My Favorite Resources (Books, Cookbooks, & More)
My Favorite Resources (Books, Cookbooks, & More)
Over the past 20 years of being plant-based, I’ve done a deep dive into research, tested hundreds of recipes, and learned how to separate credible information from the noise. Along the way, I’ve discovered some truly invaluable resources that I turn to time and time again- for knowledge, inspiration, and practical guidance. Whether you're looking for evidence-based nutrition, delicious plant-based recipes, or a little extra motivation, this list has you covered!
Recommended Reading
These books cover a wide range of nutrition-related topics, from the science of nutrition to practical guides for making healthier food choices. They can be valuable resources to improve your understanding of nutrition and healthier eating habits. Audiobooks can be a great option when multitasking!
“The Proof is in the Plants” by Simon Hill: Walks you through why we are confused about what to eat, how our food choices affect our health and how to make changes.
“Forks Over Knives” by Gene Stone: A helpful primer on crafting a healthy diet rich in whole plant foods, including tips on transitioning, and essential kitchen tools
"How Not to Die" by Michael Greger, MD: Dr. Greger examines the top causes of premature death and how lifestyle and dietary changes can prevent and reverse them.
"The China Study" by T. Colin Campbell: This comprehensive study explores the relationship between diet and disease, emphasizing the benefits of a plant-based diet.
“Mastering Diabetes” by Cyrus Khambatta, PhD, and Robby Barbaro: Understand the physiology of insulin resistance and the tools to reverse it using powerful scientific evidence.
“This is Vegan Propaganda” by Ed Winters: An empowering and groundbreaking book on veganism that everyone, vegan and skeptic alike, needs to read.
"How Not to Diet" by Michael Greger, MD: Uncovers the latest discoveries in cutting-edge areas like chronobiology to reveal ways to maximize our natural fat-burning capabilities.
"Mindless Eating" by Brian Wansink: Wansink's book delves into the psychology of eating and provides practical tips for mindful eating.
"Salt, Sugar, Fat" by Michael Moss: This book investigates the food industry's manipulation of these three elements and their impact on our health.
“Your Body in Balance” by Neal Barnard, MD: Demonstrates how foods affect our hormones, and our health, by sharing the science behind common hormone-related conditions.
"The Blue Zones" by Dan Buettner: Buettner examines the lifestyles and diets of the world's longest-lived populations, providing insights into longevity.
“The Alzheimer’s Solution” by Dean & Ayesha Sherzai, MD: A revolutionary, proven program for reversing the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline.
Awesome Cookbooks
These books cover a wide range of nutrition-related topics, from the science of nutrition to practical guides for making healthier food choices. They can be valuable resources to improve your understanding of nutrition and healthier eating habits. Audiobooks can be a great option when multitasking!
“Powered by Plants & Real Superfoods” by Ocean Robbins & Nichole Dandrea-Russert: Explores the transformative power of a plant-based diet, offering science-backed insights, practical guidance, and delicious recipes to help readers boost their health, prevent disease, and thrive.
“The Power Foods Diet” by Neal Barnard, MD: Introduces a science-based approach to weight loss and optimal health by emphasizing nutrient-dense, plant-based foods that naturally boost metabolism, reduce cravings, and support long-term wellness.
"Plant You - Scrappy Cooking" by Carleigh Bodrug: A practical and inspiring guide to reducing food waste with delicious, plant-based recipes, showing readers how to make the most of every ingredient while saving money and nourishing their bodies.
"Plantifully Simple" by Kiki Nelson: Easy-to-follow plant-based recipes and structured meal plans designed to promote health and support weight loss, drawing from her personal experience of losing seventy pounds on a plant-based diet.
"How not to Diet" by Michael Greger, MD: A companion to How Not to Diet, featuring 100+ delicious, nutrient-dense, plant-based recipes designed to support sustainable weight loss and optimal health, all backed by cutting-edge nutrition science.
"Sweet Indulgence" by Chef AJ: Presents over 150 plant-based dessert recipes that are gluten-free, sugar-free, and free from added salt and oil, using natural sweetness from whole foods to create guilt-free treats.
"Fridge Love" by Kristen Hong: A practical and beautifully illustrated guide to organizing your refrigerator for optimal health, teaching readers how to store, prep, and maximize fresh, whole foods to make healthy eating effortless and enjoyable.
Cooking & Recipe Websites
Meal planning and recipe websites can give you so much inspiration and guidance for preparing yummy and nutritious meals. These platforms provide a variety of recipes, meal ideas, and meal planning tools:
Food Revolution Network: Great educational articles highlighting the power of whole plant foods, along with a diverse collection of creative and nourishing recipes.
Forks Over Knives: Browse and search hundreds of delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes that are whole-food, plant-based.
YouTube: Broccoli Mum, Eat Move Rest, Plantiful Kiki, Chef AJ, Well Your World, Healthy Vegan Mama, and Plant You have simple, delicious meal idea videos.
Pinterest: A visual platform where you can discover and save recipes from a wide range of sources. It’s helpful to save pins to build a board to refer to later.
Check out these websites to diversify your meals, experiment with new ingredients, and plan balanced menus!
utrition Information esources
There are many websites that offer reliable nutrition and health information, and are often backed by medical doctors, registered dietitians, and research experts.
Nutrition Facts is my #1 go-to source for accurate nutrition information:
Nutritionfacts.org: A science-based nonprofit organization founded by Michael Greger, M.D. FACLM, that provides free updates on the latest in nutrition research via bite-sized videos, blogs, podcasts, and infographics. They disseminate fact-based information on the benefits of a whole food, plant-based diet for wellness, disease prevention, healthy weight management, and longevity.
Here are a few sources offering more generalized information:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Provides science-based information on nutrition, recipes, and tips for healthy living.
Nutrition.gov: Offers a wealth of resources, including dietary guidelines, meal planning tools, and information on specific dietary needs.
Mayo Clinic Nutrition Center: Features expert advice on nutrition, health, and wellness topics.
When seeking information or answers to your nutrition-related questions, these websites are valuable resources for evidence-based advice.
Bonus: The Trust Test
When searching for credible nutrition sources, you're bound to encounter misinformation- some of it inaccurate, unhelpful, or even harmful. That's why it's in our best interest to carefully evaluate any information before accepting it as fact.
The Trust Test was developed by education experts to help you determine whether a source of information you come across is true and scientifically sound. You won’t use this all the time, but it is helpful to guide you through the myriad of health advice you may hear or read.
How old is the information?
Determining when information came out can give us a clue as to if it uses the best and most accurate research available. When we ask this, we need to consider if the context is relevant.
What is the source?
Do you know if the information comes from a reputable organization? If it comes from an individual, is that person an expert in the health field and do they have qualifications?
Why did they say that?
Are they trying to educate us or sell us something? What is their motivation for telling us this information?
What is the proof?
Are their claims based on sound research? Has the information been accepted by the medical and public health communities? Are there any other sources of information that make the same claims?
