can bring, you should read this book.
The Power of Now
Eckhart Tolle
Although I feel this is may be difficult for some to read, it is worth the effort. If you feel change is difficult, this book can help you get a grasp on your life and how you can positively affect change. The audio book version can be somewhat meditative in my opinion, but you can listen to it while relaxing or working and pick up hints for transforming your life.


On-Line articles and websites:


Forks Over Knives (recipes and information)

Nutrition Facts - Dr. Michael Greger M.D. (a wealth of science backed nutrition information)

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine - Dr. Neal Barnard M.D.

Center for Nutrition Studies - T. Colin Campbell

John A. McDougall, MD