BOOKSHELF
Empowered Mind, Nourished Body.
You don't need a nutrition degree to navigate the confusing world of fad diets or genuine nourishment.
All you need is an open mind, trustworthy sources, and a library card. Here are my favorite evidence-based books that taught me how to nourish my body with confidence on a plant-based diet.
As you browse, keep in mind that these may be available as books, ebooks, or audiobooks from your local library!
Explore your library's catalog, feel encouraged to request copies, and find out which smartphone apps are available.
Most of the books here are so packed with information, I wanted to read them again and again (and share them with family & friends), so I bought my own copies. If you want your own copy to reread or share, consider shopping from an independent bookseller (find one at bookshop.org) if your budget allows. There are also often used copies available if you’re on a budget or want to save resources.
If you do purchase a book, ebook, or audiobook from Amazon, using my provided links means I'll receive a small commission at no cost to you, which is always very appreciated!
Becoming Vegan: Comprehensive Edition:Â The Complete Reference to Plant-Based Nutrition
by Brenda Davis RD and Vesanto Melina MS RD
For anyone contemplating a plant-based diet, this book is a must-have. I find myself referencing it regularly to satiate my curiosities about specific nutrient needs across a human lifespan. It’s honest and realistic, letting us know when we need to be mindful (or even worried) about getting enough of an essential nutrient on a plant-based or vegan diet, and when cultural concerns are simply fear-mongering hype.Â
Another wonderful title by the same author is Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Families.
How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease
by Michael Greger M.D. FACLM and Gene Stone
Nearly ten years after its initial publication, this meticulously researched behemoth is still my favorite source of plant-based factoid inspiration. I’ve read it at least a dozen times and something new stands out every time. I’ve literally bought dozens of copies to hand out to family, friends, and clients. The evidence is clear and putting the science into practice feels easily doable using the Daily Dozen guidelines.
Get Your CopyHow Not to Die Cookbook: 100+ Recipes to Help Prevent and Reverse Disease
by Michael Greger M.D. FACLM and Gene Stone
It can be daunting to find delicious, flavorful, plant-based, oil-free recipes to update old-faithful favorites. This cookbook is my go-to for dinner inspiration, and I love that I don’t have to delete, replace, or add any ingredients for the dish to match my preferences. A magnificent and beautiful resource!
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How Not to Diet: The Groundbreaking Science of Healthy, Permanent Weight Loss
by Michael Greger M.D. FACLM
When I heard Dr. Greger was writing a book about weight loss, my initial thought was, “I read How Not to Die, how much more could there be? Surely this is just a repeat of his last book.” NOPE. How Not to Diet is a mind-blowing exploration that picks up right where How Not to Die leaves off and keeps going and going and going. I’ve read it several times (and will read it several more) and I absorb new information each time. What’s most meaningful to me is that virtually every recommendation is inexpensive, safe, research-backed, and easily incorporated into a daily diet.Â
Get Your CopyHow Not to Diet Cookbook: 100+ Recipes for Healthy, Permanent Weight Loss
by Michael Greger M.D. FACLM
Another winning cookbook from the NutritionFacts.org family, with tons of mouth-watering photos and flavor-rich, nutrient-packed recipes. Weight loss can absolutely be about abundance, and this cookbook proves it.
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Fiber Fueled: The Plant-Based Gut Health Program for Losing Weight, Restoring Your Health, and Optimizing Your Microbiome
by Will Bulsiewicz M.D.
Modern diets full of animal products and processed “food” are terrible for the gut and microbiome. So terrible, in fact, that switching to a plant-based diet can cause a bunch of gut-related symptoms, causing many to struggle with the transition. Fortunately, Dr. B came prepared with a well-researched, clear, and comprehensive book to help everyone understand why plant-based diets are the best choice for gut health and how to ease the transition.
Get Your CopyFiber Fueled Cookbook: Inspiring Plant-Based Recipes to Turbocharge Your Health
by Will Bulsiewicz M.D.
Packed with information AND mouth watering recipes, this cookbook is a must-have for everyone needing more gut support as they transition and anyone wanting more tantalizing inspiration for plant-based meals and snacks.
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Mastering Diabetes: The Revolutionary Method to Reverse Insulin Resistance Permanently in Type 1, Type 1.5, Type 2, Prediabetes, and Gestational Diabetes
by Cyrus Khambatta and Robby Barbaro
There’s an insidious myth that carbohydrates cause diabetes. But they don’t. Tragically, as this myth persists, millions of people are slowly dying as they struggle to stick to fad diets that exacerbate the real cause of their diabetes. And, not quite as tragically, millions of vegans are being taunted by ignorant uncles at Thanksgiving about how they’ll get diabetes from eating bread. While I highly doubt your uncle will read this book, you can, and it will permanently quell any concern you’ve ever had about diabetes or insulin resistance from eating whole plant foods.
Get Your CopyThe Future of Nutrition: An Insiders Look at the Science, Why We Keep Getting It Wrong, and How to Start Getting It Right
by T. Colin Campbell with Nelson Disla
The way we conduct nutrition science (and the organizations that fund it) has played a big role in our society’s abject confusion about human dietary needs. This book explains why and empowers the reader to navigate nutrition science effectively.
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Whole: Rethinking the Science of Nutrition
by T. Colin Campbell with Howard Jacobson
Ever wonder why we can’t eat whatever we want, take a multivitamin pill, and reach peak health? Whole will teach you why while opening your mind to the mind-boggling complexity of every cell of your body (and every cell of an apple). After I read Whole, I walked away in awe of my body and in awe of whole plant foods.Â
And don't forget about Dr. Campbell's original masterpiece, The China Study.
Get Your CopyThe Hungry Brain: Outsmarting the Instincts to Overeat
by Stephan J. Guyenet Ph.D.
An easy to digest overview of how and why our appetites have been hijacked by modern processed foods and our sedentary lifestyles.
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The End of Dieting: How to Live for Life
by Joel Fuhrman M.D.
 A simple and easy-to-follow introduction to the myths of dieting and a simple guide covering what does work (spoiler, eat mostly whole plants).
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Want to know what else I'm reading?
These are just the tip of the literary iceberg. I'm a prolific reader with a deep love for the written word. Join me on Goodreads to keep up with my ever-growing reading list and wallow in general bookworm joy!
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