Informational
Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual by Michael Pollan
Basic and simple rules for healthy eating without the fluff. Pollan, a journalist, has embraced eating a plant-based diet (without being a vegetarian) and shares his message in this go-to guide.
Food Matters by Mark Bittman
Bittman, the New York Times columnist and food writer, is a success story for eliminating processed foods and reducing the amount of meats in his diet resulted in a 35-pound weight loss and improved health outcomes. This book gives the reader an overview of the world’s food supply, how it impacts the environment, and how it fits into daily healthy eating. A good starting book for menu planning.
In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
Most current food advice focuses on “what not to eat” leading to a fear of “real food.” This book takes a positive approach on what to eat from a logical and nutritionally sound standpoint. It presents an excellent picture on how consumers have been misled by the media about food.
The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan
Vegetarianism, in its various forms, has received a lot of media attention in the past decade. Do we have to be a vegetarian to achieve optimal health? This book will equip consumers with accurate and complete information in an easily understandable format for them to make an informed choice.
Dr. Nelson is an Associate Professor of Nutrition and director of the Center for Physical Activity and Nutrition at Tufts University. Her common sense approach to optimal health through nutrition and exercise is an easy-to-read and practical format and applicable to healthcare professionals and consumers. Although this series targets women, the principles are equally effective for men.
Strong Women Eat Well by Miriam Nelson, PhD
This book gives good accurate information about why we need to change the way we eat and provides the building blocks for getting started with meaningful changes.
Strong Women Stay Slim by Miriam Nelson, PhD
Approximately 32 percent of men and 36 percent of women in the United States are obese (BMI > 30). Even though we are a nation of dieters, we do not seem to be making much progress with the “battle of the bulge.” This book provides guidelines for a safe and effective weight loss plan that helps achieve and maintain a healthy body weight over time.
Strong Women Strong Bones by Miriam Nelson, PhD
“It is easy to take our bones for granted.” Osteoporosis is one of the most preventative serious diseases that impact women and men in the United States. This book provides an excellent overview of the disease state and comprehensive information to prevent and treat osteoporosis.
Strong Women Stay Young by Miriam Nelson, PhD
This book brought Dr. Nelson national acclaim as a result of her research in twice weekly strength training. Her plan is simple and does not require large amounts of time to complete.
Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley & Henry S. Lodge, MD
This book was created collaboratively by Dr. Lodge (physician) and his patient Chris Crowley (retired attorney). It is a well-written, no-nonsense, humorous approach to living a good and long life and geared toward those individuals who are starting the process later in life. Its practicality is “fun for all ages.”
Cookbooks
Our goal is to teach you to think creatively as you feed yourself, your family, and teach your patients proper eating habits. We realize that most people like to have a good cookbook as a starting point. We have chosen 4 cookbooks that, individually or collectively, provide you with complete resources to cook delicious and nutritionally sound meals.
The Joy of Cooking (1997 edition) by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker, and Ethan Becker
This cookbook is the most comprehensive of the list. The recipes are reliable for good taste and predictable results. There are representative recipes for all skill levels and are presented in a way that makes for ease of preparation.
How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman
Our choice for the best beginner’s cookbook. Its comprehensive nature allows you the freedom and guidance to experiment with all types of foods. Topics range from buying and roasting a turkey, exploring and preparing legumes, grains, and vegetables and fruits to complete menu planning.
How to Cook Everything Vegetarian by Mark Bittman
This is a natural extension to Bittman’s book How to Cook Everything. This book is a basic how-to guide for cooking every fresh ingredient available in the supermarket, garden, or farmer’s market. With nutrition emphasis changing from animal to plant-based diets, Bittman provides a wide-variety of nutritional non-meat options in this resource.
Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone by Deborah Madison
This cookbook won 3 major cookbook awards the year it was published (1997). It is an excellent resource for any cook at any level who is interested in expanding their knowledge and skill set for embracing a plant-based diet. It offers recipes that dispel the myth that a plant-based diet is not flavorful. It focuses heavily on specific recipes and includes the basics and beyond for non-meat choices.
