Take a break from the romance novels this summer and opt for a reading list that's packed with positivity, nutrition, health and wellness. Here are ten of our favorite books to change your perspective, inspire your life and motivate your health:
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
This powerful best-seller explores scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. One staggering statistic we took away from this book: 40% of what we do is habitual. That means that a significatn percentage of what we do in our lives is practically unconscious and habitually helping us progress or digress. It's a well-researched, well-written, fun and fascinating read!
Snack Girl to the Rescue: A Real-Life Guide to Losing Weight and Getting Healthy by Lisa Cain
This healthy eating expert has put together a one-two punch for the person who is struggling to get healthy. The part guide, part cookbook defines common wellness struggles like emotional eating, misleading marketing, diet pills and getting off the couch and offers simple, straighforward solutions that are easy to incorporate into your daily life.
You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment by Thich Nhat Hanh
Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese monk, a Zen master, a poet, and a peace activist. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize by Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1967. You don't have to believe in Buddhist principles to gain incredible insights from his book, which offers simple, effective practices for cultivating mindfulness, embracing meditation, healing emotional pain and manifesting love.
Delicious! A Novel by Ruth Reichl
This recently-published novel from the editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine is a light, enjoyable read for a day at the beach. While it is a fictional story, it tackles themes of food, family, friends and self-discovery that are worth exploring.
10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works by Dan Harris
In 2004, while doing an interview on Good Morning America, Dan Harris's life changed when he had a panic attack while on the show. He chose a 10-day meditation retreat to rewire his brain and solve his problems with stress. In the process, he discusses the neuroscience and practical application of meditation by CEOs, scientists and more to increase calm, focus and happiness.
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall
This bestselling narrative presents a different philosophy of exercise, suggesting that the essence of running should not be grim determination, but sheer joy. It follows the story of McDougall's adventures into Mexico’s Copper Canyon to learn from the Tarahumara Indians, who run 100-mile races well into their geriatric years.
The Third Plate: Field Notes on the Future of Food by Dan Barber
Award-winning chef and author Dan Barber offers a new vision for the future of American eating. Barber applies his extensive research into innovative agricultural and food production across the world to argue for significant changes to the way we grow, cook, and eat. It's a more "trendy" read, but we think it offers some interesting insights on our current and future views on food!
Your Best Brain Ever: A Complete Guide and Workout by Michael S. Sweeney
Toted as the "ultimate science-based guide to keeping your mind and memory sharp," this guide is designed to help the brain perform at its best. It includes cutting-edge neuroscience, information about Alzheimer's, fascinating case studies, age-defying exercises and more to help you care for the body's most important organ.
Fictitious Dishes: An Album of Literature's Most Memorable Meals by Dinah Fried
This unique work combines photography, design and literature for a truly delightful book. It features photos of meals inspired by classic or contemporary literature, pairing each place setting with the text from the piece that inspired its creation. While wellness and nutrition may not be the first elements on the menu, we think this volume is sure to delight any foodie!
Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch
As you may remember from this blog post, intuitive eating is one of our favorite approaches to nutrition. We love the idea of listening to your body instead of forcing it to confine to strict or trendy diets. First published in 1995, this is the go-to book for understanding the foundation and principles of this nutritional philosophy.
Which book(s) would you most like to read this summer? Comment below!
